Kevin Durant has landed in the Big Apple!

Ok wait a moment, this is not a breaking news, even if Knicks supporters would like to see KD wearing the Blue/Orange Jersey next season. I won’t discuss about the Nba this time. Let me take a step back to tell you a story.

A couple of days in New York and my amazing friend Kiara Di Paola, founder of NewYorkCity4All, recommends me to stop by a Basketball Court Mural in the East Village. Agenda, iPad, bag and ready to go. Next stop: East Village. I would suggest you to visit this neighborhood, if you have never been there, is unique you may find typical shops and places. A pleasant walk on the 1 Ave to reach the mural at Lower East Side Playground E.12 St, E. 11 St. Bet 1 Ave. And, Avenue A, realized by Kevin Durant Charity Foundation (KDCF) in 2017 for the program “WE BUILD IT TO BALL IT”. The initiative includes a graffiti painting, 4 hoops and a renewed field. The Lower East Side Playground is designed for for the community, East Side Community School and Girls Prep.

And if I say Nike, Kaws and basketball, what do you think about? Ok, I’m not driving crazy let me clarify ideas. 15 minutes far from 1 Ave, crossing Houston Av, you can get a look to the outstanding masterpiece made by Kaws at Sara D Roosevelt Park.

Brian Donnelly alias Kaws is an american artist, born in Jersey City and resident in Brooklyn. He realized Stanton Street Courts project with Nike and New York City Parks: two full size courts and four hoops. The outcome is a colors explosion according to the style of Kaws.

It looks like playing on a painter palette, try to believe.

Here you are a couple of useful information to reach these playgrounds.

A new story about New York’s hoop culture is coming. Don’t miss it!

LOWER EAST SIDE PLAYGROUND (view maps)
Subway L – 1 Avenue Station
E.12 St, E. 11 St. cross to 1 Ave e Avenue A
Monday – Sunday 7:00 – 21:00 (2 March – 31 October)
Monday – Sunday 7:00 – 18:00 (1 November – 1 March)

STANTON STREET COURTS (view maps)
Subway F – 2 Avenue Station / J – Bowery Station
Chrystie St &, Forsyth St, New York
Monday – Sunday 6:00 – 22:00

Lower East Side Playground

Stanton Street Courts