Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Indy Parks, and the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis today unveiled the refurbishments at the outdoor basketball court at Brookside Park on the city’s near eastside, highlighted by a vibrant mural painted on the main court capturing the vibrancy and energy of surrounding neighborhoods.
The mural, created by PS&E Art Director Joel Dale and executed by Indiana artist Carl Leck, represents a partnership between the three organizations to upgrade the courts used by more than 30,000 children and adults each year. The project is part of the NBA Cares program celebrating the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season with the goal of creating Live, Learn, and Play Centers in NBA markets across the country. Moreover, it reflects PS&E’s commitment to Intentional Generosity In Intentional Geography, an effort the company launched in 2020 to redirect resources into Indianapolis’ most vulnerable zip codes.
“So many of the important lessons our kids learn are learned right here on the basketball court, and we know there is no more important and lasting investment we make than to give the children of this neighborhood a safe and exciting place to play and grow,” said Rick Fuson, PS&E Chief Executive Officer.
“We are so grateful to the City of Indianapolis and the NBA for working with us on this important project, and we look forward to seeing this court come alive with local children and residents for years to come.”
The court mural was designed to reflect the intersection of basketball and culture that has helped shape the character of Indianapolis neighborhoods for decades. It takes the standard brand elements of the Pacers and Fever and elevates them, turning up the dial on the colors to capture the energy and pride shared by the city’s residents. The goal is to evoke the feeling people across Indianapolis, young and old, get when playing our game.
“Few things unite Indianapolis residents quite like the game of basketball,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Thanks to partnership between Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Indy Parks, countless current and future residents will be able to enjoy this enhanced court at Brookside Park. This project not only marks our continued mission of improving City facilities, but also highlights the Pacers’ commitment to the Indianapolis community, unifies the sports and cultural scenes across our city, and increases the pride and passion of neighbors.”
This is the second investment PS&E has made at Brookside Park in the past 5 years. In 2018, the Pacers Foundation and Indianapolis Power & Light (AES) refurbished the indoor court at the Brookside Community Center at the park. This was the first indoor gymnasium renovation in a broader effort to renovate community courts across the city, a push that began in 2013.
“Knowing that parks are special places for so many children and their families, we are thrilled to continue our work with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to invest in our city’s parks and park spaces,” said Phyllis Boyd, Indy Parks Director.
“Together, we will continue to explore opportunities to enhance these spaces while connecting the people we serve to programs, outdoor activities, and engaging experiences.”
"The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis is committed to connecting resources to needs on behalf of Indy's parks and public spaces for the people who use them," said Lori Hazlett, President & CEO of The Parks Alliance. "Since 2013, our team has been proud to partner with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to align their community initiatives with opportunities that invest in one of Indy Parks most utilized amenities - basketball courts. Today we celebrate nearly 10 years of this partnership that has resulted in 19 new courts in 13 Indy Parks."
About Pacers Sports & Entertainment:
Pacers Sports & Entertainment is an integrated sports and entertainment company including the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Pacers Gaming, Pacers Foundation, Inc., and operations of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Its team of inspired and dedicated employees has a shared purpose of winning through a commitment to excellence, serving the local community and entertaining fans and guests.
About Indy Parks and Recreation:
With over a century of history advancing the value of parks and welcoming all residents and visitors, Indy Parks connects communities by providing places and experiences that inspire healthy living, social engagement, and a love of nature. Annually, the parks department serves 8 million people and offers 213 parks, 11,258 acres of greenspace, 153 miles of trails, 131 playgrounds, 19 aquatic centers, 155 sports fields, more than 2,000 programs, and so much more.
About the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis:
The Parks Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and proud partner of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. For more than 30 years, The Parks Alliance has worked alongside Indy Parks & Recreation to identify needs and opportunities to develop and maintain Indy’s parks, trails, greenways, and public spaces. Since 1991, The Park Alliance has secured and administered nearly $100 million on behalf of Indy Parks and the people that use them. The Parks Alliance board and staff have established a strong track record of stewarding philanthropy to demonstrate its critical value in making Indy a great place to live, work, play, and visit.