NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON REFURBISHED BASKETBALL COURT AT OLINVILLE PLAYGROUND

NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa was joined by the Courts of Dreams Foundation, City Councilmember Kevin C. Riley, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Community Board 12, and community members to celebrate the renovation of the basketball court at Olinville Playground in the Bronx.

The project was done in collaboration with the Courts of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to refurbishing aging courts throughout New York City to create a sense of community through basketball.

"We're thrilled to complete the renovations on this popular neighborhood basketball court, as we continue to enhance the Bronx's vital recreation spaces," said NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "This project provides the community with a new, attractive, and accessible destination to enjoy basketball. We look forward to the community using the revitalized court for years to come, and we're grateful for the support of the Courts of Dreams Foundation and Councilmember Riley to make this project a reality."

Under the renovation, the court's backboard, rims, and posts were replaced and a new sports coating was completed. A new water fountain was also added.

The project was made possible by $76,360 in funding from the Courts of Dreams Foundation as well as $50,000 from the New York City Council.

The Courts of Dreams Foundation assisted through the NYC Parks Adopt-a Park program, which allows organizations to provide support for the renovation and beautification of parks, playgrounds, and other amenities. This initiative revitalizes playgrounds, resurfaces basketball and tennis courts, and transforms unused paved areas into vibrant green spaces to enhance community health and make New York City more livable.

For more information on Adopt-a-Park, visit the NYC Parks website.

"We are so grateful for our enduring partnership with NYC Parks and for the opportunity to collaborate with Council Member Kevin C. Riley on the restoration of this beautiful basketball court," said Danny Cornstein, Chairman of the Courts of Dreams Junior Advisory Board.  "I also want to thank Dr. Tom Kelly, Head of School at Horace Mann for his decades-long support of our mission to build dreams one court at a time for all New Yorkers."

"We are excited to see the renovations of the basketball court at Olinville Playground come to fruition. Collaborative efforts like these to upgrade our public spaces are vital to the quality of life for our community members, particularly our youth," said New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "This newly renovated court opens access to quality and safe recreational activities, fostering community engagement and providing a positive outlet for our young people. The completion of this initiative, alongside the upgrade of Shoelace Park, exemplifies the unified commitment to creating vibrant, safe, and inclusive spaces for all. We thank our partners, the Courts of Dreams Foundation and NYC Parks, for their unwavering support and look forward to continued collaboration in the future."