For the first time in Forest Park’s 146-year history, basketball courts are open to the public.
Cheers to the continued improvement over the past when basketball became an outdoor activity demonized by racists.
Progress comes, albeit slowly in my lifetime as a St. Louisan.
That said, I’m thrilled to see basketball courts being newly constructed, and in some cases, rebuilt all over the city.
So, it was time to visit the new courts in Forest Park.
First, the location is perfect in my opinion. The courts were built just north of the handball and racquetball courts, right by the Visitor Center.
The proximity to the Visitor Center allows those who may not have a ball to provide an ID and borrow a ball from the Visitor Center free of charge.
The courts were dedicated to Nicholas J. Booker, a nearby resident who loved basketball.
From Forest Park Forever:
“The courts will be named in memory of Nicholas J. Booker, a St. Louis youth who was a beloved basketball enthusiast with a personal connection to Forest Park. As a teenager, Nick Booker gained an appreciation for Forest Park while working summers with the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. Tragically, Nick died in 2018 during his first year of college at Fordham University after suffering a severe asthma attack while playing pickup basketball. Now, Forest Park will include one of Nick’s and so many St. Louisans’ favorite sports for all to enjoy for generations to come.
Nick Booker’s grandfather, Andy Newman, is trustee of the foundation which made the lead gift for the courts in Nick’s name; Andy’s mother was Evelyn Newman, the philanthropist who served as the first executive director of Forest Park Forever. ”
There is a beautiful sign commemorating Mr. Booker and outlining the rules of the courts.
The size of the courts is perfect. With two full courts and two half courts jutting out on the sides. It feels not too big, not too small. Want to play by yourself? Choose one of the side half courts. Want to get a full game or break up the full courts into half court play, it allows flexibility.
The main courts are divided by a wide swath of hard surface that are separated with picnic tables to rent or watch the play.
The colors are bright and inviting.
The pavilion provides shade, as does an older tree. The handsome space is flanked by a stone retaining wall that can double as a spot for extra seating.
There are water fountains with the reusable bottle refill option. Trash cans are available to do the right thing and keep the space dignified.
The landscape surrounding the courts might be my favorite element of the design. There is turf grass immediately surrounding the courts, with future no-mow planted spaces to keep the soil healthy, provide spaces for wildlife and make it pretty. You can see the landscape gradients in the following pics below that show future no-mow spots.
Arriving to the courts on a bike or scooter? No problem, lock it up on the racks right by the racquetball courts immediately adjacent to the b-ball space.
I am thrilled the courts are not surrounded by hurricane fence. That vibe seems unnecessary since the courts do not abut a street. The Tower Grove Park courts are built with equal care and openness to the rest of the park.
Another welcomed addition to the crowned jewel of our St. Louis parks system.
My sons tried it out for the first time this week and mentioned how diverse the crowd was: age, race and gender. My photos reflected the same experience.
I would love to see organized tournaments and such. The days of basketball getting a bad rap appear to be over, or at least quickly subsiding.
Nice work all!
Banner photo credit - Forest Park Forever
