Since December of 2008, Hornets Guard Chris Paul has been carrying out his steadfast commitment to rebuild safe communities in the city of New Orleans by refurbishing four public basketball courts that honor the teams he has led throughout his basketball career.

On Saturday, Feb. 20th at A.L. Davis Playground in the Harmony Oaks neighborhood of New Orleans, Chris Paul unveiled his final installment which features two basketball courts that replicate both the New Orleans Hornets home court and the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend court at the New Orleans Arena.

“It’s a blessing for my family to be in a position where we can give back to the young people in New Orleans,” said Paul. “Playing basketball can teach life lessons and be an outlet for young kids to express themselves, and I hope that through these playgrounds and fitness activities, we can provide a safe place for our neighbors to play and lead healthy lives.”

At the ribbon-cutting, Paul was joined by Hornets Executive Vice President of Basketball Chad Shinn, Interim Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department Keith J. Wright and representatives from Urban Strategies and the Harmony Oaks Neighborhood Association. The court dedication included interactive activities for neighborhood families including a basketball clinic on the new courts, inflatable games and the Ochsner and Elmwood Mobile Fitness Unit.

In addition to presenting his restoration of the A.L. Davis Playground, Paul also presented check donations to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of New Orleans, STAIR (Start the Adventure in Reading) and the Fore! Kids Foundation.

The first court refurbishment project was completed at Clay Playground in New Orleans on December 20th, 2008 during the Hornets’ Season of Giving. The Clay Playground court was a replica of the court that Chris played on at high school alma mater of West Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, NC.

The second court renovation was unveiled at Hardin Playground on July 26th, 2009. Hardin Playground featured a replica of the court that Chris played on during his college years at Wake Forest University.

“Chris is a leader in the locker room and in the community, and his work on and off the court has impacted the people of New Orleans,” said Hornets President Hugh Weber. “His efforts to rebuild and refurbish local basketball courts provide neighbors with a safe place to learn the game of basketball and also participate in activities that promote fitness and healthy habits. His refurbished playgrounds not only help him interact directly with the local residents, but it also connects the residents with their neighborhood and gives them something they can be proud of.”

For more information on Chris Paul’s charitable efforts visit: http://chrispaul3.com/cp3.html