DALLAS - To celebrate and dedicate the first of fourteen city of Dallas basketball courts receiving a new look, Dallas Maverick Michael Finley, spokesperson for Sprite, taught children from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department’s after-school program the importance of the backboard in the game of basketball at Pike Park’s newly updated court. This is the second year that Sprite and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas have donated backboards and striping to Dallas parks.
In addition to Pike Park, additional parks that will receive backboards and striping this year are Eloise Lundy, Walnut Hill, Crawford, J.C. Phelps, Grauwyler, Mildred Dunn, Cottonwood, Willie Mae Butler, Westmoreland, Glencoe, Hamilton, Joe P. Hawn and Lake Cliff. These courts were chosen to receive the updates because of their condition, and based on their location and accessibility to as many city residents as possible.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community by providing new equipment for ten basketball courts and look forward to residents enjoying these updated facilities,” says Rick Gillis, division vice president and general manager of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas.

This is the second phase of donations of backboards and striping to the City of Dallas, which brings the total to twenty-four upgraded basketball courts in the Dallas area. Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas is aware of the community’s needs and is pleased to have the opportunity to enhance and upgrade the park facilities.

“We are pleased that Sprite and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas are supporting Dallas’ parks. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department understands how important it is to have corporate partners that allow us to enhance facilities throughout the community,” says Paul D. Dyer, Dallas Park and Recreation Department director.

As Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas celebrates its 100th year in Dallas, they also celebrate 100 years of being a corporate citizen and bringing resources to the city. The ongoing partnership between Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department represents Coca-Cola’s continued commitment to the community and to the city of Dallas.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas, distributors of Sprite and other preferred brands, is committed to the community and proud to be a part of improving the city parks in Dallas for local youth and all citizens to enjoy.