The New Orleans Hornets and BP partnered to refurbish the basketball court at Violet Park in St. Bernard Parish. From left: The Hornets mascot Hugo, Karl Connor, Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs for Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi for BP America Inc.; Iris Cross, General Manager for External Relations in Louisiana for the BP Gulf Coast Restoration Organization; Hornets guard Jarrett Jack, St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro, Hornets President Hugh Weber, Councilman Mike Ginart, Councilman Kenny Henderson and Recreation Director Melissia O’Neil.

The New Orleans Hornets are teaming up with BP to refurbish six basketball courts in South Louisiana, providing playgrounds for local communities to enjoy, including one at Violet Park in St. Bernard Parish. St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro, Jr., Hornets player Jarrett Jack, Hornets President Hugh Weber, BP Vice President of Resources Darryl Willis, Hugo, and other dignitaries attended a court dedication Friday, March 18 at Violet Park.

 “We are excited to be able to work with BP to refurbish these six basketball courts and allow our neighbors to experience a little bit of Hornets Basketball in their backyard,” said Hornets President Hugh Weber.

“Having a renovated court will help these communities come together to play, exercise and enjoy the great game of basketball. This is just one more way both organizations can contribute to the improvement of the areas in which we live, work and call home.”

 “We feel fortunate that the Hornets Foundation chose to use some of the BP allocation to assist the St. Bernard community,” St. Bernard Parish Craig Taffaro said.

“This is another example of the benefits of a productive partnership in the community. We were happy to work with Councilman Wayne Landry, Fred Everhardt and the entire council in making this a reality.”

 The six court refurbishments will take place in Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Lafourche, Terrebonne and Orleans Parishes throughout the first couple weeks of March. Each court will feature glass backboards, brand new rims and will be painted to replicate the Hornets court at the New Orleans Arena with the BP logo placed on both sidelines.