Centrecourt ST-1 playground paint restores some pride to run-down basketball court

A once tired and underused basketball court in Plymouth has been transformed into a striking piece of urban floor art thanks to a community-led initiative by The Creative Crossover CIC.

Located in Central Park, the newly revitalised court combines sport, creativity and community engagement in a project designed to inspire more young people to get outdoors, get active and reconnect with local spaces.

The project was led by The Creative Crossover CIC, an organisation focused on blending basketball, education and creative workshops to engage local communities across Plymouth and the South West.

Community-led basketball court design

Rather than creating the design behind closed doors, the team invited the local community to help shape the finished court through a free creative workshop delivered in partnership with Green Communities.

The response exceeded expectations, with more than 30 colourful submissions from local children and residents. Ideas ranged from environmental themes and wildlife to imaginative patterns and bright colour palettes, all helping inspire the final artwork featuring a giant fox, rainbow graphics and playful nature-inspired elements.

With support from Plymouth City Council and funding from Labour’s Peverell ward councillor, Cllr Jaime Bannerman, work began on transforming the previously run-down court into a vibrant multi-use community space.

Over three sunny days, the court was carefully masked and painted to bring the final design to life.

Promain specifies Centrecourt ST-1 pride colours

To ensure the court delivered both visual impact and long-term durability, Promain specified and supplied the coating system for the project using CentreCourt ST-1 in the vibrant standard Pride colour range.

When creating high-impact outdoor basketball courts and sports surfaces, selecting the right sports court paint is essential not only for appearance, but also for performance and longevity. Outdoor courts are constantly exposed to changing weather conditions, UV exposure and heavy foot traffic, meaning the coating system needs to provide durability alongside strong colour retention.

The CentreCourt ST-1 Pride colours were chosen specifically for their bold and energetic appearance, helping the Fox Cub Court mural stand out as both a playable basketball court and a large-scale piece of public art.

The finished result demonstrates how colourful sports court paints can completely transform recreational spaces while helping encourage greater community use.

The growing popularity of colourful outdoor sports courts

Across the UK and internationally, brightly coloured basketball courts and urban sports spaces have become increasingly popular as communities look to revitalise unused areas and create more engaging public environments.

Projects like Fox Cub Court show how basketball court paint can be used creatively to deliver far more than just a playing surface. By combining art, sport and local participation, these courts become focal points for communities and encourage people of all ages to spend more time outdoors.

For organisations, councils and community groups considering similar projects, choosing specialist sports courts paints designed for exterior use is an important part of achieving a professional and long-lasting finish.

A lasting impact for Plymouth

The response from local residents throughout the project highlighted the positive impact the transformation has already had on the area, with families, dog walkers, skaters and park users stopping to watch the artwork take shape.

What was once an overlooked court has now become a vibrant landmark within Central Park and a symbol of how community creativity can reshape public spaces.

The Creative Crossover CIC hopes Fox Cub Court will be the first of many similar projects across Plymouth and the South West, helping breathe new life into disused courts and inspiring the next generation of basketball players and creatives alike.

For Promain, the project also highlights the growing demand for high-performance basketball court paint and specialist sports court coatings capable of delivering both durability and standout visual design in public outdoor spaces.