Columbia weighs alternate design for Douglass Park basketball courts
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Parks and Recreation officials are set to discuss the future design of the Douglass Park basketball courts this week, following community debate over a proposed name and theme for the $900,000 renovation project.
The Parks and Recreation Department will host a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Activity and Recreation Center on West Ash Street to review proposed improvements to the courts.
In 2023, the city announced that the courts would honor Willie Cox, a former assistant coach of the University of Missouri women’s basketball team who died in 2019. Early design concepts featured MU themes, including a black court with the circle Tiger logo at center court and a second court in gold. Planned upgrades also include new rims, LED lighting and a park shelter.
Some community members raised concerns at the time, saying the designs focused too heavily on the university and did not reflect the broader history of basketball programs that have used the courts.
Anthony Johnson, a Columbia resident and founder of Columbia Supreme Basketball, said he would have liked to see one court recognize the Moon-Light Hoops program. Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll -- who was not on the City Council when the project was approved -- said the debate highlighted the need for stronger community engagement.
Nearly a year later, Parks and Recreation officials are preparing to move forward with an alternative blue and gray design. Under the proposal, one court would feature “Douglass Bulldogs” along the baseline, while the second would display “Moonlight Hoops Est. 1989” along the sideline.
Parks and Recreation Director Gabe Huffington said the commission is expected to discuss the revised design Thursday before presenting it to the City Council on Feb. 2. A council vote is anticipated Feb. 16.
Huffington said public discussion on the project began in May, with an input meeting held Sept. 29. Approval was delayed after a November committee meeting was canceled and no meeting was held in December.
If approved, construction would begin immediately, with completion targeted for June. City officials are also considering installing a Mizzou-themed court honoring Cox at another Columbia park.
