SPORTS
Community Courts
Creating Places Where Communities Come Together
Where Play Begins, Possibility Follows
Every kid deserves a place to play. Through the Community Courts initiative, the Caitlin Clark Foundation is expanding access to safe, high-quality spaces where youth can move, compete, and connect.
In partnership with Musco Lighting, this initiative brings multi-use courts to communities where they can make the greatest impact.
Because when kids have a place to play, they discover who they can become.
SPORTS
Our Mission in Action:
Community Courts reflect the Foundation’s Sport pillar in action, creating opportunities for youth to stay active, build relationships, and develop lifelong skills through play.
These spaces are more than courts, they are environments where teamwork and confidence are being built every day.
At the heart of this initiative is the Mini-Pitch System™, a modular, high-quality court designed for soccer, basketball, and futsal.
Each court includes:
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Built-in goals and hoops
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Integrated lighting for extended play
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Enclosed fencing for safety
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Benches and gathering space
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Custom surfacing
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ADA-accessible entry points
Every detail is designed to ensure that more kids can show up, step in, and start playing.
A Community Investment That Lasts
The first Community Courts installations are launching in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools, bringing four new courts to:
- Hiatt Middle School
- Callanan Middle School
- McCombs Middle School
- Weeks Middle School
These courts are designed to serve not just students, but entire neighborhoods, creating shared spaces where community and connection can grow.
Helping Kids Step Onto the Court
Access changes everything. When kids have a place to play, they gain more than just activity, they gain confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
This initiative helps remove barriers to recreation, giving every child the chance to participate, compete, and grow.
Looking Ahead
Community Courts is designed as a long-term, scalable initiative, bringing more courts to more communities over time.
Through continued partnership and investment, the Foundation aims to expand access to play and create spaces where kids can thrive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this program serve?
Community Courts are placed in communities where access to safe recreational spaces is limited. The initiative focuses on creating opportunities for youth while also serving the surrounding neighborhood.
What is a Mini-Pitch System™?
The Mini-Pitch System™ is a modular sports court designed for soccer, basketball, and futsal. It includes built-in goals and hoops, lighting, fencing, and ADA-accessible features to support inclusive, multi-use play.
Where are the first courts located?
The first installations are located at four middle schools within Des Moines Public Schools: Hiatt, Callanan, McCombs, and Weeks. Additional locations will be added as the program expands.
How does the partnership with Musco Lighting work?
Musco Lighting provides expertise, design, and infrastructure for the courts, working alongside the Caitlin Clark Foundation to bring these projects to life in communities that need them most.
