Special to The Truth
The Arts Commission held a public dedication event on Saturday, May 9, at the recently completed Inez Nash Park on Bancroft Street, adjacent to the Wayman D. Palmer YMCA.
The dedication included a celebration of the completion of a new public art installation by artist Andrea Bergart, consisting of a painted basketball court and five custom hoops and backboards
Basketball is one of artist Andrea Bergart’s most recurring references–a subject rooted in everyday life and shared cultural experience. This project allowed Bergart the opportunity to reimagine a basketball court as a dynamic fusion of art, nature and inventive play.
Drawing inspiration from Toledoʼs rich glass heritage and local flora, this whimsical design encourages players of all ages to engage with the court in imaginative, non-traditional ways. This project wasnʼt just about creating a court—it was about creating a work of art that the community can activate and feel proud of.
More than a recreational space, it’s a symbol of what makes Toledo unique and an invitation for the community to connect, imagine, and celebrate the joy of everyday play. The court will serve as the capstone installation in a series of renovations by the City of Toledo Department of Parks and Recreation at Inez Nash Park, including a quarter mile walkway, shelter, main event plaza, new playground equipment, and updated pathways and plazas as part of a completely new park layout.
These updates to Inez Nash Park follow the opening of the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA in March 2025, together creating a new hub of activity for the community.
The dedication event featured remarks from City Council President Vanice Williams, Art in Public Places Director Nathan Mattimoe and project artist Andrea Bergart.
One hundred custom-designed basketballs by Andrea Bergart were distributed to the first 100 children and families in attendance, and the public was invited to utilize the court and park in celebration of its completion.
Andrea Bergartʼs website can be found here: https://www.andreabergart.com/ More information about Toledoʼs public art collection can be found here: theartscommission.org/public-art/collection All questions should be directed to: Nathan Mattimoe Director of Art in Public Places 419.254.2787 Ext. 1011 nmattimoe@theartscommission.org
