Pictures: Morrison Bay Park’s new basketball courts unveiled as part of $500K upgrades

WNBL player Brittany Smart, The Inner West Bulls and dozens of children took to the new basketball courts at Morrison Bay Park for its grand opening on Saturday. SEE THE PICTURES

Local kids at a basketball workshop with Brittany Smart Sydney Uni Flames WNBL at the new basketball courts in Morrison Bay Park in Putney. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

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Dozens of excited kids took to the new basketball courts at Morrison Bay Park for its grand opening on Saturday.

Local kids at a basketball workshop with Brittany Smart (pictured, right) Sydney Uni Flames WNBL at the new basketball courts in Morrison Bay Park in Putney. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Dozens of excited children took to the new basketball courts at Morrison Bay Park for its grand opening on Saturday. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Along with special guest WNBL player Brittany Smart, The Inner West Bulls basketball club staged a three-on-three basketball competition and skill-based drills at the popular Putney park.

Ms Smart who plays for the Sydney Uni Flames said: “The event had such a great vibe with the community brought together in one location in Putney.

Along with special guest WNBL player Brittany Smart, The Inner West Bulls basketball club staged a 3 on 3 basketball competition and skill-based drills at the popular Putney park. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Ms Smart who plays for the Sydney Uni Flames said, “The event had such a great vibe, with the community brought together in one location in Putney.” Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“It was wonderful to see people of so many different ages and interests enjoying being outdoors together.”

Ryde Independent Councillor Roy Maggio who was at the opening said it was a “great” atmosphere with kids running around and even a DJ providing music.

Ryde Independent Councillor Roy Maggio who was at the opening said there was a “great” atmosphere on Saturday. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Local kids at a basketball workshop with Brittany Smart Sydney Uni Flames WNBL at the new basketball courts in Morrison Bay Park in Putney Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“There were kids everywhere. It was fantastic,” Clr Maggio told The Northern District Times. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“There were kids everywhere. It was fantastic,” Cr Maggio told The Northern District Times.

Clr Maggio said it was “exciting” to be there and hear positive feedback from the community on the park’s new offerings.

Cr Maggio said the revamped park was to help foster more active and healthy communities. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Local kids playing basketball at the new basketball courts in Morrison Bay Park in Putney. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“It was great. A lot of people were really happy with the upgrades,” he said.

He said the revamped park was to help foster more active and healthy communities.

The courts were part of upgrades to the Morrison Bay Park which were first pushed by Clr Maggio in 2017. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“It’s fantastic. I’m passionate about having an active city,” Cr Maggio said. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“We want to bring the communities together,” he said.

“It’s fantastic. I’m passionate about having an active city.”

A $500,000 grant was provided to the City of Ryde for the park’s upgrades as part of the NSW government’s Stronger Communities Fund. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

The courts were part of upgrades to the Morrison Bay Park which were first pushed by Clr Maggio in 2017.

A $500,000 grant was provided to the City of Ryde for the park’s upgrades as part of the NSW government’s Stronger Communities Fund.

Brittany Smart Sydney Uni Flames WNBL player at the new basketball courts in Morrison Bay Park in Putney. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

New barbecue facilities, gym equipment, spectator seating, new cricket nets, better lit pathways and bubblers were also part of the upgrades. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“The upgrades mean Morrison Bay Park now has first-class outdoor equipment and sporting infrastructure that is supported by a 1.3 kilometre fitness trail,” Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale said. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

New barbecue facilities, gym equipment, spectator seating, new cricket nets, better lit pathways and bubblers were also part of the upgrades.

“The upgrades mean Morrison Bay Park now has first-class outdoor equipment and sporting infrastructure that is supported by a 1.3 kilometre fitness trail,” Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale said in a statement.

“In addition, the new pedestrian lighting along the existing foreshore and eastern footpaths will encourage more people to use the park during the evening.”