Revitalizing Paterson's Neglected Basketball Courts for Community Use

Reclaiming Community Spaces

• 🏀 The 12th Avenue basketball courts in Paterson, N.J., are receiving much-needed attention after years of neglect.
• ⚠️ Neighbors report that the courts had become a haven for drug activity, with evidence of drug use found on the premises.

Plans for Rehabilitation

• 🛠️ Mayor Andre Seiya announced plans to rehab the 12th Avenue courts, including repaving, new hoops, and new fencing.
• 💰 The city is allocating just over half a million dollars for the facelift, funded by the American Rescue Plan.
• ⏳ Crews are expected to break ground in a few weeks, with the goal of having the courts ready for summer.

Community Hopes and Involvement

• 🌱 Longtime residents and players hope to reclaim the courts for the community, providing a safe place for children to play.
• 🤝 The mayor emphasized the need for community involvement in maintaining the courts and taking ownership to prevent future neglect.
• ✨ There is a strong hope that the positive "vibe" and sense of community that once existed at the courts will return.

Personal Impact of Basketball

• 🧠 A young player highlighted how basketball taught him discipline, mindset, and toughness.
• childhood memories are tied to the park, and there's a desire to provide similar positive experiences for the current youth.