By Karina Dunn
Revitalization efforts by community leaders and Sneaker Politics in the Oak Cliff, Texas resulted in a renovated basketball court for local youth to enjoy.
Located in the Fahim J Minkah Community Park (formerly College Park), the court was resurfaced and decorated with a design chosen by Anta representative Christian Laursen.
The unveiling ceremony, which occurred on March 20, 2026, included remarks by city leaders and the project’s sponsors, food trucks and a mechanical bull and ample opportunity for local kids to try out their new basketball court.
M Renee’ Johnson of the Dallas Parks and Recreation department described the urgency of restoring the impactful presence of outdoor spaces to the community after a period of deprioritization and neglect.
To the hoopers, the youth players she said,
“It’s a beautiful space for all of you.”
Lorie Blair, city council member for Dallas’ District 8, offered a similar perspective. Blair emphasized the importance of outdoor spaces for children and young adults and reiterated an interest in prioritizing active lifestyles in the next generation.
“One of the things I understand about having this newly transformed basketball court is, it gives each one of you guys the opportunity to come out in your neighborhood and play, to test your skills, to learn new skills and not double dribble,” Blair said.
After a moment of applause and laughter, she continued,
“It would be nice for our kids and ourselves to get out and walk. Instead of playing on these [phones] it’s the opportunity to learn how to communicate, learn how to partnership, learn how to get things done.”
Blair described the revitalization as a patchwork collaboration between multiple parties.
According to Arun Agarwal of Dallas Parks and Recreation, officials have developed a focused effort to welcome investments and sponsorships from private and local businesses to rebuild and maintain the local parks system. This will include a near $1B investment for upcoming projects after public and private contributions.
Ahmad Gowen, chief of staff for the Dallas city manager, emphasized supporting city facilities and parks across leadership teams to build a “good quality of life” for all residents.
Funding and execution of the new basketball court project were made possible by the partnership between the Lorie Blair’s City Council Office, Dallas Parks and Recreation community represented by Arun Agarwal, and Sneaker Politics founder Blaine McGowen.
Sneaker Politics established their Dallas location in September 2019. The company often participates in local events. In his own remarks, McGowen thanked his staff at Sneaker Politics for making the event possible and welcomed his Anta partners, including Christian Laursen and company representatives from China.
Anta established itself in 1991 in China and grew into a recognizable brand within the sportwear industry. Anta’s brand collaboration with the Dallas Maverick’s Kyrie Irving established their involvement and reinvestment in the community.
Christian Laursen serves as the head of US marketing for Anta.
“The city of Dallas has wrapped their arms around us,” he said. “Thank you to Sneaker Politics. Thank you to the Dallas Mavericks. Thank you to Kyrie Irving for really treating us like a true family.”
Laursen continued,
“One thing Kyrie talks about is the All-Even tribe, the twisting fingers… this is the All-Even tribe, tighter than DNA.”
Kyrie Irving made a surprise appearance at the event later in the day. His recognizable salute of two fingers crossed together decorate the new court along with the Anta and Sneaker Politic symbols and inspirational messages.
Chris Bingham is a local artist whose experience spans 20 years. He agreed to paint the final design onto the court after learning more about the project and Kyrie Irving’s involvement.
“About a week ago, Blaine called asking if I’d be interested,” he said. “It fits in with my brand and how I do things… I work with origami designs and patterns in my designs, so it kind of fits.”
After the ceremony, Blaine McGowen spoke with event attendees and other project representatives as the day progressed.
He remarked on his long-term motivation for Sneaker Politics’ participation in the project.
“Getting kids the space to come here, and it’s exciting and it’s new, I think. If it sparks an interest in a kid at an early age. I think, to me, that’s the most impactful thing,” McGowen said. “I think having this space here we might find the next ‘Kyrie Irving’ on this court… to me that’s the point of the beautification aspect.”
