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Post & Courier (Charleston, SC)
A former worn-down tennis court that featured weeds sprouting through cracked cement has been transformed into an outdoor basketball court.
St. Stephen has neared completion on the project that started in June. The refurbished court, located at Russellville Road Park, has one basketball goal backed by a glass-backboard. St. Stephen Mayor John Rivers said the court will help curb teenage idleness.
"It gives our young people something constructive to do with their time," Rivers said. "When they're idle and don't have anything constructive, they get into problems."
The project was spearheaded by community activist Willie Powell will solicited community support to build the court. Steinberg Law Firm sponsored one of the goals. AAA Stripe A Lot painted the court free of charge. Moncks Corner Mayor Michael Lockliear said he also lend financial support for the court.
"We want to give back to the community," said Steven Goldberg, a partner at the firm. "We thought it was a great idea to convert that property into something useful...when Willie [Powell] came to us...we didn't hesitate."
Powell wants to see the court be a site for organized, youth basketball tournaments.
"Organizing is the key," Powell said. "If you don't organize, you ain't did nothing."
Rivers said next on the town's agenda is getting new play equipment adjacent to court. Currently, a rusted swing-set and slide sit at the abandoned playground. He hoped for a grant from the state's Department of Recreation and Tourism. But he said it seems that he may not get it.
Powell's next project is to build a court in the Cordesville.
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