91Ӱ��

At Patterson Houses, a wave ripples across the surface of a newly upgraded basketball court. 

The artistic representation adorning the court is one of the host of improvements to open spaces recently completed at the Bronx development for residents of all ages to enjoy. Other recreation enhancements include two renovated playgrounds and an accessible fitness zone. 

On September 9, local residents, NYCHA, and project partners – including the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), Center for Justice Innovation, Design Trust for Public Space, Hoopbus, and Kompan – celebrated the new outdoor spaces with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

“The revitalization of these open spaces at Patterson Houses is a fantastic example of our commitment to improving the quality of life for 91Ӱ��,” NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said. “This project was designed with extensive input from the residents themselves, resulting in new playgrounds, a fitness zone, and basketball courts that directly meet the community’s needs for accessible, multigenerational recreation.”  

The $500,000 project is part of the PHCF’s program, which creates community-designed open spaces and expands access to green spaces at Patterson Houses and three other NYCHA developments in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Green Space Connections leverages the participatory design process under , a NYCHA initiative that enhances physical and social connections between residents and their communities.  

“These beautiful, new open spaces directly reflect the needs and wants of the Patterson Houses community, providing access to underutilized green space to gather, enjoy the outdoors, and stay fit for every resident, from the youngest to oldest,” PHCF Executive Director Alex Zablocki said. “Green Space Connections empowers 91Ӱ�� to transform their communities exactly how they imagine and improve community health and safety, and we can see the meaningful result of this process through the vibrant new spaces at Patterson.”  

The basketball court’s wave mural was envisioned by local community members, who collaborated with the nonprofit Hoopbus to bring the design to life. Hoopbus, which transforms basketball courts into inspiring works of art, led the Patterson court renovations, including resurfacing, painting, and new backboards and nets. Hoopbus and partners presented a second community celebration on September 14, featuring a youth skills clinic, dunk show, and 3-on-3 tournament.  

“It was an honor and a privilege for Hoopbus to be a part of this project with such an incredible coalition of partners,” said Tobias DiMarco, Hoopbus Executive Director. “Having refurbished and muraled nearly 30 courts in the past five years, Patterson Houses stands out. Working alongside the residents of the Patterson Houses to translate their vision for their space onto this medium was the perfect way to celebrate our organization’s first court-build in New York City.” 

The two upgraded playgrounds include a variety of play structures and sensory features for children with special needs, while the adjacent fitness zone features a stationary bike, pull-up bars, several accessible exercise stations, and strength training equipment. The new play and exercise equipment was designed, manufactured, and installed by Kompan.  

The revitalized open spaces at the Bronx development include a newly improved basketball court, two renovated playgrounds, and an accessible fitness zone. (courtesy of Tameek Williams)

Community engagement played a key role in designing the overhauled green spaces, with support from NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management division and Operations team. Patterson Houses residents, who called for intergenerational and accessible outdoor spaces via surveys and meetings, were deeply involved in selecting project features and equipment.  

“The Public Housing Community Fund’s Green Space Connections program ensures community residents are the most important people in the room, giving them a role in choosing and designing how their green spaces will be used,” said Courtney Bryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Justice Innovation. “This is a beautiful example of Community Justice, bringing together residents, government, and non-profit groups like ours to enhance community safety and well-being.”  

In 2023, the Green Space Connections program also led the way for the creation of a Patterson Houses mural that features former boxing world champion Iran Barkley, NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Nate “Tiny” Archibald, actor Luis Antonio Ramos, and Platinum recording artist Prince Royce. The artwork celebrates the contributions of the former residents to the Patterson community as well as the Bronx as a whole.  

Featured photo caption: The Patterson Houses wave mural and other basketball court renovations were led by the nonprofit Hoopbus with input from the community. (courtesy of Tameek Williams)