On Feb. 16, the NBA in collaboration with State Farm unveiled a new Learn and Play Center at Lincoln Elementary School, 450 E. 3700 South.

Over the last 18 years, the NBA has helped create more than 2,000 places where kids and families can live, learn or play in communities around the globe as part of its mission to unite and improve communities through the game of basketball.

The new Learn and Play Center at Lincoln Elementary includes a renovated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education space inclusive of new technology, books and other resources as well as enhancements to the school’s gymnasium with new hoops, equipment, lighting and updated flooring.

Lincoln Principal Milton Collins was surprised with his own bobcat (the school mascot) in the hallway as part of the festivities. 

The assembly portion featured ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, former Jazz players Carlos Boozer and Thurl Bailey, current Jazz player Collin Sexton, South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. 

Lincoln Elementary serves 450 students in grades K-5 in the Granite School District. The diverse group of students and families speak over 24 languages. Every classroom in grades K-5 has a one-to-one access to Chromebooks.