Down in Texas there is a beautiful maple court where kids can hang out and learn to play and shoot some hoops. The vision for the Paul Laurence Dunbar gym floor began with former teacher Clarence Holliman and was completed by wood flooring pros.

Mr. Holliman had a vision to see the school gymnasium restored to serve as a community outreach center. This school operated from the 1920’s until desegregation in the 1960’s and adds its own chapter to black history. He had the maple flooring but needed the help to turn those boards into a finished court.

Jesse Cienega of Oakline Floors went to another school where Clarence Holliman was his principal. When he saw this project mentioned on the news, he knew what needed to be done and Oakline floors was on board. They installed, sanded and finished the beautiful maple floor.

Tim McCool, technical director at The Master’s Craft, heeded the call to help from  Hardwood Floors Magazine and quickly made calls to volunteer. He and Daniel Elbrecht, our Southern Regional manager, spent their Saturday painting the basketball layout lines. The Courtlines paint used was donated by Bona, adding yet another industry leader’s contribution to this project.

This past week, kids were running, jumping, and playing on this maple court.  Taking industry knowledge and skill and giving back to the community is what it is all about– there’s a floor in Mineral Wells, TX as proof.