Net gain for Niagara
Niagara’s outdoor basketball enthusiasts will be swishing their shots on new basketball nets courtesy of the Niagara River Lions.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League franchise partnered with Thorold, Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines to install or replace basketball netting on outdoor courts on June 23 and 24.
“We are proud to launch this project in collaboration with the participating municipalities,” said Brianna Paszt, the River Lions’ community relations coordinator. “With beautiful summer weather on the way, we expect outdoor courts to be busy with people of all ages and we hope that this small improvement makes a big difference when playing on the courts.”
Many of the selected parks had no mesh on their basketball rims. Adding the meshes improves the overall playing experience and makes it easier for athletes to shoot hoops.
Each municipality’s parks and recreation department identified which parks would receive the new Spalding meshes.
Parks in St. Catharines getting new meshes were Barley Drive Park, Glengarry Park and Partridge Park on Rockcliffe Road.
“The City of St. Catharines welcomes partnerships that enhance our recreational facilities for the benefit of our community,” said Eric Lamothe of the City of St. Catharines. “In particular, the Niagara River Lions’ support may inspire our youth to not only get active but also hone their skills on the court. It’s really a slam dunk.”
Parks in Thorold that received new meshes were McAdam Park at the corner of Morton and Ontario Streets, Winterberry Park and Port Robinson Park on River Street.
“It is important that we maintain safe and up-to-date recreational equipment throughout our community at our local parks,” Thorold mayor Terry Ugulini said. “We are grateful to the Niagara River Lions for donating new Spalding meshes that will be installed at McAdam Park, Winterberry Park, and Port Robinson Park, effectively improving the experience for people in our Thorold community who enjoy shooting hoops on our basketball courts.”
New meshes in Niagara Falls were installed at Preakness Park, Mulhern Park on Baldwin Avenue and Robert Keighan Park on Beaverton Boulevard.
“What a cool way to make the summer brighter for kids outside in our communities. Thank you Niagara River Lions for bringing the mesh and for this small enhancement that will go a long way to upgrade our community basketball courts,” Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati said. “Basketball players will be out enjoying the new mesh and I’m not going to promise this will help them up their game, but you can bet they’ll be bringing it to the courts.”
Welland parks which saw new meshes installed were Sherwood Forest Park on Rolling Acres Drive and Gaiser Park.
“Community parks are vital to everyday recreation; being part of the Mesh Refresh highlights community spirit and the reminder to get and stay active,” said Amanda Degazio, the City of Welland’s manager of business and community services.
