Bryson Tiller, Nike team up to revamp Wyandotte Park basketball courts
A partnership between Louisville native Bryson Tiller and Nike has resulted in the creation of three new basketball courts at Wyandotte Park.
A partnership between Louisville native Bryson Tiller and Nike has resulted in the creation of three new basketball courts at Wyandotte Park.
A partnership between Louisville native Bryson Tiller and Nike has resulted in the creation of three new basketball courts at Wyandotte Park.
A partnership between Bryson Tiller, a Louisville native, and Nike has resulted in the creation of three new basketball courts at Wyandotte Park, just inside the Watterson Expressway in south Louisville.
The colorful modern court surface was rubberized and new goal posts and fiberglass backboards were added to make the outdoor courts among the finest in the region, organizers said.
“The texture of the backboards, they're so clear. It looks like an NBA court,” 12-year-old Chris Landrum said. “It’s beautiful,” 11-year-old Charles Boone added.
The renovated courts will be a big game-changer in the community.
“It was really rough. You had to be some real ballers to come out here and play,” 16-year-old Shamaria Stikes said. “It was just ugly,” Boone said. “The nets weren't good, the backboards definitely weren't good, and the concrete.”
Organizers said it was a team effort led by the local star.
“This is something that Bryson was very adamant about. You know with Iroquois High School, he wanted to give back to this community because this community gave a lot to him,” Metro Parks and Recreation deputy director Marty Storch said.
“I used to just see this court and I'm like, ‘Yo man, that court looks terrible, let's do something to that court,” Tiller said.
Fans flocked to the park to show support and catch a glimpse of the singer. Tiller hit the court with Mayor Greg Fischer for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the new court’s first official tip off.
“I was very excited because I haven’t seen him before, but I’m hoping to see him today,” Tiller fan Edita Peter said. “It’s like we can all make it if we try.”
That’s the message Tiller wants his fans to walk away with. Park reps said Tiller asked that the phrase “It’s Possible” be painted at the baseline of the courts.
“If anybody on this court has a dream and you believe in yourself, you can do it,” Tiller said. “You can do this too.”
Tiller’s words are already striking a chord with the local youth.
“It inspires me. I actually want to do this when I grow up. I want to be like him,” 10-year-old Brooklyn Landrum said. “I think it's really good. More people should do it because it's giving back to the community and it's helping us,” 11-year-old Jermaine Bradley said.
“With everything that's happening in the city, this is a place to have the kids come outside and a really great place for everyone to come out and have fun,” Stikes said.
Tiller will perform in concert Wednesday night at the Mercury Theater. The event is sold out.