Installation of hoops creates controversy

April 28, 2021 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Troy Walker defied the city by reinstalling the hoops on April 22. They have since been removed again.
Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – An effort by a group of residents to install basketball hoops in three city parks has resulted in a conflict between them and City Hall.

On April 22, the residents gathered at Adams Park to reinstall basketball hoops they had bought and previously installed, but the city has taken them down.

The city has since taken them down again.

The other two parks at which the hoops were installed were Magazine and Plainfield.

Troy Walker, one of the residents, who led the effort explained to Reminder Publishing money was raised privately to buy the hoops and they were installed at the start of last week’s school vacation.

He said the neighborhood children needed an recreational outlet during their week off.

Walker noted the city did not supply a reason for the removal of the hoops and questioned why this activity was prohibited when high school basketball teams are playing indoors.

"It just doesn’t make sense,” he said.

The Sarno Administration told Reminder Publishing in a  written statement, “In short, as Springfield is still in the ‘Red’ with positive COVID-19 Coronavirus cases and with 57 percent of those cases under the age of 30 as reported by our Health and Human Services Commissioner for the dates of April 11 to 17, 2021, the city is concerned for the health and well-being of our residents during this pandemic as basketball is labeled by the state guidelines as a high risk activity.  Once Springfield is out of the ‘Red’ and in the ‘Yellow’ our HHS Commissioner will review and advise on next steps with regards to what is in the best interest for the health, safety, and well-being of our residents.”

In a telephone interview, Mayor Domenic Sarno said of the installation of the hoops, “At this point in time it’s totally irresponsible.”

He stressed the prohibition was a public health issue and a response to the city’s COVID-19 status. Sarno also said the group, when installing one of the hoops, cracked a backboard, which had to be removed.

Jynai McDonald, who is running for the Ward 4 City Council seat and is a member of the group who installed the hoops, said, “We are not taking no for an answer.”

She is asking city officials “to implement sanitation stations (hand sanitizer and mask dispensaries) and COVID-19 signage at basketball courts so youth can return to play. All other outdoor facilities are available for use except basketball courts.”

She added in her written statement, “While Springfield is in the Red they have not curbed in-person business capacity at restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues. Springfield being in the Red is not an excuse. Even when Springfield was in the Yellow the hoops were not up.”

She noted that neighboring Red zone communities have basketball hoops up.

“No is not an answer. A comprehensive solution for young people to be able to enjoy the basketball courts needs to be implemented immediately,” she said.

She cited Gov. Charlie Baker’s COVID-19 Order  March 22 Appendix to COVID-19 Order #63 that said, “Gatherings at event venues and in public settings: 100 people indoors, 150 people outdoors.”

She added, “There is no discrepancy in Gov. Baker’s COVID-19 Order not allowing basketball hoops to be up and in use. At the very least people need a plan.”

Share this: