Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, Public Schools Superintendent Portia Bonner, Parks & Recreation Director Ann-Marie Moggio, and School Maintenance Supervisor Tony Kusnierz pose for a photo on the refurbished courts following a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 24.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — The tennis and basketball courts at JFK Middle School have been refurbished and were officially reopened on Sept. 24 during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The project was born through a collaboration between the city and Northampton Public Schools, made possible with support from both Capital Improvement and Community Preservation funds.
“These courts serve as a reminder of what happens when the community chooses to invest on projects bringing people together for health and recreation, growth and for joy,” said Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. “This is really the kind of cooperation that is what makes Northampton such a strong and vibrant community.”
The courts were first opened in 1997 and since have been a daily part for students at JFK, athletes of Northampton High School and neighbors across the city.
“They are a well-loved community asset that over time became worn down because they were so well loved, and that’s why today feels so special because we are able to give new life to a place that has meant so much to so many for so many years,” Sciarra shared. “I’m really thrilled to see these courts will be open to the public outside of school hours and then they will be a place for students to learn during school, a place for families to shoot hoops together, and for friends and neighbors who want a spot to be together and get outside and move.”
Northampton Public Schools Superintendent Portia Bonner thanked the city for its support in providing the funding for the court’s maintenance and refurbishment.
“It’s great to see it realized and I know on behalf of students, they cannot wait to utilize these courts so again thank you so much, thank you to the community and to the council for funding it, and thank you Mayor for supporting it,” said Bonner.
Northampton Parks & Recreation Director Ann-Marie Moggio added much gratitude to all collaborators on the project and looks forward to the great use the courts will soon be getting once again from students and the public.
“As soon as the fences came down last week over there by the basketball courts, there were kids on it within like a half hour. Its super cool and everyone is loving it already,” said Moggio.
