Council OKs agreement for Boys & Girls Club to renovate Gloria Williams Park court as 'Shaq Icy Hot Comeback Court'

The Rockwall City Council on April 7 authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with the Boys & Girls Club to renovate the basketball court at Gloria Williams Park and brand it the "Shaq Icy Hot Comeback Court." The council's 6-0 vote with one member absent followed a presentation from parks staff and the club's executive director.

The project is funded by a $165,000 grant awarded to the Boys & Girls Club, which will cover construction invoices. City staff said the City of Rockwall will serve as general contractor, overseeing removal and replacement of the court surface and related work.

"The project would basically be the city of Rockwall being the general contractor scheduling and overseeing all the construction and the grant would pay the invoices," Parks staff said during the presentation. The scope described to council includes removing and replacing the concrete playing surface, installing LED lighting and new poles, replacing backboards and rims, installing black poly-coated fencing around the basketball court (and the adjoining pool for continuity), player benches with canopies, and branded court surfacing per grant specifications.

Jenny Krueger, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club, described the partnership that led to the grant: "Shaquille O'Neal bought a home in this area...he's a Boys and Girls Club alumni...he gives back in a pretty generous way to Boys and Girls Clubs." Krueger said the club plans pop-up programming at the site and emphasized the city will not displace park users for programming.

Staff and council projected a target completion date of June 1 to coincide with the pool opening, while noting weather could delay work. Krueger said a community reveal event with Shaquille O'Neal is planned for the summer if scheduling allows.

Council members praised the club's outreach and the parks department for its role. Councilmember Lewis moved to authorize the agreement; Councilmember McCallum seconded. The motion passed 6-0 with Mayor Johansen absent.

The city presentation and the club's remarks made clear responsibilities: the grant pays invoices; the city manages construction; the Boys & Girls Club will help advertise and operate programming at the renovated courts but will not require existing park users to leave.

Next steps described at the meeting include finalizing construction scheduling, coordinating community programming, and preparing for the planned summer reveal event.