New basketball nets installed in six parks
Residents now have access to six new basketball hoops, thanks to funding from Basketball England.
The nets were distributed as part of Basketball England’s Project Swish, an initiative that aims to distribute thousands of free basketball nets for outdoor hoops across the country.
This follows research conducted by Healthy Stevenage, working in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Applied Research Collaboration (ARC), the University of Hertfordshire (UoH) and Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health team, that highlighted basketball as a sport young people reported that they would like to play more of in the town.
The nets have been installed at the following parks:
- Shephalbury Park
- Hampson Park
- Peartree Park
- St Nicholas Park
- Canterbury Way Playing Fields
- Ridlins End Playing Fields
With more due to be installed next week at the following parks:
- Peartree Park
- Ridlins Park
- Broad Oak Way
Councillor Jeannette Thomas, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Older People at Stevenage Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Stevenage residents who would like to become a bit more active, and the timing is perfect for young people to use the hoops during the summer holidays.”
Councillor Richard Henry, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture, said: “We know how important exercise is for our physical and mental health, so we’re grateful to Basketball England for donating the hoops free of charge. They will be located at locations across Stevenage meaning that one will be available in a park near you.”
Angela Griffin, Hertfordshire Basketball Association Secretary & Development Officer, said: “Basketball is a great sport to be involved in, and Hertfordshire Basketball Association are working hard to develop Basketball within Stevenage and other districts across Hertfordshire.
“With the help and support from Basketball England #ProjectSwish we are working towards making sure every basketball hoop in a public area will have a new net.”
For more information on the initiative, visit: projectswish.co.uk