Pistons, Gores Pledge $600k To Revive Detroit Recreation Center
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — The Detroit Pistons are helping support a former city of Detroit recreation center that's being revived with help from Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and best-selling author Mitch Albom.
The S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center is on the city's east side and includes athletic facilities, a digital learning center, a tutoring program and a music recording studio.
Pistons owner Tom Gores on Monday announced a $600,000 pledge over six years on Monday. The basketball court will be renovated and renamed "Detroit Pistons Court."
Detroit mayor Mike Duggan, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Pistons legend and former Detroit mayor Dave Bing were all on hand for Monday's announcement.
"We want to connect with every leader in Detroit and find ways to move the needle for the city," Gores said. "I think we'd like to do it a little faster than maybe it has been done in the last few years. We're really ready to put it on supercharge."
Silver said the ultimate goal of the center is not to produce more NBA players, but to "create more Tom Gores."
Stafford, Albom and city officials last year announced plans to update the Lipke Recreation Center, which earlier closed in due to budget cuts. Albom is a Detroit Free Press columnist. His S.A.Y. Detroit foundation is running programs at the center and overseeing improvements to the facility.
"We need more places in Detroit where kids can learn and play in a safe environment," Gores said. "Sports and academics go hand in hand, helping young people grow and develop life skills that they'll need for years to come. Working with S.A.Y. Detroit to renovate the gym at Lipke Park and help fund the academic programs will make a lasting impact that benefits the whole community."
The center offers top-flight athletic facilities and access to professional athletes, but only if participants (students aged 8 to 18) maintain a 3.0 grade point average and stellar school attendance -- fewer than three absences per semester.
"Rec centers all around Detroit have closed and this gives a safe haven for kids to come play," former Pistons "Bad Boy" Rick Mahorn said Monday. "It kept me out of trouble when I was a kid. This is just really great for kids who want to be aspiring athletes, but the academic part as well."
Pistons center Andre Drummond will serve as player liaison to S.A.Y. Detroit, connecting with youth through selected appearances geared toward athletics and academics.
"We are so thankful for S.A.Y. Detroit and the Pistons' investment in the city," Duggan said. "It's great to offer Detroit's children a place for athletics, but it's even better to see that this emphasis placed on academics, as well."
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