Nearly two dozen DPR Construction craft worker volunteers recently completed a new outdoor basketball court called the “Dream Court” for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.

The "Dream Court” (excluding the DPR donated slab foundation) was gifted by the Nancy Lieberman Dream Court Foundation in honor of NBA and local basketball star Andre Emmett, a Dallas-area native who was tragically killed last fall. The project consisted of a 15,000-sq.-ft. concrete slab foundation used for a brand-new multipurpose activities court at the Y’s Oak Cliff, Texas facility.

The deep-rooted community partnership that DPR and the DPR Foundation have forged with the local YMCA made it an obvious decision to lend a hand when the organization reached out for help.

“DPR’s community initiatives mission is founded on building possibilities for the under-resourced,” said Tyler Wilson, DPR’s communications manager for the Central region. “We didn’t think twice when one of our valued partners, the YMCA, needed a hand making this court a reality– not only because we had the opportunity to contribute our expertise in self-performed concrete, but we also got to play a small part in solidifying the legacy of a local hero in Andre.”

Over the course of a single 10-hour day, DPR self-perform concrete crews, led by Alvaro Cruz, handled the formwork and finishing work associated with the slab pour, along with some landscaping and sidewalk repairs and improvements. In collaboration with sports court contractor, NexCourt, Inc., they subsequently laid down the sports court material.

Keith Vinson, vice president of operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, said the project represented a unique collaboration of organizations coming together for a common cause. “We had these incredible organizations – DPR, Nancy Lieberman Charities, NexCourt, and the Andre Emmett Foundation, all coming together to provide not just a place where kids can bounce a basketball; it’s really where the community can gather and interact with one another,” Vinson said.

Although the sports court unveiling had originally been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home mandate, the DPR craft workers who had a hand in the project can take pride in knowing they helped bring it to life.

“This court will be used by thousands from the local community for the next 40 to 50 years,” said Cruz. “Thanks to DPR, we were able to impact an entire generation in this neighborhood and I am so proud to have been given the opportunity to take part in it.”

The grand opening of the new “Dream Court” took place in early August and included a dedication ceremony for Andre Emmett, free food from EveryoneEats and free-drive thru COVID-19 testing for community members.

The Oak Cliff basketball court is the only one of its kind within several miles of the community. “This court is huge for our organization; we appreciate DPR and all they’ve done for us,” shared Vinson.