What started as a dream just before Giant Days 2021 is now a reality.
There is a brand new basketball court at Blue Earth Area Elementary School. It is complete with six state-of-the-art, height-adjustable basketball hoops.
And, there was enough funding to install new lights not just for the basketball court, but for the entire school playground.
“We raised around $60,000 for the project,” says Brenda Smith, a physical education teacher at the school and one of the project organizers. “We had over 90 donors who helped us.”
The new court sits on the site of an old court which had collapsed and posed a safety hazard.
“We had the idea to redo it, to make it bigger and better”, said Smith. “Our first fundraiser was at Giant Days in 2021 and was a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for kids.”
They had another tournament at Giant Days last summer.
The group has also received grants from the Huisman Family Fund, SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Program), SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund), and the Bartholomew Foundation.
“But we have received many donations from service clubs, businesses, parents, grandparents and others,” said Smith. “A lot of people gave what they could. I guess it takes a whole village to build a basketball court.
The group that set up the fundraiser will now celebrate the completion of the basketball court with an event on Friday, October 14, from 5-6:30 p.m. for sponsors, donors and the public. There will be snacks and a chance to experience the new terrain.
The group includes Smith and fellow teacher Katie Alford, building and grounds supervisor Al Gieser, and Shannon Swanson who is the director of community education, and her husband, Colby, a teacher.
They first raised enough money for pitches and baskets, then continued fundraising for four large lights that illuminate the entire area.
And, they also installed surveillance cameras.
“We wanted to do what we could to make the courts a safe zone,” said Smith. “And to help encourage positive and responsible behavior.”
The exact cost of the new court has not been calculated, as the work has just been completed. However, Smith is pretty sure their funds will cover everything, and there could be some left over. Also, there are still a few donations coming in.
“Our plan would be to use the extra money for a few more upgrades to the play area,” she says. “Maybe create a zone for 9-Square and Gaga Ball. These are two new upcoming games that kids are loving right now.
After all, the idea is to improve the playground to promote activity for families and children.
And have fun doing it, adds Smith.