The City of Hoboken has announced the launch of the Damon Murray Community Gym pilot program, which will allow local youth to play basketball for free during designated hours beginning on Friday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“In kicking off open gym hours this summer, my goal is to make the Damon Murray Community Gym as accessible as possible to the community for pickup basketball, and open, fun recreation for all age groups,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“We know that safe, active spaces are essential for our youth to thrive, not just physically, but socially and emotionally. This pilot program is just one of the ways we’re continuing to build a more connected Hoboken. I’m excited to see how it grows, and I look forward to hearing from participants about additional programming they would like to see throughout the year.”
The city developed the pilot program as a way to expand its recreational offerings and provide drop-in, free play that complements the city’s growing roster of summer activities.
Earlier this month, Hoboken also announced expanded summer art programming through the Division of Cultural Affairs, which is offering dance, sculpture, fashion, and more. Full details and registration can be found here.
No online registration or advance sign-up will be required to participate in the pilot program. All participants must bring their own basketballs, as the City will not be providing equipment. Open gym rules can be found here.
The open gym sessions will be held every Friday and Saturday between May 30th and June 21st.
Friday evenings will be designated for high school students grades 9 through 12, with gym hours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturdays, the gym will open for younger students, in eighth grade and below, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
