Portland Parks & Recreation Teams Up With Portland Trail Blazers and Nike to Revitalize Basketball Courts

Portland Parks & Recreation, the Portland Trail Blazers, and Nike announced the completion of McCoy Park’s basketball court in North Portland. This public/private partnership was originally conceived by the late former Parks Commissioner Nick Fish.

(Photo courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation)
The partners gathered for a celebration on Aug. 28, 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 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.”

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.

(Photo courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation)
(Photo courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation)
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 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.

The Portland Basketball Courts Revitalization Project is funded by $750,000 from Nike and $300,000 from the Portland Trail Blazers.