Arcadia council hears request for park basketball court use

Representatives from United for a Dream, along with another interested party, approached the Arcadia city council last Wednesday with a request to utilize the basketball courts at Memorial Park for the summer months.

There are two basketball courts at Memorial Park; however, one is owned by the school district and the other by the city. Currently, the city does not have a formal policy governing how or when the courts are rented, though in the past it has allowed summer rentals.

United for a Dream also inquired about the possibility of adding lighting to the city-owned court, or building another court and offered to support the project by organizing fundraising efforts. Alderman Jason Lockington expressed interest in collaborating with them to develop a potential plan.

The discussion shifted to how United for a Dream’s basketball events affect community access to the courts, as the events prevent other residents from using the space while in progress. Alderman Don Kreibich noted that both the pavilion and basketball courts were not intended to be monopolized by a single group throughout the summer, limiting access for others.

“We can’t just keep giving a single organization the pavilion multiple times every year, because that has to be there for the entire public. It’s really hard for me to say you can take the basketball courts from May to September, and nobody else from the public is going to use it. We didn’t build it for special occasions to use it every single weekend,” Kreibich said. “Between the two (parties) it will end up being every weekend.”

Mayor John Kimmel raised concerns about the condition of the park following events, stating that it is often left a mess. He emphasized the importance of maintaining community spaces and encouraged residents to take responsibility for their environment. 

Alderman Dave Patzner suggested the installation of cameras at the park.

“Or we could say we live in a civilized society and there’s rules, there is a certain set of standards, and either join in and be a part of it or go live somewhere else,” countered Kimmel. “We should be able to walk or bike through our community and have pride in our community.”

Lockington was tasked with meeting the involved parties and bringing a formal proposal back to the council at the next meeting.

Separately, the council discussed a proposed expansion of the parking area at Dettloff Park. The expansion is estimated to cost the city approximately $10,000 and would provide additional parking for special events held at the park. 

Currently the parking area abruptly ends into a grassy area, the proposal is to expand into that area to create the extra parking spots and minimize the amount of parking currently along the street when events are taking place.