Portland Parks & Recreation, the Portland Trail Blazers, and Nike are proud to announce the revitalization of McCoy Park’s basketball court in North Portland. This public/private partnership was originally conceived by the late former Parks Commissioner Nick Fish.
The partners gathered for a celebration this past Sunday (August 28, 2022) to celebrate the renewed basketball court and the return of the school year. The recently completed effort is part of the larger Portland Basketball Courts Revitalization Project between the organizations and Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R). The endeavor has and continues to refresh and improve numerous courts throughout the Portland area. The project supports various PP&R programs in Portland including the bureau’s Goldenball Youth Basketball, celebrating its 85th season in 2022.
“Portland is at its best when we bring public and private groups together,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio. “Thriving spaces like these courts make our neighborhoods stronger, safer communities. Thank you to the Portland Trail Blazers and Nike for your assist in this crucial work.”
The collaboration between the partners continues, with work to revitalize the outdoor basketball court at North Portland’s Dawson Park beginning this week and expected to be complete by late September. Details are available at portland.gov/parks/dawson-park. Basketball courts that have been updated so far include Parklane, Argay, Trenton, McKenna, Harney, King School Park and Raymond Park. The Trail Blazers, Nike and PP&R are exploring the possibility of revamping other courts as well.
Nike and the Trail Blazers joined neighbors and Portland Parks & Recreation representatives for a joyous back-to-school celebration in the park, including games on McCoy Park’s court along with a basketball skills challenge led by Trail Blazers staff. The party, rich in smiles and laughter, also featured music, games, giveaways and special visits from Trail Blazers players Anfernee Simons, Gary Payton II, Keon Johnson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jabari Walker - plus Blaze the Trail Cat.
"We are proud to partner with our friends at Nike and Portland Parks & Recreation to help revitalize numerous courts throughout Portland and thrilled to celebrate the program this past weekend with the McCoy Park community," said Ashley Clinkscale, EVP & Chief Communications & Impact Officer, Portland Trail Blazers & Rose Quarter. "These courts provide opportunities for children and families to live, learn and play within their own neighborhoods. We have focused our resources in disadvantaged communities that need us the most, realizing that we can have an impact on many lives and communities. "
“Celebrating the newly revitalized basketball court at McCoy Park on Sunday was pure joy,” said Caitlin Morris, Vice President of Social & Community Impact for Nike. “The smiles of the kids at the court reflect our belief that all kids are made to play – and our communities are better for it when they do. Together, with our long-time partners Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Trail Blazers, we’re thrilled to continue our legacy of expanding access to sport for the next generation through Portland’s vibrant outdoor basketball courts and spreading even more love for the game.”
The Portland Basketball Courts Revitalization Project is funded by $750,000 from Nike and $300,000 from the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s also a continuation of Nike’s 2002 commitment to the Portland Parks Foundation to resurface outdoor basketball courts.
“Beautiful courts like the at McCoy Park make basketball available for so many Portland neighborhoods,” says PP&R Director Adena Long. “This partnership benefits players of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to move forward to our next project – at Dawson Park – together.”
Original source can be found here.
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