Councilmembers Klein and Page Announce Start of New Midnight Basketball Program
Columbus
City Councilmembers are joining local safety forces and the Recreation and
Parks Department to announce the beginning of registration for the 2015 Columbus
Police and Fire Recreation Late Night Basketball program. Councilmembers Zach Klein, chair of the Public
Safety Committee, and Jaiza Page,
chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, encourage all interested residents
between the ages of 12-30 to register for leagues at any of the 10
participating recreation centers.
“Recreation centers are safe havens in our
neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Page.
“This program keeps our centers
open much later than usual and allows residents to have fun and exercise in a
positive and structured environment.”
More than
6700 people participated in the late night basketball program in 2014. The 2015 version of the program features a
new partnership with volunteer Columbus Police and Fire Fighters who will be
taking an active role in the leagues.
“I am really pleased to see those who
work to protect our neighborhoods increasing their visibility in the community,”
said Councilmember Klein, who in 2014 sponsored a City Council budget amendment
to double the number of recreation centers in the late night basketball program
from five to 10. “Police officers and
fire fighters will act as coaches, referees, and players. Playing basketball is
something we all can have in common, and I hope through this program that our
sworn personnel can continue to build important relationships with the people
they serve.”
“These leagues will give people a
positive point of contact with local police and fire personnel,” said Safety
Director George Speaks. “This is yet
another step to increase the level of communication and trust between first responders
and residents.”
“This is just another way fire
fighters are giving back to the community we serve,” said Jack Reall,
International Association of Fire Fighters Union 67 President. “It is our job to save lives, but by
participating in the late night basketball program, our fire fighters will be
changing lives.”
Registration
is free and can be done at one of the 10 late night basketball sites. Participating Rec Centers include:
Monday-Blackburn,
Far East
Tuesday-Dodge,
Milo Grogan
Wednesday-Schiller,
Howard
Thursday-Woodward,
Indian Mound
Friday-Marion-Franklin,
Thompson
Proper ID is
required and parental permission necessary for those under 18 years of age.
For more
information call the Columbus Recreation & Parks Camp Hotline at
614-645-7000
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