Saturday June 16, 2012

ADAMS -- This week's visitors to Renfrew Park may have noticed the new basketball court, a project pushed by Dana Labbee Summer Basketball League organizers and enabled by donations from local businesses.

The court was installed to accommodate the league's continued growth.

League president Gregory Charon was pleased with the development, and is looking forward to a third summer of sportsmanship and fun.

"It looks awesome -- they're just putting the loam around it [Friday]," Charon said. "The new portable hoops are coming next week, and we've got all new basketballs. We'll be ready to rock on June 25."

The new hoops will feature adjustable height to accommodate participating children of all ages.

The games are scheduled to begin on June 25 and continue through August 10. Children in grades K through 12 are invited to participate.

"It's going to be instructional for the kids," Charon said. "We're going to teach them the game and it's going to be a lot of fun. You can show up the night of June 25, or anytime throughout the whole season we'll be taking sign ups. There will be informal play and also five-on-five games."

Upwards of 250 are expected to play in the league this summer, after participation shot up from an initial 80 in 2010 to 180 in 2011.

Charon said 100 are on the rolls so far this year, and signups at Renfrew Saturday run from 8 a.m. to noon and again on June 23 with the same

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hours.

Adams Excavating built the court with donated material from Lane Construction Co. Maple Grove Civic Club also contributed to making the new court a reality.

Adams Selectmen's Chair Arthur "Skip" Harrington praised the league's growth and its practice of including everyone who wants to play.

"I've been there a couple of times and the court is a lot bigger than I expected to be," Harrington said. "I think it's great that they're having the league there. It's a relaxed atmosphere to learn and play in, and everyone gets to participate. I really like that about the league."

To reach Phil Demers,
email pdemers@thetranscript.com.