City opens new basketball court and playground at Northwood Community Centre

Northwood Community Centre has unveiled a new basketball court and playground. CTV’s Gary Robson takes you there for the sights and sounds.

Winnipeg has added a new basketball court to its growing list of recreational facilities.

On Saturday, the city officially opened a new court at Northwood Community Centre, located at 1415 Burrows Ave. The project also includes new playground equipment, seating areas, asphalt pathways and other park features.

The total budget was approximately $604,000, with $149,000 from the federal government, $230,000 from the province and $225,000 from the city.

“The new basketball court and playground at Northwood Community Centre will give kids and families a safe, accessible space to gather, play and stay active for years to come,” Kevin Lamoureux, parliamentary secretary and MP for Winnipeg North, said in a media release.

City councillor Vivian Santos also celebrated the unveiling.

“With support from all three levels of government, this project shows what we can achieve when we work together to invest in vibrant, inclusive spaces,” Santos said in a release.

In addition to the facility, a custom mural was painted on the court. New backboards, rims and regulation game lines were installed, contributed by the non-profit Buckets & Borders in collaboration with the Winnipeg Sea Bears and TelPay.

“Winnipeg has become one of our favourite cities and because of long standing partnerships like these, we get to continue to grow the game of basketball in a city that truly loves the game,” CEO and co-founder of Buckets & Borders Justin Lee added.

The mural features the word “welcome” in Ojibwe, Cree, Dakota and Michif, and was created in partnership with students and alumni from Sisler High School and local artist Jonato Dalayoan. This is to honour the land the court is located on, according to the media release.

“The community will grow in areas of developing their pride, teamwork, playing fair and healthy attitudes,” said Marsha Missyabit, Kookum for the Winnipeg School Division.

“Physical activity develops healthy bodies, strengthens our minds and provides the outlet to feel good. This playground and basketball court will bring the community together.”