L.A. County Parks
Russell Westbrook opens new basketball courts at the park where he learned to play; LA Clippers Foundation has completed or committed to renovating 500 public basketball courts across Southern California
Los Angeles, CA – This afternoon, the LA Clippers Foundation and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation celebrated the opening of newly- renovated Clippers Community Courts at Jesse Owens Park in South L.A. The Clippers have committed to updating all public basketball courts at L.A. County Parks, bringing the total number of Clippers Community Courts across Southern California to almost 500.
LA Clippers Guard Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker, Los Angeles County Supervisor, 2nd District Holly Mitchell, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Norma Edith García González, and President of the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation Joe Mendoza were on hand to celebrate.
Westbrook grew up playing youth basketball and football at Jesse Owens Park, and earlier in the day he and his Why Not? Foundation hosted their 12th annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway there, distributing 1,000 meals to families in need.
“Basketball courts mean more in L.A.,” explained Zucker. “Back in 2018, we were asked to refurbish a number of courts throughout the city. It was a small request, but our Chairman Steve Ballmer doesn’t do anything small. It’s not how he thinks. It’s not how we think. We are here today, celebrating 500 courts, with 117 in L.A. County, and proudly watching communities bring them to life.”
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation will have 117 renovated basketball courts at 60 locations by the spring of 2025, thanks to a gift to the
L.A. County Parks Foundation by the L.A. Clippers. L.A. County Parks courts host 57 Jr. Clippers youth basketball league locations, as well as everything from volleyball and dance to community events and other programming.
“When we partner with organizations like the Clippers, we are able to impact a wider range of residents who rely on our public park system. The Community Courts Program will provide healthy and positive outlets for afterschool activities and contribute to the wellness of L.A. County’s Second District communities, from Carson, to Compton, to Baldwin Hills,” said Mitchell. “We appreciate the Clippers’ partnership and their support of our youth and families.”
With nearly 500 courts across Southern California:*
- More than 3.2 million people, representing one-third of L.A. County’s total population, reside within a one-mile walk of a Clippers Community Court.
- Seventy-five percent of Clippers Community Courts are within a half-mile walk of a bus stop, and 83% are within a mile.
- Eighty-two percent of Clippers Community Courts are situated in areas highlighted by the L.A. County Park Needs Assessment as in need of park development.
- More than 1,000 schools are within a one-mile walk of a Clippers Community Court, and 60% of L.A.’s schools are within two miles.
“The Clippers Community Courts program highlights the power of partnerships between charitable organizations and our County departments. The results of these partnerships not only manifest in physical results that you can tangibly see, but long- term results, changing the lives of the young people who play and gather here,” said Mendoza.
“I want to extend our deepest appreciation to the Clippers for this unprecedented and meaningful contribution,” said García-González. “The Clippers organization lifts communities, and is giving back to youth and families in ways that will impact them for generations to come. I am proud to partner with the Clippers on this transformative investment.”
Photos and videos from the press conference, as well as from Westbrook’s Thanksgiving Food Distribution Event, will be available HERE.
*Data sourced through:
- County of Los Angeles, Department of Regional Planning (Population, Parks, Schools)
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, Metro Los Angeles
About the LA Clippers
Led by Chairman Steve Ballmer, the LA Clippers have posted 12 consecutive winning seasons, the longest active streak in the NBA. The Clippers are committed to the City of Los Angeles, and through the LA Clippers Foundation, provide resources and opportunities that help level the playing field for youth in Southern California. Visit the Clippers online at www.clippers.com or follow them on social media @LAClippers.
About the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation
The Los Angeles County Parks Foundation (LACPF) is a community benefit, independent
501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation to support its parks and programs that serve vulnerable and high need communities. The LACPF is committed to creating equitable access to parks and programs for all County residents and is helping to fill the County’s parks and recreation funding gap. LACPF is raising funding to support access and affordability for high need communities through scholarships to sports, summer camps, and after-school programs offered by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, please visit the LACPF link: Los Angeles County Parks Foundation (lacpf.org).
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