Alexandra Park basketball court launch event in Portsmouth hailed a 'great success'
Basketball players gathered for the launch of vibrant new courts in Hilsea
Basketball players from across the city gathered to shoot hoops at the launch event of the newly renovated basketball courts in Alexandra Park.
“The launch event was a great success,” said Councillor Russell Simpson. “These courts are another addition to the growing free sport utilities around Hilsea, since two full size goals were placed in Alexandra park. Community of all ages can now enjoy a vibrant and state of the art 3x3 court.”
The project has been in the works since 2023 and was a collaboration between many different parties interested in regenerating community spaces in Portsmouth and reducing antisocial behaviour in Hilsea.
“Hilsea is always crying out for more community safe spaces as the only ward without a community centre,” said Cllr Simpson, who secured £60,000 from the council to fund the project.
The renovations included the installations of a new cage, hoops and a new surface, painted in bright colours.
The court was sponsored by Basketball England, and the project was managed by Portsmouth City Council officer Ian Viner, Cllr Simpson and Craig Hughes, who is the founder of Chainnet 3x3 and head coach of Portsmouth Force basketball team.
Bright mural walls adjacent to the courts were sponsored by Crown Paint and Mountjoy Portsmouth, and artists involved were Seekers Create, Neil Foley, Alice Christina Rose and Spike Zephaniah Stephenson, and more art will be added over the year.