Title
REQUEST TO OFFICIALLY NAME
THE HOARD PARK BASKETBALL COURTS
IN HONOR OF BRYAN A. LEACH
Body
To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that an order be entered authorizing the General Superintendent or his designee to officially name the Hoard Park Basketball Courts in honor of Bryan A. Leach.
II. Park Naming Information
Park or feature: Hoard Park Basketball Courts
Location: northwest corner of the park, at the intersection of 72nd Street and Dobson Avenue
Community Area: South Shore
Ward: 5
Proposed Name: Bryan A. Leach Basketball Courts
III. Park Naming Procedures
Pursuant to Chapter VII, Section E (1) of the Code of the Chicago Park District, this request to name Park #532 was forwarded to the Secretary of the Chicago Park District, who filed a copy of this request with the Committee on Programs and Recreation and initiated a notice period to solicit public input. Notices were posted in parks and sent to advisory councils located within a one-mile radius of the park site. Elected officials were also notified of the proposal, including the alderman of the ward in which the park is located.
The notice period of forty-five (45) days soliciting public input regarding the naming proposal was initiated on April 12, 2019. There has been positive support for this proposal from community members as well as-- Alderman--- Leslie Hairston. Staff recommends that the Board approve the request to name the basketballs courts at Hoard Park as the Bryan A. Leach Basketball Courts.
IV. Explanation
Bryan A. Leach was a Chicago native, growing up in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. He was a constant fixture on the basketball courts at Hoard Park. His love affair with the game of basketball followed him from his early days at Chicago Vocational and Simeon High Schools, through being recruited to play for Sioux Empire College in Iowa, through playing for South East College (Nebraska) and ultimately the University of Nebraska. During his playing career, he received much recognition and many accolades for his performance on the court.
He is perhaps better known for his high-scoring prowess on the local courts, earning him respect on the courts at IIT and as one of the playground legends in Chicago basketball lore. He was a leading player in the summer Pro-Am league games in the 1980s and 1990s, earning several MVP awards. He remained active in the community in many ways, including sponsoring youth basketball tournaments. He also worked to be a positive force in the community, coordinating block parties and festivals, and fostering a sense of fellowship with his neighbors.
Bryan is survived by his parents (who still live across from Hoard Park), his children, and many family members, friends, coaches, and teammates.