Indianapolis, Indiana – With cheers from summer campers and bright artwork underfoot, city leaders joined the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee on Thursday to unveil a brand-new Legacy Court at Al Polin Park. The event marked a vibrant celebration of sport, community, and long-term investment in Indianapolis neighborhoods — just one week before the city hosts the WNBA All-Star game on July 18–19.
The newly renovated basketball court, designed and painted by Indianapolis artist Kierra Ready, features bold colors, unique design elements, and even includes the official WNBA 3-point line — all meant to inspire the next generation of players while highlighting the upcoming All-Star festivities. Alongside the court debut, local youth took part in a basketball clinic organized for Indy Parks summer campers, giving the upgraded facility an energetic and purposeful start.
“The City is honored that the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee chose to support one of our Indy Parks with its Legacy Program,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett during the unveiling. “Projects like this new basketball court will have an impact on our neighborhoods long after the conclusion of WNBA All-Star. One by one, we are transforming our parks into truly welcoming public spaces, and investments into sports infrastructure like this will give our young people a place to play Indiana’s game.”
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The court at Al Polin Park is one of several community-focused Legacy Projects funded by the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee. In total, the Legacy initiative represents a $1 million investment in four Indiana nonprofits committed to youth and family empowerment through education, health, and leadership development.
Al Polin Park was chosen as a recipient of this project not only for its location and accessibility but also for its longstanding connection to local families. The park serves a diverse population and is widely seen as a vital gathering space on the city’s near northside.
“The heart of WNBA All-Star Weekend is the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy and the basketball court renovation at Al Polin Park is a perfect example of that,” said Mel Raines, Founding Chair of the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee and CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “We’re not just celebrating basketball, we’re investing in the future of our neighborhoods, our parks and our kids. This court will serve families for years to come, and we’re proud to play a part in that.”
The transformation of the court included resurfacing the asphalt, installing new backboards, rims, and goals, and painting custom court art — a visual blend of community pride and professional basketball flair. The entire project was made possible through funding provided to The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis, which continues to be a key partner in modernizing public recreation spaces.
“Indy Parks and The Parks Alliance are thrilled to partner with the 2025 WNBA All-Star Host Committee to deliver this beautiful new court to our near northside neighbors,” said Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone. “Thanks to this project and the upcoming Lilly Endowment Grant investment, Al Polin Park will become a staple of what is possible in our neighborhood parks.”
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And this is only the beginning for Al Polin Park. In the weeks ahead, a $600,000 renovation project — funded through the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant awarded to Indy Parks — will break ground at the site. Plans include a new, modern playground and a network of accessible walkways to make the park more inclusive and user-friendly for all visitors. That project is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Together, the Legacy Court and upcoming enhancements represent a powerful vision for neighborhood parks that are not only functional but beautiful, and not just temporary but lasting.
While thousands will pack Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the WNBA All-Star game, it’s places like Al Polin Park that will carry the impact forward — long after the final buzzer sounds.
