The former University of Maryland basketball All-American and NBA All-Star has donated $70,000 toward the renovation of the Takoma Piney Branch Local Park in Francis’ hometown of Takoma Park. Plans for the 17.4-acre park on Darwin Avenue include rehabbing existing ballfields; replacing the basketball courts and playground; converting two tennis courts into a skateboard park; and building a new picnic pavilion. Francis’ donation is earmarked for improvements to the basketball court and to cover future maintenance costs at the park.