ST. LOUIS — The basketball courts in Forest Park, dubbed “the Nick,” are officially open as a ribbon cutting ceremony took place Tuesday. 

St. Louis and Forest Park Forever officials, Nicholas Booker's parents, and representatives of private donors who contributed to the project were in attendance. The event took place inside the visitor's center because of the rain.

The groundbreaking for the project occurred in November when it was announced that the courts would 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. He worked at Forest Park for the St. Louis Parks and Recreation Department as a teenager.

“Our family is so excited to see basketball in Forest Park. We are so honored that the courts are named after Nicholas,” Britt Booker said, the father of Nicholas. 

He mentioned that his son loved basketball and enjoyed spending time at Forest Park. 

A formal dedication will occur on Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by activities, food, icy treats, lawn games, music, and more. The event is free and open to the public. 

Booker said many of Nicholas’ friends will be in attendance. 

St. Louisans now can play on two full basketball courts and two half courts, located north of the visitor center. 

Amenities include lighting, a shade pavilion, player and spectator seating, new trees, and landscaping.

“I’m grateful to everyone who made this happen,” Mayor Tishaura Jones said, noting that the basketball courts will be a “game changer” for Forest Park. 

She said Nicholas Booker’s legacy will live on for many years.

“Thank you to the Booker family for all you do and thank you to all of the donors who made this happen,” Jones said. 

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.

Over the course of the process, community members also provided feedback and shared thoughts on the project.