Residents living in the Point Breeze section of Philadelphia hope a new basketball court will help to combat crime and create a safe place for kids to play.
Organizers want to build the court at Ralph Brooks Park located at 20th and Tasker Street where surrounding neighborhoods have increased in violent crimes, according to Jahmall Crandall.
"In 26 years, the grounds that you see here have always been in disarray,” said Crandall.
Crandall hatched the idea based off Harlem's Rucker Park, home to an annual all-pro summer basketball league. The league started in the 70’s and soared to stardom attracting the best and those who wanted to become better. His concept would also remake the blocks surrounding Ralph Brooks Park, with a new farm box and improved housing and playground areas.
The group has already raised $240,000 towards the project set to be named Rucker-Philly. Another $70,000 is needed.
“This is going to be a facility where people that are coming from out of town will want and come and visit,” said Tali Mazzola, Director of Urban Roots Marketing.
Groundbreaking could begin in the fall of 2013.
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