The Oklahoma City Thunder, in collaboration with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG\&E), unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Washita Valley Park, marking another milestone in their ongoing community investment initiative. This effort is part of a multi-year statewide project designed to refurbish and revitalize outdoor courts across Oklahoma, with the goal of providing safe, modern, and inspiring spaces for local youth and families to play and gather. The revitalized Washita Valley Park court features vibrant new paint, professionally installed backboards, and durable rims—just in time to meet the high energy and demand of summer recreation.
This partnership between the Thunder and OG\&E underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to enriching local communities through tangible projects that promote physical activity, social interaction, and neighborhood pride. It also reflects the Thunder’s broader mission beyond basketball—to build stronger connections with fans and foster environments where sports can serve as a unifier and a platform for positive change. The renovated court serves not just as a place to shoot hoops, but also as a symbol of reinvestment in areas that might otherwise go overlooked.
The timing of the court’s unveiling couldn’t be more ideal. With summer in full swing, children, teenagers, and families are looking for engaging outdoor activities. Public basketball courts are an integral part of community life, particularly in neighborhoods where access to indoor gyms and recreational facilities may be limited. A freshly painted, professionally restored court invites participation, whether it’s casual pick-up games, youth development leagues, or simple shooting practice. The Thunder and OG\&E have ensured that the Washita Valley community will have a high-quality court that supports all these activities.
The design of the court incorporates bold Thunder-themed colors, further rooting the space in the identity and pride of Oklahoma City. The court isn’t just functional—it’s visually inspiring, reminding players of the professional team that calls their state home and showing them that the Thunder is invested in more than just what happens at Paycom Center. For many young players, shooting on a court associated with their favorite NBA team can be deeply motivating and aspirational. It reinforces the idea that dreams start at home, and that greatness can grow from any court, in any neighborhood.
Representatives from both the Thunder and OG\&E were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which drew local residents, city officials, and community leaders to Washita Valley Park. The atmosphere was celebratory, with live demonstrations, friendly games, giveaways, and the smiling faces of young hoopers eager to test out the new court. For many in attendance, this wasn’t just about basketball—it was about the sense of being seen and valued by organizations with the capacity to effect real change.
Thunder Vice President of Community Engagement, Christine Berney, spoke about the long-term vision of the project. “This is more than paint and concrete. It’s about legacy. It’s about giving communities a place to grow, to connect, and to thrive. We are proud to partner with OG\&E to bring these courts to life because we believe every neighborhood deserves to feel the energy and excitement that basketball can bring.”
Likewise, OG\&E representatives highlighted their company’s longstanding focus on community development. OG\&E’s Director of Public Affairs, Jeremy Johnson, echoed the sentiment, stating, “At OG\&E, we believe in powering life in every sense of the word. Projects like this are about energizing communities and investing in the future of our youth. We’re excited to partner with the Thunder on a project that will bring smiles and activity to this park for years to come.”
Washita Valley Park’s court is just one stop in a wider plan that aims to renovate dozens of basketball courts across Oklahoma. Previous projects have already made a noticeable impact in other communities, including Lawton, Tulsa, Norman, and smaller towns where recreational infrastructure is often stretched thin or outdated. The Thunder and OG\&E have mapped out an ambitious schedule over the coming years, balancing the practical logistics of construction and refurbishment with their mission to reach every corner of the state. Each project is tailored to the specific needs of the community, ensuring that improvements are not only cosmetic but also structurally sound and sustainable.
Local leaders in Washita Valley praised the Thunder and OG\&E for choosing their community as a recipient of the project. Councilwoman Denise Martin of the area pointed out that the court had long needed repairs and updates, but city funds were often prioritized for more immediate infrastructure needs. “This court was once a gathering spot for our youth, but over time, it became less safe and less inviting. Now, thanks to this partnership, it’s come back to life—and I’m already seeing the difference. Kids are back out here playing every evening. Parents are watching from the sidelines. It’s more than we could’ve hoped for.”
Beyond recreational benefits, local educators and youth mentors emphasized the impact of such facilities on youth development. Structured and unstructured play is known to promote physical health, improve mental well-being, and reduce the likelihood of risky behavior. Having a safe, accessible, and modern space to play basketball can foster discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills in young people. For kids who may be struggling at home or in school, the basketball court can offer a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. These deeper outcomes are part of what makes the Thunder’s community investment strategy so powerful.
The debut of the Washita Valley Park court serves as a reminder that even small improvements can have outsized effects. A freshly painted court can become the site of countless memories, lessons, and friendships. It can be where future Thunder stars first learn to dribble, where lifelong fans are born, and where communities find common ground. The court is not just an athletic facility—it’s a heartbeat of neighborhood life, and one that the Thunder and OG\&E are helping to strengthen with each new refurbishment.
While the Thunder continue to build a competitive team on the court, their efforts off the court are equally noteworthy. Community engagement remains a pillar of the organization’s identity, and this initiative with OG\&E cements their role as leaders in social responsibility within the sports world. In an era where professional teams are often critiqued for operating as distant commercial entities, the Thunder stand out for their hands-on approach to community partnership.
Looking ahead, the Thunder and OG\&E plan to continue unveiling refurbished courts throughout Oklahoma, each project informed by community input and tailored to meet local needs. Whether in bustling urban centers or quiet rural towns, the mission remains the same: to bring the game of basketball—and all the joy, health, and unity it can provide—closer to the people. Washita Valley Park now joins the growing list of places where that mission is alive and well, offering a shining example of what can be achieved when local passion meets organizational commitment. As kids race across the freshly painted surface, sink shots in the new rims, and laugh under the summer sun, one thing is clear—the court may be new, but the spirit it awakens has always been there, waiting for a place to shine.
