Update - Hoops at Lakewood Park

[Peter Grossetti]

On behalf of everyone associated with Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee (LOBC), thanks to everyone who supported our efforts to expand outdoor basketball opportunities in our city though the installation of the Mark Vincent Dickens Memorial Courts at Lakewood Park. (Here is a link to the original Deck post: http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=10976

Looking for a last minute Holiday gift idea? Or a year-end tax deduction? There is still time to get a brick for the MVD Courts through LOBC’s Buy-a-Brick Campaign. Visit http://lobc.org/ for more info. (our Buy-a-Brick Campaign will extend over the winter, but why wait?)

I am happy to report that earlier this Fall, asphalt was poured for the courts; two high-quality, outdoor–grade hoops were installed; the basketball court lines were painted ... and most importantly, our vision of young people playing basketball at Lakewood Park is now a reality!

In addition, community recognition of our collective efforts is very apparent:

• Our LOBC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LOBCommittee?fref=ts has more than 1,500 followers;

• We received a letter of support signed by Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers and
six of the seven members of Lakewood City Council;

• One of LOBC’s on-court volunteers, Manny “Coach” Mahone, was one of three
recipients of Lakewood Hospital Foundation’s 2012 Outstanding Citizens.

Our work is not yet done, though! Our Spring 2013 plans include:

• Painting the MVD logos on the courts and installing a fence around the courts;

• Hosting a final fundraiser in conjunction with our partners, Friends of Mark Vincent Dickens, to raise the last of our $25,000 goal;

• Holding a celebratory ribbon-cutting event after the commemorative brick walkway
is installed; and

• Gearing up for our 1st annual MVD 3-on-3 Tournament!

Thank you for letting Lakewood’s young people know that this community truly cares about them.