Pacers Foundation Renovated Tarkington Park Courts
The city of Indianapolis debuted two basketball courts honoring legends Stephanie White and Tamika Catchings.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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The Pacers Foundation officially unveiled two newly renovated basketball courts at Tarkington Park this September. The project aims to provide local youth and families with a dedicated space to play and build community.
Why it matters
By modernizing public recreation spaces, the initiative creates safe hubs for community engagement and physical activity. These improvements support long-term urban development by revitalizing local parks for future generations.
The project refurbished two courts at 45 W. 40th St. with signatures from basketball icons Stephanie White and Tamika Catchings. The Indiana State Police Alliance has committed $250,000 over five years for additional statewide renovations.
The players
Pacers Foundation
This is the charitable organization of the Indiana Pacers that focuses on youth development and community wellness.
Stephanie White
She is a celebrated basketball player and coach who returned to lead the Indiana Fever in 2025.
Tamika Catchings
A legendary basketball figure, she played her entire 16-season WNBA career with the Indiana Fever.
Indiana State Police Alliance
This organization represents state law enforcement officers and has pledged financial support for community improvement.
The details
The renovation project features a Purdue University court bearing Stephanie White's signature and an Indiana Fever court honoring Tamika Catchings, who played 16 seasons for the team. Local partners including Indy Parks and The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis collaborated to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the site.
Timeline
Stephanie White played for Purdue University from 1995 to 1999.
Tamika Catchings led the Fever to a WNBA championship in 2012.
Stephanie White returned to Indiana as Fever head coach in 2025.
The Pacers Foundation issued an official news release on September 16, 2026.
The renovated courts were unveiled in Indianapolis during September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This development marks a significant expansion of the Pacers Foundation State of Play initiative, which serves as a major driver for local athletic infrastructure. The partnership with the Indiana State Police Alliance signals a shift toward longer-term funding cycles for public parks.
Local residents gain immediate access to upgraded basketball facilities located at 45 W. 40th St. The multi-year pledge from the Indiana State Police Alliance ensures that additional public courts across the state will undergo similar renovations through 2031.
The takeaway
Investment in public sports infrastructure provides tangible community benefits by offering accessible exercise spaces for urban youth. Maintaining these courts requires consistent funding partnerships between athletic foundations and local law enforcement agencies.
Further reading
Learn more about local court updates and community programs on the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic.
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