New basketball court set to open in Burgess Park

A new top of the range basketball court is set to open in Burgess Park, South London, funded by Southwark Council and Access Sport.

The two organisations collaborated with Sam Sure of Half Decent Day for a beautiful artwork design on the court, which has regulation 72 inch acrylic backboards, flex rings and a block of seating for 50.

As part of the project, Access Sport have also set up a new inclusive community club based at the court; Burgess Park Basketball Club, focusing on empowering local disadvantaged and disabled young people through basketball.

Though the court is set to open officially to the public, free of charge, in the coming months, a community event was held on Wednesday 14th August in collaboration with London Youth to test out the space, with taster sessions, a meet and greet with GB’s Shanice Beckford-norton as well as a dunk contest.

The court’s logo was created with a nod to Burgess Park’s nature and history and looks to
give the community a sense of ownership over the facility.

The project is part of a wider collaboration between Access Sport and the London Marathon Foundation which will see £1.6 million invested into inclusive basketball and cycling activities across London.

“Thank you to all the partners involved in this process, without your support this terrific court wouldn’t exist,” Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport Chief Executive, said.

We hope this court quickly becomes a thriving basketball community that provides local young people a real sense of community and belonging.”

Sam Sure from Half Decent Day – who also got Deptford Blue Cage renovated – added:

“Basketball courts built to this level of specification, with branding unique to the area promote local pride and ownership. Burgess Park has so many neighbourhoods close by in need of high-quality, free-access facilities. This incredible project will make a massive impact on the local area, creating a space that encourages unity and togetherness through sport.”

“As well as ensuring the hoops, backboards and poles are all of the highest specifications, we worked with SC Sports who provided bespoke coloured, FIBA-regulated grip grade paint, meaning both the surface and equipment will be up there with the best courts in the country.”

Find out how to drive your own local court project with our ‘How to Renovate Your Local Basketball Court’ guide.

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