In an effort to build safe places to play in communities across the globe, Sport Court and Sport Court St. Louis worked with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Great Rivers Greenway to build a new community park in Wellston, MO.
The park was built as part of the NRPA’s Parks Build Community initiative and Sport Court’s Courts 4 Communities program.
What is Courts 4 Communities?
Sport Court believes that children all around the world should have access to a safe place to play. Through this initiative, Sport Court helps communities around the world build safer and better places for their children to play. Courts 4 Communities helps these groups raise money, partner with other funding and grant-making organizations to secure the necessary resources, makes value-in-kind donations through these relationships, and then with our network of Certified CourtBuilders™ ensures that these projects are completed, to bring value and benefit to communities.
Courts 4 Communities in Action: Trojan Park in Wellston, MO
Sport Court St. Louis was one of more than 25 local and national donors that helped make the Trojan Park project in Wellston possible. Austin Helfers, who owns the business with his wife Dionna, helped install a full-size basketball court at the park.
Sport Court donated the product and Sport Court St. Louis – the local St. Louis CourtBuilder - donated the installation services.
“I think it’s great to be involved in something that can change the lives of kids in that part of the community,” Austin Helfers said.
“A lot of people don’t really have as many opportunities as we have,” he said. “This will help give them a sense of involvement.”
NRPA and Great Rivers Greenway worked closely with the city of Wellston on the development of Trojan Park.
Valued at $2 million, the new park offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including a state-of-the-art playground, basketball court, splash pad and picnic areas complete with shade structures.
“Our community really stepped up to make this park a reality,” said Susan Trautman, Great Rivers Greenway executive director and NRPA board chair via the Missourian. “From local firms donating services to incredible community engagement and ownership, everyone is excited to see this vibrant park in Wellston, part of the St. Vincent Greenway, come to life,” she said.