Brewer group to build new basketball courts

There are no outdoor basketball courts in the city of Brewer, but a recently formed committee is raising funds to do something about it.

A small group of people concerned about the lack of outdoor hoops began putting their heads together last March, and have since developed a plan to build two regulation size courts at the Pendleton Street hockey rink.

“We feel there is a great need for it,” said Bob Carlisle, committee member and manager at the Brewer IGA Coffee Shop. “There isn’t an outside court in Brewer.”

It’s a wonderful idea, most agree. And though the site offers existing lighting, parking, and some fencing, the committee has yet to connect on the second of two free throws — the $30,000 needed to prepare the courts for play.

Carlisle said a basketball clinic, concession stands at a track meet, and private donations raised about $3,000. He added that other clinics and concession stands at the CANUSA games will generate more money, though many more donations are needed.

Contributing to the effort are several local eateries, he said. From Aug. 6 to Sept. 3, Jordan’s Food Corp. will donate 10 cents for every pound of hot dogs sold in Brewer, Papa Gambino’s will toss in 25 cents for each pizza sold in the Brewer store, the IGA Coffee Shop will throw in 25 cents for each haddock meal served, and Grant’s Dairy will contribute 10 cents for every gallon of fruit drinks sold in the city.

Carlisle said students have been running the concession stands and helping out at the basketball camps. He believed that if the children help raise the funding they might appreciate the recreation area more.

Because construction of the courts will include flattening the ground and hot-topping the surface, the quality of the hockey rink will be enhanced, too.