Basketball has a unique way of bringing people together. Whether through a shared love of the game or a neighborhood pickup run, the sport can create connections that go beyond the court.
On Sept. 16, that connection was on full display at Tarkington Park in Indianapolis. At 3:25 p.m., community leaders, Purdue representatives and neighborhood residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of two newly renovated basketball courts.
The project, led by the Pacers Foundation through its State of Play initiative, was supported by Purdue University, the Indiana Fever, Indy Parks, the City of Indianapolis, the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis and the Indiana State Police Alliance.
Launched in 2024, State of Play funds grants for basketball court refurbishment projects across Indiana. According to the Pacers, the goal of the initiative is to create “safe, high-quality spaces where youth can play, connect and grow.”
The Tarkington Park project is a reflection of that dream, giving the greater Butler-Tarkington district a brand new space to play. The two refurbished courts display designs honoring two of Indiana’s greatest basketball figures: Stephanie White and Tamika Catchings.
One court features Purdue’s old gold and black colors, with “Purdue” emblazoned at half court, as well as White’s autograph etched along one of the sidelines. White played for Purdue women’s basketball from 1995 to 1999, leading the Boilermakers to a national championship during her senior season in 1999. She later returned to Indiana in 2024 as head coach of the Fever.
In a speech delivered to members of the community, White spoke about her passion for giving young people a place to play the game.
“My hope is that every young person who steps onto this court can see their own potential, feel a sense of belonging and dream of one day competing at the highest level,” she stated.
The second court features the Indiana Fever’s red, blue and white color scheme, along with a bright yellow signature of Tamika Catchings, a WNBA legend and former Fever small forward. Catchings spent her entire WNBA career with Indiana (2002-2016), leading the franchise to its first and only WNBA championship in 2012.
For decades, Catchings has worked to support and uplift younger generations. In 2004, she established the Catch the Stars Foundation, which runs programs that assist children with literacy, fitness and character development.
To her, the new courts had a deeper meaning.
“This is a special place because it gives people in the neighborhood a place to come together, play and create memories,” she said. “Basketball has given me so much, and I hope these courts give the next generation that same opportunity to find community, build confidence and discover what they’re capable of.”
The court also features bright “Fire Orange” 3-point lines as part of the WNBA’s Line ‘Em Up initiative, which honors and supports girls and women in sports. Similar lines have been painted on courts across the country, including at least four others in the Indianapolis area.
The festivities also brought members of the Indiana Fever, including All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, along with Raven Johnson, Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham. Their presence made the celebration extra special, giving the Indianapolis community a unique chance to interact and connect with some of the Fever’s stars.
Purdue’s Boiler Beats tailgate drumline and Gold Dusters dance team performed during the celebration, and students from Purdue Polytechnic High School’s Broad Ripple and Englewood campuses got the opportunity to participate in basketball clinics with the Fever players.
“Parks work best when a neighborhood, a city and its partners pull in the same direction,” said Jenny Boyts, executive director of The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis. “The Pacers Foundation, Purdue University and Indy Parks did exactly that at Tarkington Park.”
The court improvements at Tarkington are part of a larger effort to expand recreational opportunities in the area. The park completed the Richard “Coach Nell” Hamilton all-purpose field in 2025, and Indy Parks has plans for future improvements, including a new playground, picnic spaces and lawn areas within the next year.
Together, the projects aim to make the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood a more active and vibrant gathering place for people of all ages — a space where neighbors can gather, fellowship and build deeper connections.
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