A Public Space Shaped by Public Spirit

In Surakarta, also known as Solo, access to shared public spaces is more than a convenience — it's a reflection of how a city cares for its people. This week, that care took shape in the form of a newly unveiled, free-to-play public basketball court, created through a collaboration between Okay Bears, the Mayor of Surakarta, and the Surakarta Sports Department (Dispora). Once just a worn piece of concrete, the site has been transformed into a living symbol of community spirit: a space built for play, connection, and joy.

The court is now the only free full-court basketball facility available to the public in Surakarta. Refurbished with professional court markings and durable hoops, it also features a vibrant mural designed alongside local artists. The artwork blends Okay’s optimistic visual language with Surakarta’s cultural identity, ensuring the space feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the city’s own character. Open from early morning to evening without any membership fees or reservations, the court removes barriers to entry for players of all backgrounds — whether a group of friends wants to run full-court, a father teaches a child their first layup, or a teen practices alone with music in their headphones.

“This project is about equitable access to healthy spaces,” said the Mayor of Surakarta. “We’ve created a court that belongs to everyone in Solo. It’s a place to learn, to play, and to celebrate what our city stands for: community and opportunity.”

The Surakarta Sports Department will continue to steward the facility, organizing community programs throughout the year. These include open 3-on-3 sessions, introductory skills clinics, and holiday activities for local students. The goal is not only to encourage play, but to build habits of movement, teamwork, and belonging that last far beyond a single game.

For Okay Bears, the project builds on a growing global mission: transforming overlooked or neglected spaces into environments that uplift and inspire. “Public space shapes public spirit,” said Kais, co-founder of Okay. “When you give people a beautiful, free place to play, you do more than draw lines on concrete — you draw communities together.”

This court is more than infrastructure. It is a statement of belief: that every neighborhood deserves spaces where people can show up as they are. Where activity feels natural. Where connections happen without planning. Where joy is free.