The NCAA joined its corporate and broadcast partners and representatives from the Detroit community earlier this week in refurbishing a Detroit park and ball field as part of the annual CBS/NCAA Corporate Champion and Corporate Partner Summit.

The 2009 Men’s Final Four will be in Detroit at Ford Field, and the annual summit assembles key representatives from event stakeholders in the host city. This was the first time a community-service project was incorporated into the event.

The University of Detroit Mercy will serve as the host institution for the championship. Detroit student-athletes, staff member and coaches helped with the park project as well, cleaning up trash, landscaping, painting and making needed repairs at Jayne Field/Lasky Park.

“The 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Detroit provides a unique opportunity for the NCAA and its corporate champions and partners to set a new standard surrounding NCAA championships,” said Greg Shaheen, NCAA senior vice president for basketball and business strategies. “One of our goals is to leave a positive and tangible footprint on our host communities, especially their youth.”