Basketball Great Unveils First Donated 'Dream Court' In Nassau

INWOOD, NY — Womens' basketball legend Nancy Lieberman is donating five playground courts across Nassau County.

The first "Dream Court" ribbon cutting took place on Thursday at Inwood Park.

Nancy Lieberman Charities valued the courts at $325,000.

Lieberman, a member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame, grew up in Far Rockaway and frequently played hoops in Inwood Park.

"To come here to play, to compete and get the crap knocked out of me on occasion," Lieberman said at a news conference. "But it toughened me up and it made me bigger, better and stronger."

The "Dream Courts" program focuses on underserved communities across the country and getting children outside for exercise.

"I think it's such a fundamental part of childhood that seems to be getting lost, in some senses, especially during the pandemic we saw how important youth sports are," Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. "It's also about being together. It's about being social. It's about knowing how to win and how to lose."

Other "Dream Courts" will get installed in North Woodmere Park and Wantagh Park. Curran said they are also exploring courts for Eisenhower Park, Nickerson Beach and the Five Towns Community Center.