Basketball Brings Hope to Troubled Apartments

Community Efforts Bring Positive Change to Greenwood Village Apartments

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, a once-troubled neighborhood is showing signs of transformation. The Greenwood Village Apartments, known for its safety concerns, has become a symbol of hope and progress. Over the past four years, the community has witnessed several positive developments aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.

One of the most notable changes came with the installation of a new soccer field in the neighborhood. This initiative provided children with a safe space to play and engage in physical activity. Now, the neighborhood is celebrating another significant achievement: the construction of two brand new basketball courts. This project was made possible through a public-private partnership between the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and the local nonprofit BRICK Sports.

“Basketball is a great way to bring people together,” said Cody Ballard, co-founder of BRICK Sports. “At BRICK, we use basketball as the gateway to get the kids in and then we just really work on them, you know, as a whole, all-around people. We really work on building great human beings, not just basketball players.”

The efforts of the community have been instrumental in creating a better future for Greenwood Village. Residents like Sidi Aden and Hassan Abdi, who have lived in the complex their entire lives, are witnessing a shift in the neighborhood's narrative. Aden shared how sports have helped him cope with the challenges of life, saying, “Sports really helps. It takes all of that away.”

Aden also expressed his desire to be a change-maker in the community. “I don’t want my siblings to grow up knowing, like, everybody here is labeled in a gangster. I want to be the change and be able to say, you don’t have to be a gangster.”

Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Neighborhood

The improvements in Greenwood Village are not just the result of individual efforts but also the collaboration between the city and local organizations. The Columbus City Attorney’s Office has played a key role in addressing the safety issues in the area. They have worked closely with the police department to install lighting and safety cameras, creating a more secure environment for residents.

Zach Klein, Columbus City Attorney, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “We’ve gotten the community to invest in themselves because people will take ownership of where they live, but they can’t do it themselves. They need the city, they need police to step up, and they need the ownership to step up. And we’re kind of seeing that manifest here.”

The construction of the new basketball courts is part of a broader effort to transform the area and provide young people with opportunities to thrive. Ballard highlighted the importance of instilling values in the youth, stating, “The youth is our future. They are the people that are going to take care of us. So it’s really important, especially with us, to instill great values in them and just show them, you know, that the community is important and giving back to your community is important.”

A New Era for Greenwood Village

Residents like Aden and Abdi have seen firsthand how the changes in their neighborhood have impacted their lives. Abdi reflected on how their childhood experiences were different from what the current generation is experiencing. “I was like these kids once upon a time — we didn’t have these. We just had sticks, two sticks, and we made a goal and we just played.” Now, the sound of a basketball bouncing echoes through the neighborhood, symbolizing the ongoing transformation.

The community has embraced the idea of unity and collective strength. Aden shared a personal motto: “United we stand, divided we fall.” He believes that by coming together, the community can overcome challenges and create a safer, happier environment for everyone.

According to leaders, the collaborative efforts over the past four years have led to a noticeable decrease in violent crime in the neighborhood. Klein noted that providing productive outlets for children is essential. “Kids are kids, but they have to have productive ways to spend time. And this is a great public-private partnership to bring it together as one of the many things that needs to be done across the city of Columbus so that kids have opportunities to invest in themselves and their future, especially during the summer when school is out and there’s not a lot of activities for them to do.”

As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the focus remains on fostering a sense of community, promoting safety, and offering opportunities for the youth to grow and succeed. The journey toward a brighter future is ongoing, but the progress made so far is a testament to the power of collective action and determination.