Kings Unveil Playground, Learning Center at John Adams Academy

players and organization members unveiled a new playground and learning center at on Thursday.

On behalf of the El Dorado Hills Town Center, volunteers from Maloof Sports and Entertainment assisted in the construction of the playground, featuring the logos of the Kings and the Roseville charter school, and a Kings Reading and Learning Center.

The finished playground includes a new basketball hoop and backboard in addition to upgraded recess equipment assembled by the volunteers. JAA students weren't able to enjoy it much Thursday with ongoing rain but will no doubt take advantage when the storm passes.

A Kings Reading and Learning Center complete with new desks, chairs, computers, history-themed decorations and special Kings adornments was also be unveiled.

"We're so excited to have the Kings here in the community and to be able to partner with them so that our students will have these great facilities," said Eli Johnson, the academy's principal.

Opened on Sept. 6, enrolled in its inaugural school year.

Kings players Chuck Hayes and Marcus Thornton, Slamson the lion mascot and members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team met with JAA students on Thursday.

"It feels good to be around the kids; they lighten up your day," said Hayes. "I'm happy the Kings partnered with John Adams Academy."

Thornton said it's part of the Kings' community outreach to give back.

"It's great to come and show the kids we care about them... and stress the message of staying in school," Thornton said.

Thursday's Roseville appearance was one of the first community events the Kings have had since a Sacramento City Council vote to keep going forward on plans for a to keep the team in Sacramento and players say they've felt the love from the fans.

"It means a lot that the Kings are here to stay and, with a new arena to be built, it's a positive future for the Kings organization," said Hayes, a graduate of Modesto Christian High School.

Thornton said he and his teammates sense the fans' passion on and off the court at Power Balance Pavilion and around the region.

"As the season ended, you could see the look on the fans' faces when they thought we were leaving and it was bad to see," he said. "To know a new arena is coming is great; the fans are great to us."

The players also said they too are fans of the NCAA basketball tournament, which began Thursday. Hayes attended Kentucky, which is a favorite.

"We're the most talented team and as good as any other in college basketball," he said. "But it's so unpredictable and that's why people watch."

Thornton went to Louisiana State, which didn't make it in this year.

"I'm picking FSU (Florida State) because they play hard and are sound defensively," he said. "I'm picking a sleeper."