ST. LOUIS — The highly anticipated basketball courts at Forest Park are taking shape.

The construction site, located north of the visitor center, has raised posts, laid utilities and new sidewalks, according to the Forest Park Forever website.

The courts also have been prepped for asphalt pouring. When the project is completed, there will be two full basketball courts and two half courts. Amenities will include lighting, a shade pavilion, player and spectator seating, new trees and landscaping.

Preliminary plans of the basketball courts were unveiled to the public in January, however, the project has been in the works since 2020 in partnership with the St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Forest Park Forever.

Throughout the process, community members have had the chance to provide feedback and share thoughts on the project.  

Approximately $1.4 million has been raised for the project out of the $1.5 million goal, according to Amy Lewandowski, director of development for Forest Park Forever. The park’s nonprofit is seeking roughly $100,000 in additional funding.

The groundbreaking for the project occurred in November where it was announced that the courts will be named in memory of Nicholas J. Booker, a St. Louis native who loved basketball.

During his first year of college, Booker died after having an asthma attack while playing a game of basketball. As a teenager, he worked at Forest Park for the St. Louis Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about the basketball courts, visit the Forest Park Forever website.