PARK DEDICATION AND KICK-OFF CEREMONY A SUCCESS!!

More Photos are available in the PHOTO ALBUM:
On June 7th we dedicated the New York Ave Playground Basketball courts to the community. Thanks to Pulte Homes, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr., Police Chief Cathy Lanier and others the day was a huge success. In June of 2007, Tom Sherwood of Channel 4 News did an interview with the MBL Officials (Terrance Judge and Kevin Jones). In the interview he highlighted the poor condition of the New York Ave. basketball courts and how unsafe it was to continue our Summer Basketball Tournament. Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. coordinated an arrangement with Pulte Homes and the DC Recreation Department to refurbish the courts. After the courts were completed, we tried several times to dedicate the park but could not do so until this spring.

It was almost 100 degrees outside, but that didn't matter!! The kids still showed up to come out and participate. Due to the humidity, the 3 on 3 tournament and concert planned for the day were cancelled but the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony went oo as planned. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier was present and talked and took photos with everyone in attendance. The Director of The DC Recreation Department, Clark Ray started things off by expressing his gratitude to Pulte Homes for refurbishing the playground. Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. spoke next and expressed the need for more involvement in the community by corporations and organizations to keep the youth active with positive activities during the summer break. ANC-5C Commissioner Kris Hammond gave thanks to all of the hard work that was put into this endeavor and the Metroball program.

Metroball President, Terrance Judge and Vice-President, Kevin "Moose" Jones, presented Pulte homes with a plaque to thank them for their generous contribution to the New York Ave. Playground and the Metropolitan Basketball League. Then Lorenzo "Renny" Miles, who started playing in this tournament since it's inception in 2000 spoke about his success from being a part of this program. He has gone on to graduate from Niagara University and is now playing Professional Basketball in Sweeden. This was an inspiration to all the kids in the neighborhood to show them that they can do whatever they dream of. The last speaker, but certainly never the least, was Community activist Joyce Paul-Robinson. She has been diligently working and fighting to improve this neighborhood for many years. She is working with Metroball to raise funding and support to build a fully functional Recreation Center on the New York Ave. Site. There is definitely a need for it. We will keep fighting until it happens.

The highlight of the day was when a representative from Pulte Homes pulled up in a pick-up and unveiled 100 Basketballs to give out to the children! We lowered one of the new backboards and the kids were able show off their greatest Dunks. Thanks to N'Top Shape (a female sports management company) and their president Joanne "JT" Toye, there were many young girls in attendance. We are looking to expand our basketball tournamnet this summer to include young girls, so this was a great way to showcase what girl basketball players can do. Even the girls got in the act on dunking!

Harry Thomas Jr. brought hot dogs and hamburgers to the park and we fired up the grill. Triple Team Entertainment pumped up the music and we had a good time eating dancing and playing ball. It was like a huge community picnic. It was a great way to kick off the 2008 summer tournamnet season. Teams are registering now.

Remember, These new courts are for the community. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THEM!!! Keep them clean and do not let anyone destroy or deface them.  This is for your neighborhood.  You now have one of the best courts in the city.  That is something to be proud of.