Madison Park Basketball Court Grand Opening 7/25/18

After an 11 year absence, basketball returned to Madison Park on a sunny Wednesday evening. The Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee (LOBC) and the City of Lakewood opened Lakewood's first full basketball court since 2007.

Kids, city leaders, community activists and LOBC members attended the event, which included a cookout and ribbon cutting.

(click photo to enlarge)

  • LOBC members and kids proudly pose on the new court, which is located on the south side of Madison Park next to the Community Garden and the softball field. 

  • LOBC member Roger Sikes kicked off the event with a few words. Sikes, a former LHS basketball player, has been active in the cause for a decade. 

  • Lakewood kids cut the ribbon as Mayor Summers, Council Members Tristan Rader and John Litten, and others look on. 

  • Ward 4 council member Dan O'Malley, who worked for years on this project, speaks at the dedication.  

  • The event included a cookout, with some members of the Lakewood Fire Department volunteering.  

  • Council member Tristan Rader says a few words. 

  • Four key LOBC leaders who lobbied many years for this. From left to right: Manny Mahome, Peter Grosetti, Art Gold, and Stephanie Toole.  

  • Ward 4 Council member Dan O'Malley enjoys the scene. 

  • Council member Tristan Rader with LHS Cross County and Track and Field Coach Stephanie Toole. Toole is a longtime LOBC member and a strong advocate for Lakewood's kids. 

  • Council member Rader with community activist Tim Collingwood. 

  • After the speakers finished, it was time to put up some three pointers.  

  • This young lady shows some good form from behind the 3 point line. 

  • Longtime LOBC volunteer Manny Mahome (right), known as "Coach" around the courts, works with the kids. 

  • LOBC leader Roger Sikes on Facetime with longtime LOBC advocate Nadal Eadah, who led the effort in the early 2010s before relocating to Washington DC. 

  • LHS History Teacher and avid Ranger fan Dr. Charles Greanoff attended the ceremony. 

  • Longime LOBC volunteers Peter Grosetti (left) and Manny Mahome (right).  

  • The LHS basketball community was well represented. Here is Ranger Girls Basketball Coach Mike Harper at the event. 

  • LHS boys hoops coach Alex Cammock also attended with his bride. 

  • These future basketballers brought their parents to the opening. 

  • LOBC volunteer Casey Davis offers some advice for a young player. 

  • LOBC volunteer Casey Davis (left) with community activisit Bonnie Sikes. 

  • LOBC has been a grassroots organization for many years. 

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