Memorial Hermann Health System, in partnership with the Houston Rockets and the city of Houston, unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court and pavilion at Moses Leroy Park in south central Houston today. This is the third time all three have joined forces to fix up basketball courts in low-income neighborhoods.
The refurbishment of the basketball court, and others in Moody Park and Highland Park, is an extension of Memorial Hermann’s mission to improve the health and well-being of all Houstonians, and part of the system’s vision to create healthier communities, now and for generations to come.
To advance this vision, Memorial Hermann’s Community Benefit Corporation (CBC) works closely with other health care providers, government agencies, business leaders and community stakeholders, like the Houston Rockets and the city of Houston, on initiatives designed to improve the overall quality of life in our communities. The CBC’s work helps address underlying barriers to health and well-being. The refurbishment of the court is an exciting part of that work.
The CBC was founded upon four pillars—one being “Exercise is Medicine”—which builds upon the belief that individuals can help manage their own health and wellness through increased physical activity. In addition to combating chronic diseases and health complications, regular exercise also leads to increased emotional wellbeing; people who get out in fresh air and green space and who exercise typically have less anxiety and depression.
“We believe that when families have access to safe parks with strong infrastructure and programming, they have the chance to be a part of an engaged, active, healthy and thriving community,” said Teal Holden, senior vice president, ambulatory services and post-acute care for Memorial Hermann. “We have listened to the people in these communities, and they want to exercise but don’t feel like they always have a safe place to do it. The work we are doing with the Rockets and the city of Houston at Moses Leroy Park is a perfect example of all of us working together for the good of the community.”
“Our hope is that this newly refurbished basketball court will be a place where residents of this neighborhood can exercise, play basketball and interact with each other,” Holden said. “All of which ultimately leads to better health.”
