Report: New Orleans Pelicans, NBA Debuted a New Outdoor Basketball Court in Lake Charles

New Orleans Pelicans and NBA partnered with the City of Lake Charles debut a new outdoor basketball court at the Cheniere Energy Boys & Girls Clubs' Columbus Circle Recreation Center.

The  New Orleans Pelicans and NBA provided funds to refurbish the Columbus Circle Recreation Center basketball court at the Cheniere Energy Boys & Girls Clubs in Lake Charles.  The project is one example of how sports can bring communities together and positively impact young people’s lives nationwide.

Pelicans unveil the renovated basketball court at the Cheniere Energy Boys & Girls Clubs at Columbus Circle Recreation Center. Credit: City of Lake Charles Facebook Page

The new court was unveiled Tuesday, Feb. 28 as a part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

The new setting will give the children a safe and positive environment to play and develop essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and discipline. The Boys & Girls Clubs will use the court for their after-school programs, serving over 500 kids in the Lake Charles area.

“We originally announced our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana in early 2020, prior to a string of unprecedented challenges impacting our community,” Mayor Nic Hunter told the audience. “To say we are proud to be standing here today, a part of one more incredible announcement for this site and partnership, would be an understatement. Our partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana is positively impacting the lives of our youth and is proof of the grit and resiliency of the people of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana. We are honored to now have the New Orleans Pelicans as part of this partnership as well.”

The project is part of the NBA’s commitment to promoting youth basketball and supporting local communities. Through the project, NBA teams partner with local organizations to renovate basketball courts and provide access to the sport for young people.

“It is our commitment to support and enhance local communities across Louisiana and it’s our pleasure to once again partner with our state legislature in advancing places of recreation,” New Orleans Pelicans and Saints President Dennis Lauscha said. “In addition to giving local children a safe place to enjoy the game of basketball, this brand-new court refurbishment also supports one of our organization’s greatest missions, which is to encourage our youth to live healthy and active lifestyles. We’re extremely grateful to the NBA for making this possible and it’s an honor to bestow this beautiful, new basketball court to the Lake Charles community.”