Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Park and Larry Fitzgerald, Jr

They say it's better to give than receive. In the case of Larry Fitzgerald, Jr, it's at least a toss-up. The Minneapolis native made his mark receiving passes for the Arizona Cardinals. But it's not all receiving for Fitzgerald, whose recent donation brought a fresh new surface to the basketball court, along with backboards, hoops, and nets to Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Park. A July 6 event to celebrate the improvements drew over 200 youth and adults. Fitzgerald was on hand to play basketball with kids at the park. Coach Ceryl Reeve, and players Rebekka Brunson and Monica Wright of the Minnesota Lynx were also present for the festivities.

Fitzgerald grew up playing basketball and football at King Park. Every year he has returned to King Park to play ball and participate in community events. While he has distinguished himself as a football player, he loves basketball. Fitzgerald has made donations to King Park before, but he wanted to do a little more this year. He said, "King Park never shortchanged me, and I don't want to shortchange it. Public parks are such an important resource for all of us, but especially for kids. I grew up in the Minneapolis parks. Minneapolis is fortunate to have an extensive park system available to all kids regardless of means. I still love going to King Park to play ball and visit with people from the neighborhood. It still feels like home."

Larry's father, local sportswriter Larry Fitzgerald, Sr, who also joined the celebration, noted that the first football team Larry ever joined was the youth team at King Park.

"We are deeply thankful for the generous donation from Mr. Fitzgerald," said Sixth Park District Commissioner Brad Bourn. "It was an honor to meet him and witness the positive impact his contribution has on youth at King Park.

Attached photo of Fitzgerald shooting hoops with neighborhood kids at King Park taken by Terry Gydesen

• Larry+tosses.JPG