PUEBLO, Colorado — A staple in the Pueblo basketball community is getting major improvements.
The courts known as "The Slabs" are in for a makeover as construction begins to tear down and replace the facilities for the hoopers.
Located on Elizabeth Avenue, The Slabs has seen thousands of basketball players enjoy their courts.
Those passing by will always see the courts jam-packed with children and adults alike honing their craft, fiercely competing, and having fun with friends.
Years of extensive use have seen the courts begin to fade and look a bit worse for wear, but the new renovations will see the courts get a long-awaited fresh face.
Pueblo Parks and Recreation partnered with the Colorado Lottery to update The Slabs. Each court will receive a $2,500 compensation for each art project that will be provided by Colorado Lottery funding.
“We are excited to announce the four winning artists along with revealing the designs we will be able to unveil at the completion of the Slab project in September,” said Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Sexton. “The Slab is such an important part of our basketball community here in Pueblo, so updating the facility and incorporating art into the new courts will be an exciting new feature that brings in the next generation of basketball players.”
In June of 2023, artists were invited to submit their artwork in a competition that would see the selected winners have their art displayed as a mural on the surface of the courts.
“The Conservation Trust Fund, which receives 40% of Colorado Lottery proceeds every year, supports every municipality in the state, based on population. We could not be more thrilled to see our Lottery dollars at work on such an important project right in our backyard, the Lottery's corporate headquarters of Pueblo,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “These new and improved SLABS will help ensure it continues to a place the community gathers for years to come, while celebrating the amazing local artists in Pueblo.”
The winners of the competition are Tia Monson, Anthony Marinucci, Jazelle Bustos, and Chloe Kelly. Each of their art pieces depict the love they have for Pueblo and for basketball.
Other renovations to The Slabs include a new post-tension concrete slab, new posts, backboards, hoops, benches, and upgraded LED lighting.
The court renovation began on Jun. 24 and is expected to last until the end of September. There will be a ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening of The Slabs.
Basketball fans in Pueblo will surely appreciate an iconic hooping spot in the city receiving the treatment it deserves, all while keeping the grit and tradition of street ball alive.
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