Refurbished Outdoor Recreational Facilities at Whitman Houses

On August 2, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Fort Greene’s Whitman Houses to celebrate the official re-opening of the development’s outdoor recreational areas, including completely refurbished basketball courts and a brand-new handball court.

Led by Resident Association (RA) President Julie Sharpton, the Whitman Houses RA and other community members were joined at the event by City Councilmember Crystal Hudson, former NBA superstar Albert King (who grew up at Whitman Houses), and the WNBA’s Epiphanny Prince, a former player and the current Director of Player and Community Engagement for the New York Liberty team.

“People are saying this is now the best court in all of NYCHA!” said Ms. Sharpton. “These new courts – and the whole new space – are just a great blessing. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s amazing!”  

Whitman Houses residents had been calling for expanded outdoor areas, including new play spaces where they could be active, enjoy fresh air, and interact with their neighbors. Residents provided input in meetings and surveys to provide feedback on the project amenities; younger residents’ ambitions for the space were solicited for inclusion in the revised basketball court design. 

The renovation itself completely refreshed the Whitman Houses recreation area, including new hoops, seating areas and improved lighting for the basketball courts, improved landscaping of the surrounding areas, and the new handball court for residents’ use.

The dramatic refurbishment of the community’s facilities is already providing opportunities for Whitman Houses residents of all ages to come together, connect with one another, and be physically active.

“It’s not just a basketball court – it’s community,” said Ms. Sharpton. “We always say, ‘there’s unity in community’ and that’s so true. Everybody is involved, and it means everything to us.”