Basketball Hoops Coming to Lakewood Park, But Help Still Needed

Lakewood city officials and volunteers are looking to put a full-court press on a plan to erect a couple of basketball hoops at .

The Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee is working with the support of to install two middle-school sized, half courts in the grassy area just west of the Lakewood Skatepark.

The area will be known as the MVD Memorial Court, named in memory of Mark Vincent Dickens whose life was cut short by cancer.

But the organization still needs some help from the community to get the project off the ground.

While the city will likely help out with the work, the effort is being coordinated by the LOBC.

“These are hard times to make these kinds of investments,” said Mayor Michael Summers. “We can’t make some of these creative investments easily. But this volunteer group is working very hard to make this happen. I appreciate their efforts greatly.”

Summers said that two-thirds of the necessary $30,000 has already been raised. 

But he noted that the project could still use some help from Lakewood residents.

Summers said he like to have the courts ready in the fall.

“How do we make this happen? It’s simple — excavation, asphalt and a couple hoops and fence,” Summers said. “But until we get the money situation done, we can’t get started.” 

As part of a pilot program, the LOBC installed and operated the hoops at in Sept. 2010.

Peter Grossetti, a volunteer with the organization, said he’s happy to help with the effort.

He’s worked with and monitored the children who play basketball at Kauffman Park every Wednesday for more than a year. 

“I would like to see all the hoops that were taken down in 2008 literally under the cover of night put back up,” Grossetti said. “But that is probably not going to happen, so I do what I can to help LOBC raise the (money).”

How can you help? (From )

The high-quality hoops on a freshly-paved playing surface at MVD Memorial Court will be surrounded by a walkway built with personalized bricks containing the names and/or messages of supporters like you. You can purchase a brick (three different sizes available: $100, $500, $1,000) by downloading the order form from the Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee website or by stopping by (18605 Detroit Avenue) to pick up a form. Can’t afford a brick? No problem. Donations of any amount will be gladly accepted. Your support demonstrates to the kids of Lakewood that you truly care about them!