North Richmond News

The Times-Dispatch/Discover Richmond weblog has the scoop on a $100,000 gift from CarMax to renovate two public basketball courts at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center off of Chamberlayne Avenue, and kick off a new summer basketball league for area youth:

Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and CarMax CEO Tom Folliard announced a new partnership to give 330 children in Richmond the opportunity to play basketball this summer.

With more than $100,000 in support from CarMax, Inc. and the CarMax Foundation, the City has renovated two public basketball courts at its Pine Camp Arts and Community Center and will kick off a new summer youth basketball league with 33 teams, including four all-girl teams…

… The renovated courts include new surfaces, new goal posts and nets, and the addition of new bleachers and players’ benches. They are free and open for the public to use, except during the season Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. when the league and its teams of children ranging in age from 10 to 17 will use the courts…

… As part of the partnership, Tim Weathers, a graduate of the University of Richmond who played ball there, will serve as the league’s director. CarMax will provide jerseys for the children and equipment, and Richmond off-duty police officers will provide security. In addition to the recreation department teams, the league includes a Police Athletic League team, a team from the Richmond Outreach Center, and three teams organized by Weathers.