September 23, 2002
For Immediate Release

Congressman Kirk Joins Chicago Bulls Owner Jerry Reinsdorf to Announce Basketball Court Renovation Project in North Chicago
Kirk: The deaths of two North Chicago youths earlier this year inspired this project

North Chicago, IL – U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) joined leaders from the North Chicago community in welcoming Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf to announce plans for the renovation of two basketball courts in Foss Park. Also present were the families of Jarreau Patterson and David Mackins, two North Chicago teenagers killed June 26 by two Zion teens.

"The North Chicago community suffered a great loss earlier this year," said Congressman Kirk. "The unfortunate and unnecessary deaths of Jarreau Patterson and David Mackins focused my attention on finding a way to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again. I heard a common message as I met with community leaders. They told me there was a lack of recreation and extracurricular activities available to our youth. Then someone mentioned basketball. Well, in Chicago, there's only one name in basketball and one organization whose community outreach and service is second to none. When I raised the idea of providing a basketball facility as a way to deter violence in our North Chicago community with Jerry Reinsdorf, he immediately understood the need and the Chicago Bulls organization committed to help us meet our goal. We are grateful for your support and are honored to have you here today as we unveil this exciting program to benefit our young people."

Jerry Reinsdorf unveiled plans for the project, which includes resurfacing two existing basketball courts on park district grounds, fencing in the area, installing outdoor lighting and adding bleacher seating. The dimensions of the two courts will also be altered to provide on NBA regulation court featuring floor lines and insignia like that found on the Bulls playing floor at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls will finance the project and oversee its completion expected this spring.

Congressman Kirk credited pastor John Caples, Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan, Sadiqa Queen, who administers the Daisy Resource and Development Center's YouthBuild program, and Jim Spriggs, director of Foss Park District with helping to make this project a reality.

"Following the deaths of Jarreau and David, I looked to our community leaders for guidance and suggestions on how to stop the violence," said Congressman Kirk. "I am grateful for their commitment and insight and also for all they do to support young people and their families. Their ideas about a basketball court, open at night, supervised and secure from violence, led me to seek Jerry's help."

Congressman Kirk and Jerry Reinsdorf were also joined for today's announcement by Bill Cartwright, Bulls head coach, John Paxson, Bulls radio broadcaster and two Bulls players, Tyson Chandler and Dalibor Bagaric. Following the ceremony, members of the North Chicago High School basketball team, who recently lost their school basketball court to a fire, joined the Bulls players to shoot baskets.

"The renovation of these basketball courts comes just in time," said Kirk. "Last month the basketball court and gym at North Chicago High School burned down. To honor Jarreau and David, thanks to the Chicago Bulls, by this spring the young men and women here today will have a refurbished, regulation basketball court on which to play."

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