In September, San Antonio Spurs star LaMarcus Aldridge presented an idea — giving back to the community by building basketball courts in neighborhoods where children are in need.

On Friday, that wish became a reality when the team’s nonprofit arm, Spurs Give, and city officials said they will spend $1 million to improve and rehabilitate parks in all 10 council districts across San Antonio.

Spurs Give will contribute half of the total, while the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will provide the other half.

Aldridge, 34, a native Texan, threw in an additional $100,000 of his own money.

The idea was sparked by his reflections on his own childhood and how his life changed when someone built a basketball court in his neighborhood.

That fortunate occurrence ignited Aldridge’s love for the sport.

“He wanted to do the same. … He wanted to do something in the city of San Antonio with courts for kids in need,” said Jennifer Regnier, executive director of Spurs Give, formerly known as Silver & Black Give Back.

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Aldridge said the effort is important to him personally.

“I try to give back when I can,” he said. “This is something that is close to me, my situation and my heart. I just wanted to join in and try to help.”

The four-year initiative, called Play SA, will renovate and update certain parks, along with indoor and outdoor community basketball courts across the city.

The majority of improvements made during the first year will focus on basketball courts, Regnier said. A nature preserve is also among the sites that will benefit.

“Every district has a different need,” she said. “So we’re going to listen to what the need is.”

Renovations will be made in every council district until all the money is spent.

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One park selected for improvement is Woodard Park, on the East Side near North Walters Street and Runnels Avenue. Cracks are visible in its outdoor basketball court, which will be replaced.

The other parks are still being determined.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg called the Spurs’ gift to the city “a massive contribution,” noting the team is attuned to the community’s needs.

“We know one of the areas that we have some catching up to do is access to parks within walking distance,” the mayor said. “And that’s exactly what this gift will impact.”

Spurs Sports & Entertainment Chairman Peter J. Holt said the initiative — which will conclude by 2024 — is about community impact and positive influence.

“All families deserve a place that’s safe — to play and have fun and enjoy fellowship,” he said.

“I also hope that LaMarcus’ actions and the actions of the other leaders today help encourage the rest of the community to step up. There is a tremendous amount of need for our community.”

Peggy O’Hare reports on the census, demographics and occasionally crime and general assignments in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: @Peggy_OHare