The Observation Deck

[quote="Stephen Eisel"]Jim, can we play B-Ball at Kauffman Park after 9 pm? /quote]


Stephen - the LOBC courts are locked at 8PM Sunday through Friday (closed all day Saturday) ... and now with the sun setting earlier and earlier, they will be locked when earlier and earlier.

Peter Grossetti wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:Jim, can we play B-Ball at Kauffman Park after 9 pm? /quote]


Stephen - the LOBC courts are locked at 8PM Sunday through Friday (closed all day Saturday) ... and now with the sun setting earlier and earlier, they will be locked when earlier and earlier.

Hi Peter,

Why are the courts locked all day Saturday? That seems like the perfect day for the kids to get out of the house and play basketball.

Betsy Voinovich

Betsy - to the best of my understanding, the courts being closed on Saturday was an agreement between LOBC and City Hall (not sure which branch/es of the government; administration? council? both?) I think "The City" was concerned about violence and other ugly social issues ... but, oddly, the only violence occurring at the hoops at Kauffman Park was in early summer 2011, when an adult neighbor brought a baseball bat to the courts hell bent on who knows what!

While I’m a big supporter of the LOBC, I’m just curious as to what ever happened to the issues raised by At-Large Lakewood City Councilwoman Monique Smith. What happened?

What caused the last minute change of heart by City Hall?

And, when and where is the ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled to take place?

Matt

Alex and Corey trying out the new hoops at Lakewood Park!

Nice work and thank you LOBC, and City Hall.


.

What an exciting day!


James didn't even take the time to put his shoes on!

Thanks to ALL those that helped make this happen. If you haven't had a chance to donate, it's not to late.
You can still buy a brick or just make a tax deductible donation.

http://lobc.org/

With the weather being so wonderful this evening, I decided to stop by the courts with my little
guys this evening after their Cross Country practice.

What a treat to see Manny Mahome up there with his whistle. Known as 'Coach' to all the ballers at Kauffman, Manny has spent two evenings a week supervising the Kauffman courts for the past two years.

Not only has Manny watched so many kids grow physically taller through the passing seasons, what he has noticed the most is the improvement in their physical conditioning. Not only are they getting better at basketball, Manny has noticed the kids get fitter and stronger, and has watched new friendships form. To him, that is the most rewarding part of his volunteer work.

Manny lives much closer to Lakewood Park. Just a five minute walk from his home, this wonderful retired Cleveland native is so thrilled to be able to walk up to the courts. Manny is an incredible mentor to these young folks. We are truly blessed to have him as as such a dedicated LOBC court supervisor.

Stop by sometime and introduce yourself to Manny. He will name every kid on the court, even pointing out the "most improved player".


Thank You for all you do for the youth of Lakewood Manny. We couldn't do it with out you!

If you haven't had a chance to donate to the MVD Memorial Courts, it's not to late. Check out the LOBC website and donate right on line!

http://lobc.org/

Photo #1: Antonio, a freshman at Tri C goes one on one with Darion, a senior at Lakewood City Academy. Both young men stopped play to introduce themselves to me. Taking the time to thank those that helped make this new court possible. Just their sheer happiness and joy in playing was rewarding beyond words.

Photo #2: Here Kevin tries to make a move on Yacub(Manny's most improved player btw)while Mo, smiling in the background, who has grown from about 5'8" to over 6'2" and who is very proud of how much stronger he as gotten spending a couple hours everyday at the Kauffman courts since they opened two years ago.

Photo #3: Taken after the 4th of July Parade, A true hero...Manny Mahome