After five years of neglect and following repeated neighborhood petitions to the City Council, the sports courts in Nou Alacant have been brought back to life. A private initiative, led by the Fundación Lucentum, the Sociedad Cultural y Deportiva Carolinas, and the artistic collective Hoops Outside, has been the key to rehabilitating these 1,700 square meters.
The official reopening was celebrated this Saturday with a basketball festival that included a 5x5 court and two 3x3 courts. The event brought together neighborhood residents, young people from surrounding areas, and members of clubs such as SCD Carolinas and San Blas. Also present were the initiative's promoters: the deputy mayor and sports councilor, Manuel Villar, and artists Uralde and ItsMariela, creators of the "Floreciendo" artistic intervention that has filled the space with color.
The idea emerged almost two months ago following a meeting between Josema Ruiz (SCD Carolinas) and Daniel Adriasola (Fundación Lucentum), who identified the need to revitalize this space, previously used for futsal. The objective was to create an attraction point for young basketball fans in the area.
The connection with Daniel Arróniz, founder of Hoops Outside, was crucial. The collective, with experience in intervening basketball courts, found the ideal location in Alicante for their next project. After intensive work involving cleaning, installing electrical wiring and furniture, and about two weeks of painting, the court now shines with a colorful design that evokes joy and the urban spirit of basketball.
Residents have expressed their satisfaction with the space's recovery, although they request permission to use it for other activities as well, such as those previously promoted by the neighborhood association. María Dolores Alavés, the association's president, recalls how the court was maintained in the past with a grant from the Sports Board and a coach for various teams.
The neglect began with the pandemic's halt, leaving the courts full of trash and even used for sleeping. After unfulfilled municipal promises, the handover to the Fundación Lucentum has enabled its renovation. "At least it's been cleaned," comments resident Rosario Rocamora, while Amparo Vera celebrates that "it now brings life to the neighborhood, which is much needed."
Deputy Mayor Manuel Villar admitted that the City Council only provided the space, delegating all management to the Fundación Lucentum. Daniel Adriasola expressed the hope that this will be the first of many intervened courts, and Josema Ruiz announced a social project for children in the neighborhood to practice basketball starting in September, coordinated by Alicia Martínez.
