Sioux Falls has turned its neighborhood basketball courts into open‑air galleries, showcasing more than 400 hand‑drawn sketches created by local students, families and fans. The initiative, launched in March 2023 alongside the Summit League Championship, aims to blend the city’s love of sport with a celebration of youthful creativity.
A Citywide Collaboration
The City of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department joined forces with the Summit League, Experience Sioux Falls, Downtown Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls School District and the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center to bring the project to life. Guided by artist Les Cotton, the partnership coordinated the design, installation and maintenance of vinyl backboards that now adorn parks such as Heritage, Dan Dugan and Jefferson.
Over the course of the summer, more than 400 unique sketches were submitted, each reflecting the personal interests and artistic styles of the contributors. A Visual Arts Committee reviewed the submissions and selected the final designs, which were unveiled on September 2, 2023, at the three park locations.
Jackie Nelson, the recreation manager for the Parks and Recreation Department, emphasized that the project empowers young people by placing their artwork in public spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and community connection. The experience was especially meaningful for five students from Laura B. Anderson Elementary School, who visited the installations for the first time and saw their peers’ art displayed across the city.
Maren Engel, arts coordinator for the city, noted that the project bridges traditional art with community involvement, turning parks into multifunctional gathering places where sport, visual art and social interaction intersect. She highlighted that the backboards are expected to remain vibrant for five to seven years, providing a lasting platform for ongoing community engagement.
Beyond aesthetics, the initiative reinforces Sioux Falls’ commitment to integrating culture and recreation, offering residents a shared space where creativity and competition coexist. As the backboards age, they will continue to serve as canvases for future generations, ensuring that the city’s public spaces remain dynamic and inclusive.