Saratoga Village residents in Ocean Hill now have an improved outdoor space for basketball, recreation and community activities following a collaborative renovation project.
The newly renovated court was unveiled Oct. 18 through a partnership involving Hoopbus, Metro by T-Mobile, the Public Housing Community Fund, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Kalel Companies and Dantes Partners.
The celebration featured basketball games, a King of the Court competition, a dunk show, live music and catered food. The renovation included resurfacing and painting the court, installing new backboards and nets, and adding permanent branding and signage. Its design was developed in collaboration with Hoopbus, local residents and the Public Housing Community Fund.
"Basketball has the power to change the trajectory of a kid's life, teaching far more than just the game itself. Investing in these spaces opens that door for growth,” said Tobias DiMarco, executive director of Hoopbus.
The project aims to expand recreational opportunities for Saratoga Village residents, particularly young people.
"While this court creates a renewed space for recreation, connection, and community, it is one part of a much larger investment in modernizing Saratoga Village, from rehabilitating apartments and shared living spaces to upgrading building infrastructure and improving residents' quality of life" said Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYCHA CEO.
The renovation is part of a six-month nationwide tour by Hoopbus and Metro by T-Mobile that brings basketball activities, youth development programs and community resources to neighborhoods across the country. The organizations have previously partnered with the Public Housing Community Fund on court improvements at the Patterson Houses in the Bronx and Tilden Houses in Brooklyn.
The project also complements broader rehabilitation work at Saratoga Village through NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. Under the initiative, Kalel Companies and Dantes Partners are overseeing improvements to apartments, shared spaces, grounds and building infrastructure to modernize the development and improve residents’ quality of life.
