Blab Sports
Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club Unveils First Sports-Specific Mural at Rainbow Recreation Center
When the first rays of morning light hit the freshly resurfaced turf at Rainbow Recreation Center, the sound of sneakers on concrete was punctuated by a striking new visual: a bold, single‑panel mural by internationally known artist Shepard Fairey. The artwork marks the first time Fairey has designed a mural specifically for a sports surface.
The project, a joint effort between Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club (OSSC) and the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, has transformed an underused futsal court into a year‑round destination for indoor soccer, pick‑up games, and community recreation. The renovation included a new playing surface, upgraded safety features, and the installation of the mural, which now serves as a permanent landmark for athletes and spectators alike.
"It’s very exciting to be able to unveil this new piece in the Oakland community, highlighting resonant themes and values for my first sports‑specific ground mural with Oakland Roots and Soul SC along with Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation," Fairey said. He added that the timing was fitting, noting how the global unity seen during the World Cup “is a perfect time to celebrate global citizenship together in Oakland.”
OSSC, which competes in the USL Championship, has long championed community engagement, health, and the intersection of race, gender justice, and sport. Their women’s side, Oakland Soul SC, joined the USL W League in 2023. The club’s mission is reflected in the mural’s themes of unity and global citizenship, echoing Fairey’s broader body of work that often tackles social and political issues.
"The combination of refurbishing a futsal court with a Shepard Fairey mural exemplifies the power of sport and public spaces," said Andrea Lepore, SVP of Brand Partnerships at OSSC. Lepore highlighted the partnership with PG&E and Anthem, which helped bring new public works of art and safe places to play. "It’s more than a futsal court—it’s now an Oakland landmark and it’s free for our entire community to enjoy," she added.
Located on International Boulevard in East Oakland, Rainbow Recreation Center already hosts a gymnasium, basketball courts, a soccer/flag‑football field, a playground, and a toddler play area. The newly renovated court expands the center’s offerings, providing a dedicated space for indoor soccer that complements the existing outdoor facilities.
The mural’s creation was a collaborative effort led by East Oakland native Kalani Cecaci, a local graffiti artist whose work is woven into the city’s public art scene. Cecaci’s involvement underscores the partnership’s community roots, connecting the project to a broader network of East Oakland artists who have shaped the city’s visual culture.
The Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation played a pivotal role by securing funding, coordinating construction, and ensuring the court meets safety and accessibility standards. Their support illustrates the city’s commitment to improving public spaces and fostering inclusive environments.
Today, the court is open to the public. Residents can use the space for futsal, pick‑up soccer, and other sports activities, all while surrounded by Fairey’s vivid depiction of global unity. The mural stands as a visual reminder of Oakland’s cultural diversity and the city’s ongoing investment in multi‑purpose facilities that blend physical activity with artistic expression.
OSSC plans to continue engaging with the community through similar projects, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces that merge sport, art, and civic pride. The Rainbow Recreation Center renovation sets a precedent for future collaborations between sports organizations and the arts community, showcasing how high‑profile artists can elevate public venues.
In short, the completed futsal court and Shepard Fairey mural at Rainbow Recreation Center represent a joint effort by OSSC, the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, and local artists to enhance a public space that serves both athletic and artistic purposes. The project is now fully operational and available to all residents of Oakland.
The project, a joint effort between Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club (OSSC) and the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, has transformed an underused futsal court into a year‑round destination for indoor soccer, pick‑up games, and community recreation. The renovation included a new playing surface, upgraded safety features, and the installation of the mural, which now serves as a permanent landmark for athletes and spectators alike.
"It’s very exciting to be able to unveil this new piece in the Oakland community, highlighting resonant themes and values for my first sports‑specific ground mural with Oakland Roots and Soul SC along with Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation," Fairey said. He added that the timing was fitting, noting how the global unity seen during the World Cup “is a perfect time to celebrate global citizenship together in Oakland.”
OSSC, which competes in the USL Championship, has long championed community engagement, health, and the intersection of race, gender justice, and sport. Their women’s side, Oakland Soul SC, joined the USL W League in 2023. The club’s mission is reflected in the mural’s themes of unity and global citizenship, echoing Fairey’s broader body of work that often tackles social and political issues.
"The combination of refurbishing a futsal court with a Shepard Fairey mural exemplifies the power of sport and public spaces," said Andrea Lepore, SVP of Brand Partnerships at OSSC. Lepore highlighted the partnership with PG&E and Anthem, which helped bring new public works of art and safe places to play. "It’s more than a futsal court—it’s now an Oakland landmark and it’s free for our entire community to enjoy," she added.
Located on International Boulevard in East Oakland, Rainbow Recreation Center already hosts a gymnasium, basketball courts, a soccer/flag‑football field, a playground, and a toddler play area. The newly renovated court expands the center’s offerings, providing a dedicated space for indoor soccer that complements the existing outdoor facilities.
The mural’s creation was a collaborative effort led by East Oakland native Kalani Cecaci, a local graffiti artist whose work is woven into the city’s public art scene. Cecaci’s involvement underscores the partnership’s community roots, connecting the project to a broader network of East Oakland artists who have shaped the city’s visual culture.
The Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation played a pivotal role by securing funding, coordinating construction, and ensuring the court meets safety and accessibility standards. Their support illustrates the city’s commitment to improving public spaces and fostering inclusive environments.
Today, the court is open to the public. Residents can use the space for futsal, pick‑up soccer, and other sports activities, all while surrounded by Fairey’s vivid depiction of global unity. The mural stands as a visual reminder of Oakland’s cultural diversity and the city’s ongoing investment in multi‑purpose facilities that blend physical activity with artistic expression.
OSSC plans to continue engaging with the community through similar projects, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces that merge sport, art, and civic pride. The Rainbow Recreation Center renovation sets a precedent for future collaborations between sports organizations and the arts community, showcasing how high‑profile artists can elevate public venues.
In short, the completed futsal court and Shepard Fairey mural at Rainbow Recreation Center represent a joint effort by OSSC, the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, and local artists to enhance a public space that serves both athletic and artistic purposes. The project is now fully operational and available to all residents of Oakland.
