TAKOMA PARK, MD—Thursday, September 22, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved a donation agreement to enhance Takoma Piney Branch Local Park located at 2 Darwin Avenue in Takoma Park.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Steve Francis for his donation,” said Kate Stookey, Chief, Public Affairs & Community Partnerships Division with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Montgomery Parks. “In these tight economic times, generous contributions like his make a tremendous difference.”
Steve Francis, a former NBA All-Star and long-time resident of Takoma Park, offered to donate $70,000 to Montgomery Parks to improve the basketball court and create an endowment to cover future maintenance costs at Takoma Piney Branch Local Park. Improvements will add six new basketball goals, enabling half-court play, and a color-coated surface. Francis approached the parks department in July 2009 with this donation because of his ties to the Takoma Park community and the park.
A total renovation of Takoma Piney Branch Local Park is underway and currently funded in the Parks’ Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Plans for the 17.4 acre park include: maintaining the existing ball fields; replacing existing basketball courts and playground; adding a playground next to the Piney Branch Elementary School, which is adjacent to the park; converting two tennis courts to a skateboard park; providing a loop path; natural surface trails and pedestrian connections; improving an
entrance plaza and parking lot at Darwin Avenue; providing accessible parking and maintenance access at Grant Avenue; constructing a new picnic pavilion; and enhancing wetland areas.
The agreement approved Thursday by the Planning Board creates an endowment to support maintenance of Takoma Piney Branch Local Park. The full gift amount will be directed to the Montgomery Parks Foundation.
“The revitalized Montgomery Parks Foundation is delighted to receive its first major gift from the Steve Francis Foundation,” said Montgomery Parks Foundation Executive Director Debbie Rankin. “Contributions such as this are now critical to maintaining and supporting the award-winning Montgomery Parks system at the level we’ve all come to expect.”
To recognize Francis’ donation, Montgomery Parks will dedicate the upgraded basketball court to Tony Langley, Steve Francis’ former coach and long-time president of the Takoma Park Boys and Girls Club; dedicate the new picnic pavilion to Mrs. Brenda Wilson Bryant, Steve Francis’ deceased mother; and paint Steve Francis’ signature on the court surface between the half court and three point lines.
To make a donation to Montgomery Parks, visit www.MontgomeryParksFoundation.org.
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866