Posted on: July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015 — Renovations to the outdoor basketball court at the Main Street Recreation Center are scheduled to be completed by mid-July. The Glen Ellyn Park District is able to refurbish this recreational area thanks to a collaborative effort with the Glen Ellyn Titans Youth Basketball organization who with assistance from the community, contributed $30,000 towards the improvement project. Additional in-kind contributions were made by Pope Lawn and Landscaping, a long time family owned Glen Ellyn business.
At a cost of approximately $40,000, the project involves the complete overhaul of the existing basketball court. The basketball court and surrounding area will benefit from the improvements which include court resurfacing, basketball poles, glass backboards, park benches, expansion of a fence and landscape elements.
In March of this year, representatives of the Titans approached the Glen Ellyn Park District about contributing towards improvements for the outdoor basketball court located on the Main Street Recreation Center site. The Titans, established in 1999 as a feeder system for the Glenbard West High School basketball program, offers boys and girls the opportunity to participate in a respected and competitive youth basketball program.
After the idea to restore the outdoor basketball court was initiated, Park District staff met with Titans representatives including president, Joe Cardona and Scott Daniels, a Glen Ellyn resident, previous Titans coach and executive with Sport Court, a manufacturer of products related to outdoor athletic surfaces, to discuss their ideas further. It was mutually agreed the concepts presented by the Titans were consistent with the needs identified by the Park District. The work to improve the site began in May.
Cardona stated, “The Titans would like to thank the Glen Ellyn Park District, Sport Court Midwest, Pope Landscaping, the community and all our Titans families for their support. Together a special outdoor facility for many summers to come is being created. The court will be special place for the Titans as it not only is dedicated to the kids in our community but also honors the memory of J.R. McBride, a longtime Glen Ellyn resident, former Titan president and board member, basketball enthusiast and who influenced many lives through his passion, selflessness and dedication.”
Through the years, the Titans have successfully fundraised largely through their annual holiday basketball tournament with the proceeds going towards lowering of participation fees, financial aid and also contributing back to the community such as the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.
“The Glen Ellyn Park District is very appreciative of the efforts made by the Glen Ellyn Titans Youth Basketball organization towards the renovation of the outdoor basketball court at Main Street Recreation Center as it will serve to benefit the entire community,” said Executive Director Dave Harris.
A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 11th beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by games and activities (weather permitting).
NEW DATE: A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 18th beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by games and activities (weather permitting).