Westmont Illinois issued the following announcement on May 24.
On Sunday May 23, 2021, the Westmont Park District renamed Blackhawk Park to James M. Long Park. Long, who passed away in January, served the community as a Park District Commissioner for 39 years. Long, who served as the Park District President from 2017 to 2021, was recognized as the Westmont Citizen of the Year and the Illinois Association of Park Districts Mike Cassidy Outstanding Board Member in 2020.
“Blackhawk Park, which has three basketball courts, was the perfect location to dedicate as the new James M. Long Park,” said Park District Executive Director Bob Fleck. “Basketball was one of Jim’s passions as he was a former college basketball player. Also, Jim and his wife Kathy lived in this neighborhood for many years.”
Many family and friends were in attendance at the ceremony including Park District and Village of Westmont officials. Members of Jim’s family were presented with replicas of the new James M. Long Park signage as well as honorary street signs named in Jim’s honor. Mayor Ron Gunter also presented the family with a key to the Village.
Photos from the ceremony can be found on the village photo gallery.
Original source can be found here.
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