Coney Island hoopers’ dreams have just gotten brighter, thanks to a $50,000 donation that rehabilitated the basketball courts at Surfside Gardens.
This grant from The Coney, the team behind the neighborhood’s proposed casino, brought a major makeover to the New York City Housing Authority development with complete resurfacing, new hoops and nets, improved lighting, and fresh paint.
The community celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a basketball tournament on June 21.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this amazing project,” former Council Member Robert Cornegy, now a partner with The Coney, said in a statement. “Basketball is an integral part of Coney Island’s culture, and we’re proud to be supporting the next generation of ballers.”
Coney Island Council Member Justin Brannan and representatives from the Isaiah Whitehead Foundation turned out to celebrate the new-and-improved court.
Brannan praised The Coney, the Isaiah Whitehead Foundation and NYCHA for their collaborative and humanitarian efforts.
“Isaiah Whitehead, his amazing mom Ericka, Lance Stephenson, and everyone involved with the Foundation is Coney Island through and through,” he said. “I’m proud to support their efforts to build community and give back to their home neighborhood through youth basketball.”
According to Ericka Rambert, president of the Isaiah Whitehead Foundation, the rehabilitation project is meant to show Coney Islanders that they deserve the best.
“By investing in the renovation of these courts, we can revitalize the entire neighborhood, providing a safe and attractive space for physical activity and community gatherings,” Rambert said.
The newly revamped court will provide a safe and attractive space for physical activity and community gatherings, officials said — and it’s now open, so Coney Islanders can lace up their sneakers and get ready to shoot their shot.
