Squash where people can see it
Project Beacon opened during Chicago’s 2025 PSA World Championships. Placing the court in a public park gave people a visible introduction to the sport ahead of its Olympic debut at LA28.
Outdoor squash · Partner-delivered example
Project Beacon, Chicago
An outdoor glass squash court in Union Park, opened on 16 May 2025, combining visible public-park sport with community art.
Delivered referenceReviewed
Project Beacon was delivered before Let’s Bounce started. Access Courts, our partner, designed and manufactured the court. The original initiative was led by Arnie Dratt and supported by the PSA Foundation, now Squash United Foundation, US Squash, its foundation, the Chicago Park District and the local squash community. Squash Dog did not deliver this project.
The project at a glance
- Location
- Union Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Opened
- 16 May 2025
- Court
- Outdoor glass court by Access Courts
- Distinctive feature
- Rotating community art on the exterior walls
A local coalition made it possible
Arnie Dratt led the development over nearly four years. Local businesses and the squash community contributed support, with MetroSquash, After School Matters and the Chicago Parks Foundation identified as community programming partners.
Art and activity belong together
The exterior glass walls carry changing art displays. US Squash’s June 2026 report identifies Cecilia Bevan’s work and reports use by park summer camps, after-school clubs, local players and visitors. Its first-anniversary celebration took place on 29 May 2026.
What Let’s Bounce can learn
Our takeaway is to plan the people alongside the court: a visible location, an accountable local host, welcoming introductions and reasons to return. Art can create another point of connection for people who do not yet play. These are lessons for future projects, rather than a claim that every site will achieve the same results.
Before you visit
Check with the local operator
Project Beacon was launched as publicly accessible. Check current opening times, equipment, session availability and any booking requirements with the local operator before travelling. This case study does not provide live availability.
Sources and credit
Read the original reports
A place of your own
Could squash bring your community together?
Let’s Bounce connects outdoor court ideas with local hosts, schools, coaches and appropriate sponsors. We can explore the place, participation programme and practical delivery together.
Discuss a similar projectSquash Dog is operated by Fagan Consulting Limited, a commercial company. Court options are assessed for each site and community.