On the eve of WNBA All-Star Weekend, a vibrant symbol of community investment took center stage at Riverside Park. Legendary Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings, alongside the WNBPA and 2K Foundations, unveiled a newly refurbished and artistically transformed basketball court on July 17, revitalizing a space deeply tied to Catchings’ legacy.
The court, featuring bold designs by local artist Shanté Lewis and an official WNBA 3-point line, represents a partnership focused on meaningful community engagement during the league’s showcase event.
Riverside Park holds special significance for Catchings; the park was home to her first basketball camp for Indianapolis youth two decades ago.
“This was the first place that I hosted our official Catch the Stars basketball camp,” Catchings told the Indianapolis Recorder, visibly moved. “This was the first place … Seeing the kids see the court, those faces are going to light up. It’s just absolutely amazing.”
Catchings recalled the camp’s humble 2001 beginnings and the park’s subsequent wear and tear.
“Sometimes things fall apart, and we allow it to because we don’t have the money to fix certain things,” Catching said. “We want to change that.”
The refurbishment, the 55th globally by 2K Foundations, injects life and local artistry into the Westside Park.
WNBPA executive director Dr. Terri Jackson highlighted Lewis’ contribution.
“Shanté Lewis is known for her vibrant colors and her creative expression,” Jackson said. “She thought about the community, she thought about the event, she thought about the women who are our union… this is her expression on the court.”
One form of creative expression from Lewis that stands out is the word ‘Hope’, which appears near the free-throw line.
Jackson emphasized the project’s purpose extends beyond aesthetics.
“It’s showing up during All-Star weekend in a meaningful way … connecting with the community in ways that are just more than the game,” Jackson said. “This is a reminder that girls’ and women’s basketball matter. That they are important. Their game is important.”
Indiana Fever guard and two-time WNBA champion Sydney Colson underscored the importance of intentional community support.
“It’s always cool to see stuff like this happening,” Colson told the Indianapolis Recorder. “You just feel like somebody has been intentional about taking care of a place where young kids are coming to play sports … to learn through sports.”
Colson stressed the value of visible role models: “It is awesome to see figures in spaces that you want to be in later. To have WNBA players here in the flesh, I think it’ll be really inspiring to young kids.”
For Catchings, the project embodies legacy building.
“When you think about legacies, you think about the people that are coming behind you,” Catchings said. “I want the next generation to have the opportunity.”
Catchings pointed to the court as a tangible message: “You matter. We see you. You’re important.”
She thanked the 2K Foundations for investing in a neighborhood that needed resources.
The court includes the WNBA regulation 3-point line. This is part of the league’s “Line’ Em Up” campaign. The campaign aims to bring professional lines to community courts nationwide.
The unveiling served as an uplifting prelude to the weekend’s WNBA All-Star festivities.
“It’s growing the game,” Jackson said, linking the court to the broader All-Star celebration. “It is showing up during All-Star weekend in a meaningful way.”
Catchings echoed the excitement for the city-wide event, noting the importance of accessible activities. “There’s something for everybody,” she said.
2K’s Head of Lifestyle & Content Marketing Ronnie ‘Ronnie2K’ Singh and Fever forward Sophie Cunningham were also at the ceremony interacting with the youth on their brand new court.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more WNBA All-Star news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
