Grant Hill, FILA Partner for Basketball Court Refurbishment Program

Three basketball courts revitalized

Basketball legend Grant Hill and the president of sporting goods company FILA North America, Jennifer Estabrook, teamed up with The Durham Parks Foundation, Durham Parks and Recreation and Durham City Council Member Charlie Reece in April to unveil three refurbished basketball courts at Hillside Park in Durham. Hill, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and former Duke University basketball great, along with FILA, helped transform and revitalize the park by combining sport and art. The refurbishment has improved the quality of three basketball courts, provided new backboards, and renewed fencing and landscaping around the park, which has long played an important role in Durham’s history.

During a special ceremony at Hillside Park, kids from the community were on hand to inaugurate the colorful courts and meet the NBA legend. 

“The City of Durham has played a vital role in my life and it is truly special to launch this program here and give back to a community that has meant so much to me,” Hill says. “I have always been passionate about setting the right example and motivating youth. I have so many fond memories from my time at Duke, and I am thankful to the City of Durham and FILA for the opportunity to offer these kids a place to grow, excel, stay active and enjoy the game.”

Photo courtesy of FILA 

Hillside Park is located near the W.D. Hill Recreation Center, the site of the historic Algonquin Tennis Club, which will soon be recognized with a North Carolina historic marker. The Algonquin Tennis Club served as the childhood training site of tennis superstar Arthur Ashe. Learn more at fila.com.