No Basketball on Saturday?

[Corey Rossen]

I remember when the concept of Recess ROCKS! Was conceived one of the first contacts I made was to Alex Cammock and the LOBC to see if there was a way our event could help their cause. I am a huge advocate of childhood health initiatives, so I am a huge fan of basketball courts for children, adults, and everyone in between.

I remember, when dinosaurs roamed, watching Coach Stupiansky and his varsity team paint lines at Harding, or as I knew it, the cage. Personally, I always thought the three point line was too close, but then again, I did always have the wind to blame for any misses!

Good luck, LOBC.

Corey

[Ryan Salo]

While I am disagreeing with the city I will bring up somehing that hasnt been mentioned here. It is my understanding that the single resident that is being a pain has convinced the mayor to spend 5k on a sound barrier to help block out sound.

Let me just get this straight. I know Mike is a smart businessman but this sounds crazy. 5k to apease one resident when that money could build multiple other locations which would solve this ladys problem by spreading the players out.

What are other folks thoughts? Build a wall for one loudmouth? My thought is that if she is so upset she can have something done herself on her property. The one ironic issue with the wall is that i have had conversations with another resident directly effected anx they really do not want the wall, so this will upset more people.

Public officials seem to not be willing to accept the fact that you can never have 100 percent buyin on anything and someone will always be upset. We need leaders willing to stand up for what is right even in election years...

[Roger Sikes]

I grew up playing outdoor basketball in Lakewood and continued to play basketball for Lakewood City schools throughout middle school and high school.

Throughout my youth, access to basketball was never an issue. I remember countless hours playing basketball at the Harding, Lakewood Park, Madison Park, Roosevelt school, and Horace Mann public basketball courts.

Playing basketball on the free public courts in Lakewood was more than just a sport for me. It contributed to my social development as a person. I was constantly exposed to my community and I formed bonds and friendships that otherwise would not have been formed. I remember the diversity of our courts, where black, white, rich, poor and everything in-between was welcome to come and play together.

I also remember dear friends on the Lakewood high school basketball team that were driven to success because of their passion for playing on the basketball team. Particularly for working class families paying to play on private basketball courts is unrealistic. Free public courts are necessary so that all members of our community have access to basketball and the skills needed to compete. I reiterate that dear friends were driven to keep their grades up and complete high school because they were on the basketball team. These public courts were fundamental in developing athletes to compete on the high school team.

To put things in perspective, a few short years ago Lakewood was home to over 10 public basketball courts. Decision makers decided that all of these courts needed to be removed. The only reason we have even one court in Lakewood is through the tireless advocacy and work by the Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee.

To the elected leaders in Lakewood: if you are interested in building an inclusive strong community it would be wise to begin implementing a network of basketball courts in Lakewood as soon as possible. Lakewood has been and will be an inclusive community at the grassroots level, the agenda of Lakewood's political leaders should once again reflect the wishes of the majority of Lakewood's community.

Roger Sikes
Lakewood High School Class of 2005
216-870-3757
rs385405@gmail.com

[Stan Austin]

Mr. Sikes --- Eloquently stated.
Stan Austin '67