Basketballers rejoice for new court

• Local students Jayden Slater, Summer Howard and Oscar Brennan are excited by the development.

February 22, 2023

Bridport’s outdoor half basketball court on the foreshore is coming to fruition, with the slab poured on Monday.

The Lions Club of Bridport initiative will be an extension of the Adventure Playground, sitting between the skatepark and the Bridport Surf Life Saving clubrooms.

The project is a collaborative approach with donations from local businesses, clubs and council totalling more than $60,000.

Lions Club of Bridport Secretary Leonie Johnston said this is an exciting time for the community.

“This basketball facility will greatly enhance the current Lions Adventure Playground and offer a top-class facility for a wide age group of both children and adults,” she said.

“Recent data on other playgrounds support the advantage of incorporating equipment on the one site to suit a diverse range of ages and abilities, for example River Bend Playground Sea Port and Regent Square in George Town.

“Lions Club of Bridport has invested large amounts of funds raised by our volunteers, over many years, to provide facilities including the previous skatepark and exercise equipment as part of our Bridport Lions Adventure Playground.

“We fully support the importance of creating opportunities for youth to develop skills and confidence and finding ways to involve family and community members in as many activities as possible to support the positive and successful development of all youth.”

Ms Johnston said they are grateful to the Bridport community for its ongoing support to ensure the club can continue providing such facilities and donations.

Works are expected to be complete and game ready in the next few weeks, with an official opening in July.