Probably the most unique and colorful basketball courts in Knoxville can be found near downtown at the Cal Johnson Community Center, 507 Hall of Fame Drive.

But due to a steep grassy slope, the courts that were reinvigorated and popularized by former Lady Vol legend Candace Parker and the 2K Foundations four years ago couldn't be easily accessed by people with disabilities.

Happily, that's no longer the case. This fall, Design and Construction Services Inc. crews are finishing up construction of a new fully accessible sidewalk that connects the courts at the bottom of a hill with the community center, picnic area, playground and Hall of Fame Drive sidewalk at the top of the hill.

Here is a video showing the new sidewalk:



The "before" and "after" contrast in accessibility is dramatic.

The wide, smooth pathway now provides a safer, easier route to the courts.

In 2020, the 2K Foundations and Parker did a complete makeover of the space. Originally tennis courts, the courts are now used for basketball, showcasing brightly-colored murals and courtside quotes from Knoxville heroes like Coach Pat Summitt and poet Nikki Giovanni. The courts' design pays homage to Parker's legacy, as well as the rich culture of Black history in Knoxville and benefactor Cal Johnson.

City Parks and Recreation Director Sheryl Ely said the redesigned courts combine beauty and purpose.

"Everybody once saw these as just basketball courts, but they could be so much more," Ely said. "The project helped generate this idea that we want people to be able to feel and experience beauty while outside, and adding artwork like this to it is just another component.” 

The vibrant colors and designs immediately drew people to the space, but the courts' popularity also illustrated a problem. So many people wanted to see and get closer to these courts, but they still sat at the bottom of a large hill, with neither side providing an easy climb.

Now, with an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk leading directly to the courts, everyone can enjoy the beauty of the courts up close and experience the rich history of Knoxville.



"It allows access to any and everybody that wants to access that space," Ely said. "The quotes on the court bring so much history and mean so much to those from Knoxville, so it was important to keep improving accessibility so that people could see it and enjoy it up close."