The Courts of Dreams Foundation broke ground on the restoration of an outdoor basketball court at Olinville Playground at Shoelace Park in the Bronx. This project would not be possible without our partnership with NYC Council Member Kevin C. Riley, NYC Bronx Parks Commissioner Jessenia Aponte and the NYC Parks Department.
NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte was joined by the Courts of Dreams Foundation, elected officials, and community members on October 10 to break ground on the renovation of the basketball court at Shoelace Park in the Bronx.
The project will be 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 break ground on renovations to this popular basketball court, as we continue to enhance the Bronx’s vital recreation spaces,” said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. “We look forward to the community using the revitalized court for years to come, and we’re grateful for the support of Courts of Dreams Foundation and Council Member Riley to make this project a reality.”
The project has been made possible by $76,360 funding from the Courts of Dreams Foundation as well as $50,000 from the New York City Council. The Courts of Dreams Foundation has supported through the NYC Parks Adopt-a Park program.
“Revitalizing the basketball court at Shoelace Park within our district goes beyond mere infrastructure improvement — it’s about nurturing a more vibrant, resilient community,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “As someone who grew up shooting hoops in our neighborhood parks, I understand firsthand that Shoelace Park holds a special place in the hearts of local hoopers. Investing in this court is an investment in our youth’s dreams and aspirations, creating a pathway for them to flourish.”
“On behalf of Courts of Dreams, I’m honored to have partnered with Council Member Kevin Riley and NYC Parks to restore the basketball court at Olinville Playground in Shoelace Park. Our mission is to restore outdoor basketball courts throughout New York City, and we are proud to break ground on this project,” said Danny Cornstein, Chairman of the Courts of Dreams Foundation Junior Advisory Board.
“As the greenest borough in the city, our parks are essential to our communities by providing our residents with safe spaces to recreate without having to leave their neighborhood,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The renovation of Shoelace Park`s basketball court is an investment in the Olinville community and to making sure our residents and families have renovated spaces to freely exercise with their neighbors and loved ones. I want to thank NYC Parks and the Courts of Dreams Foundation for their commitment and dedication to protecting and preserving our green spaces.”
“Community parks helped shape my love of basketball. The basketball court has always been a microcosm of life — where people from different backgrounds and walks of life can come together under a shared love for the sport. As we break ground on this transformative project, this investment will provide a safe recreational space for our community members and a home for the next generation of Bronx basketball players,” said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. I’m excited for the community to utilize the revitalized court for years to come and the stories of success that will come out of the Northeast Bronx. I want to thank NYC Parks, the Courts of Dreams Foundation, and Council Member Kevin C. Riley for their collaborative efforts in making this much-needed renovation and restoration possible.”
Shoelace Park
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