- Credibility:
SOUTH LOOP — One of the most famous basketball courts in the city is getting a facelift, courtesy of the Chicago Park District.
Work is underway to revamp the basketball court at Margaret Hie Ding Lin Park, 1735 S. State. St., including a new half court, bleachers, benches, lighting and a drinking fountain. Landscaping and improvements to make the park more accessible are also in the works.
The project will cost $500,000 and should be completed by next spring.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Aug. 30 at the park, where Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) was joined by officials from the park district and DePaul University.
The university will serve as park stewards, adding the location to its community cleanups. Renovations will also allow DePaul to provide more basketball programming for the community, Dowell said.
“Lin Park has been an indispensable resource in the South Loop neighborhood for many years,” she said. “It was time for a facelift; and I am happy to join the Chicago Park District, DePaul University and members of the South Loop and Chinatown neighborhood in working together to bring Lin Park into the 21st century.”
The park, named for one of the city’s first Chinese physicians, has served as a gritty backdrop for a number of commercials featuring ballers like Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose.
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