Art basketball court in London opens at Joseph Grimaldi Park

The latest art basketball court in the UK has opened, at Joseph Grimaldi Park, Islington in North London.

The project, funded by Pink Lady apple producer, was produced in collaboration with Project in the Paint, a not-for-profit organisation which facilitates the refurbishment and painting of basketball courts across the UK.

“With the support of brands such as Pink Lady, it makes it possible for us to promote involvement in grassroots basketball in the UK by renovating and revitalising these basketball courts, turning them into places where communities want to meet, play sport and experience public art together,” Gareth Roberts, Director for Project in the Paint (pictured below, left) said.

“We hope this collaboration inspires people in the local area and beyond to get involved in community sports and bring this court and future courts to life.”

The court was designed by local artist and designer Coco Lom (pictured above, right), inspired by apples and movement.

“I started my research by investigating microscopic views of apples – from an apple leaf, to dried-out apple pollen,” Coco Lom said. “I discovered that the most beautiful shapes and patterns were revealed and I then used them as inspiration for the design. I also wanted to echo the movement and shifts of energy that basketball players have mid-flow during a game.”

To mark the launch, Pink Lady held sessions on the court for the local community which were led by former London Lion Lamar Roberts, who now runs the Right Development Foundation. To further support the local area, 5,000 apples have been donated for distribution across the Islington borough. This comes as part of the 100,000 apples Pink Lady® has pledged to donate across the UK this year as part of its ongoing partnership with Fareshare, the UK’s largest food charity fighting hunger and food waste.

“We wanted to create a joyful, invigorating space where people can refresh their senses,” Pink Lady UK PR and Social Manager Kyla Flynn added.

“The court in Joseph Grimaldi Park, in the heart of the capital, seemed like the perfect place. It’s a public space where people from the local and surrounding communities can go to play basketball or just enjoy the playful, vibrant design while they get some fresh air.”

The full address of the court location is Joseph Grimaldi Park, 11 Collier St, Islington, London N1 9JU.

Image Credits: Richard Bearpark, cocolom.com, Brian Bosche, Mark Howe