Placemaking is all about creating and activating key locations in the urban core of for people to participate and engage in. A STEAM inspired basketball court in Downtown Jacksonville was our approach to connect people of all ages to the energy that is vibrating throughout downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Painted by local muralist Mary Joan Hinson, the basketball court embodies artistic expression via geometric shapes to create the notion of movement while emphasizing STEAM as an area of interest as the community uses this space for years to come.

We partnered with the Nassau Pride ABA Basketball Team to transform and activate the court in Brooklyn Park, bringing local athletes downtown to play. Upon completion of the court, the foundation along with Councilman Jimmy Peluso, the duPont Foundation, and city leadership helped a grand unveiling event for the basketball court to re-open to the public as an asset and not an eyesore. The event was open to the community; and filled with family fun entertainment.

The project was such a success that it catalyzed the official creation and launch of the DuBlasé Foundation, supporting students in the pursuit of STEAM-related careers.