Articles

New Basketball Court in Harvey

On Thursday, September 7, 2023 Harvey Park District revealed the start of the new facelift at King Park(aka Cooper) located at 234 W. 150th St. Harvey, Illinois. With the help of the Chicago Sky Basketball Team, Horizon Therapeutics, Project Backboard and a group of childhood natives, who love their city, light was created in a dark town.

What started as an idea, a conversation, and #JustACoupleOfKidsFromHarvey including Melvin Bond (Local Businessman), Anthony Whaley (Sky Liaison), Floyd, Coleman (PD President), DrKisha E. McCaskill (PD Director), and Jermaine “Bubba” Maxey (The Artist) ultimately turned the basketball courts at King/Cooper into a tourist attraction for all. It’s a must see.

After months of planning along side, the sponsors and donors, the project slowed down to an almost screeching halt. It was frustrating to say the least. While the location and dynamics of the project continuously, changed, one aspect remained clear throughout “Harvey Park District was not going to allow this opportunity to pass this community by” we agreed. Then out of nowhere a phone call was received, everyone got into their Lane and began to move the project fast forward. Within eight days, two of which were in 95° plus temperatures, the project was completed.

The initial confirmation of the reveal occurred within 48 hours of; and the final confirmation was received the night before the reveal. Everyone was standing by on pins and needles, for days but it was worth it.

The reveal was nothing short of amazing. Even at the last minutes notice the community came out. Chicago Sky basketball players came out. Chicago Sky, and Horizon Therapeutics Executives came out. Park District Commissioners and staff came out. Most importantly, community members from all over and neighbors of the park came out.

Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill also surprised the entire group with a guest appearance from The Legend, 6-Peat Chicago Bulls Champion Craig Hodges. A welcome surprise for everyone, especially our younger park-goers that knew the name, but never made the connection.

With lots of photos, video, laughs, and hugs, just a couple of kids from Harvey impacted the world. You see our courts will be displayed in other cities and states as an example of what our sponsoring partners helped us to achieve.

The Legend Hodges and Chicago Sky’s Kahleah Copper blessed the court with a few moves and shots along with some very impressive, jumpers and layups from Cooper Court Legends (Harvey Kids) Elijah Jobba Maxey Jr., Deshon Baker, Floyd Coleman, and Felicia Powell Johnson. This day was an opportunity for the Harvey youth that frequent the courts to meet, play with, and be a part of the history that was created.

In the words of our most supportive Park District Commissioner Joyce Brown (also a Harvey Kid) “This is absolutely beautiful. I am so proud.” Those words and the smiles on the faces of everyone in attendance, especially our youth were priceless.

Harvey, Park District will be taking 50 residents to the Chicago Sky Basketball Game on Friday, September 8 at the Wintrust Arena.

So what’s next for the HPD? STAY TUNED. GET INVOLVED.

To learn more about the Artist Jermaine “Bubba” Maxey aka Rubie Chris contact his facility, Gumbo Art located at 369 E 147th St. Harvey, IL 60426 where he brings body and canvas art to life. To schedule an appointment call 708) 825-9731.

Five kids from Harvey

Dream Team

Artist Jermaine Maxey and the PB Team

HPD Commissioners and Director, Chicago Sky Star Player Kahleah Copper, and The Artist Jermaine Maxey. Hodges was supposed to be in the picture, but he couldn’t stop shooting.