CHICAGO – Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his nomination of former Chicago Bull BJ Armstrong to the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.  The Mayor also announced that the Park District is undertaking the Slam Dunk Project, which will renovate 100 outdoor basketball courts in 2012, the largest renovation of courts in its history.

Armstrong, a three-time NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls, played 11 years in the NBA for four different teams, served for five years in NBA management and as an analyst for ESPN before becoming Vice President, Basketball Management, for the Wasserman Media Group.

“With his passion for sports and experience as an executive, BJ Armstrong will make an excellent addition to the Park District Board of Commissioners,” said Mayor Emanuel.  “His guidance will be instrumental in helping to shape the future of the Chicago Park District and its 580 parks.”

“I am very excited to be nominated and for the opportunity to take an active role in improving our parks and providing children and families with a great place to stay fit,” said Armstrong.  “As you can imagine, I’m especially pleased to hear the Park District is renovating so many basketball courts at a time when many people are looking to our parks as an option for playing basketball.”

The top-to-bottom renovations will include resurfacing, sealing and striping the courts; installing new backboards and standards; and improving drainage.

Courts will be selected for renovation based on a variety of factors, including the condition of courts and stated community support.   These renovations are expected to be complete by August 2012.

Armstrong will take the seat recently vacated by Robert (Bob) Pickens, a former Chicago Bear and Park District Board Member since 2000.  

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