Long before basketball courts opened in Forest Park, pickup basketball had its own map across St. Louis.
Players knew where to go to find a game. Courts across the city and region became places where younger players tested themselves against older competition, friendships formed and the game was passed from one generation to the next.
“I’m just so happy,” she said. “To see people out here and enjoying the courts just makes my heart sing. Nicholas would have been so amazed to see this and be a part of it.”
As some of those courts and gathering places disappeared or changed over time, the need for accessible places to play remained.
Two years after the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts opened in Forest Park, the courts known as “The Nick” are becoming part of that tradition.
Forest Park Forever marked the second anniversary of the courts Thursday with basketball, music and activities. The courts opened July 9, 2024, becoming the first basketball courts in Forest Park after years of planning and community input from more than 2,000 residents.
The courts are named in memory of Nicholas J. Booker, a St. Louis native who loved basketball and had a connection to Forest Park. Booker died after suffering an asthma attack while playing basketball during his freshman year at Fordham University in New York. His mother, Satonia Booker, said he had been at the university for only 30 days when he died.
Since opening, the two full courts and two half courts have recorded more than 40,000 visits, according to Forest Park Forever.
John O’Gorman, senior vice president of development and community initiatives for Forest Park Forever, said the response confirmed what the organization had heard from residents for years.
“There really was nothing over here, but we’ve heard a demand for quite a while for basketball,” O’Gorman said. “I see people out in the winter playing basketball here, too.”
He said the courts have also introduced new visitors to Forest Park, many of whom come to play basketball before exploring other parts of the park.
His family says the courts reflect the way Nicholas lived.
“He was the kind of person who brought people together, and that’s what these courts are all about,” Satonia Booker said. “Bringing people together to enjoy the sport, enjoy each other, just be outside, exercise, take care of themselves and come together.”
She said Nicholas was an organ donor and helped more than 100 people.
Seeing people of different ages and backgrounds use the courts has made the space especially meaningful.
“I’m just so happy,” she said. “To see people out here and enjoying the courts just makes my heart sing. Nicholas would have been so amazed to see this and be a part of it.”
Nicholas’ connection to Forest Park began before the courts were built. Years ago, Satonia Booker’s high school friends dedicated a tree in the park in his memory. After a tornado damaged parts of Forest Park, she returned a few days later to see whether it was still standing.
It was.
“I was just really, really thrilled to see that Nick survived,” she said. “He had one branch that was a little knocked down, just a little worn, but he’s still standing strong.”
Greg Booker, Nicholas’ uncle, said basketball has always brought people together.
“It really means a lot because I know that Nick liked to bring people together,” he said. “Basketball has always brought a lot of people together, and it’s good to have it here so that other people can come and enjoy it and have fun.”
He said he hopes the courts remain part of Forest Park for years to come.
“I hope that it stays around and more people come and make it a special place to come,” Greg Booker said. “Maybe hold some special events here, too. I would like to see that.”
While shooting baskets with his son Thursday, one father said basketball courts can be difficult to find in some parts of St. Louis. He said even when his sons are not playing, seeing others on the court can inspire them.
“It doesn’t matter too much about where you’re from,” he said. “This is just about people getting out there and enjoying the game and passing it on.”
Two years after opening, The Nick has become more than a new amenity in Forest Park. It is a place where people can play, gather and build their own memories.
For Satonia Booker, that is a fitting way to honor her son.
“He was the kind of person who would light up a room,” she said. “He would see people and bring them together.”