A brand new $40-million basketball court and upgraded facilities were unveiled by the Minister of Sports Olivia Grange on Tuesday night at Independence Park.

The new surface, funded by the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), was created by Regupol of Germany, known for its resurfacing of several athletics tracks.

“Basketball is really an indoor sport played on a wooden surface. However, here in Jamaica, there is a need to have outdoor facilities based on the popularity of the sport and the high cost of wooden facilities,” Grange pointed out.

She continued: “Until now, outdoor courts have been made of asphaltic concrete but Regupol did some research and came up with this design, which is much easier on the joints and meets one of our special needs in basketball in Jamaica”.

According to the minister, the court was completed in 2021 but owing to the pandemic it was not formally opened.

“It was built at a total cost of $40 million which includes the court fencing, drainage, specialised backboards and lighting. The sewage infrastructure was upgraded as the lines that ran under the court area had to be realigned,” Minister Grange explained.

The seating at the facility was also replaced and expanded from 500 to over 1,000. Work was also done just outside the facility to enhance the drainage around the courts.

The predominantly green and light blue surface, with the SDF logo in the centre, was opened by the minister who participated in a few shooting drills along with several players.

“This new court is the answer to many prayers which the good Lord helped my ministry to answer through the Sports Development Foundation and again, I laud General Manager Denzil Wilks and the team at the SDF,” said Minister Grange.

“I exhort those who will use the court to jealously take care of it. This is a wonderful facility; Basketball is a wonderful sport filled with opportunities for our players to advance themselves and as they do so bring glory to Jamaica,” she concluded.