Shortly after taking office, President Obama modified the White House Tennis Court so that it could accommodate full-court basketball games. An avid basketball fan, the president played on the court often. 

When the Harlem Globetrotters were invited to the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll, they hit the court. The Globetrotters challenged children at the event—and the president—to do a push-up for every basket they scored, in a game called “Shoot for Strength.” President Obama joined in the push-ups until he was “all pushed-up-out.”

The South Lawn is used for state arrival ceremonies, the White House Easter Egg Roll, concerts, and other events. The South Lawn is part of the White House Grounds, which include several decorative and functional gardens, a tennis court, putting green, and swimming pool. Because the White House Grounds are a national park, the National Park Service oversees their care, maintenance, and improvement.