Since the launch of the B3 Youth Clinic, our biggest dream was to rebuild the basketball court where we held our program in Gosling Meadows. The basketball court is a place that united youth from all over the neighborhood whether they knew each other or not. It's a place were basketball was the only thing that mattered, our youth could leave behind the issues or stresses in their own lives. We knew that a new basketball court would become a pillar of our organization and a testament to the lasting legacy that our youth created for themselves. The new basketball court represents the dreams and aspirations of the youth in our community, and how, united we can accomplish anything!
After a successful first Spring season, we as an organization knew that it was time to begin to our greatest project yet, a brand new basketball court in Gosling Meadows. We introduced the idea to the Portsmouth Housing Authority and our team began to brainstorm along with the youth of the neighborhood, the features that we would want in this new court.
After collaborating with Portsmouth Housing Authority, Portsmouth Rotary, and the Community Development Block Grant of Portsmouth, we were able to get our ideas on paper based on our budget. The bidding document for contractors was sent out, and we were able to select a contractor and sign the construction contract.
Major construction began after Thanksgiving! The construction began with our contractor taking down the old fencing and hoops while expanding the court to its new dimensions.
Once the weather becomes nice, we will have a ribbon cutting event for the brand new court for the spaces official opening!
The original basketball hoops on either end of the old court, were in run down condition. The back boards were made out of plastic and the pole of the hoop was leaning over as it began to come out of the ground. The basketball hoop is perhaps the most important aspect of the sport of basketball. After all, if the hoop is not correct, it is only hurting a players ability to develop their skill.
The pavement condition of the old basketball court included multiple major cracks with weeds growing through them. These gaps in the pavement of the court obstructed the basketball games and practices for the youth of the community. Additionally, there was a elevated ledge around the edge of the court that many youth felt, was difficult to deal with, and could often cause tripping.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.