The Syracuse Parks Conservancy is set to receive $35,000 from the Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation to renovate the basketball courts in Westmoreland Park, located at 130 Westmoreland Avenue. The project will include replacing fencing around the covered courts and court resurfacing.
The Boeheim Foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of kids in need and support innovative and creative projects and/or programs align with the Department’s focus to deliver accessible and equitable recreational opportunities throughout the city.
“We’re glad to have such a giving community that allows the foundation to support projects like this,” said Jim Boeheim, the long-time Syracuse University Men’s Basketball coach. “Westmoreland Community Center is a great place for kids and we’re proud to help with the updated facilities.”
“The support from the Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation to invest in our park system is inspiring,” said Mayor Walsh. “We are thankful to have community partners who understand the benefits our parks bring to our neighborhoods and residents.”
Syracuse Common Councilor Joe Driscoll has been instrumental in the Westmoreland Park revival. Councilor Driscoll spearheaded the grant submission with the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs and Syracuse Parks Conservancy, and was thrilled to learn the Westmoreland project was selected.
“To address the massive systemic problems of crime and violence that impact the youth in our city, we need to develop positive alternatives that provide motivation and guidance for our young people,” said Councilor Driscoll. “I am tremendously grateful to the Boeheim Foundation for recognizing this need, and stepping up to help us improve this situation.”
In 2019, a coalition of community stakeholders worked with city officials to reopen the community center attached to the basketball court for youth programming. The court improvements are another investment aimed at improving the quality of life in this corridor by offering constructive opportunities for the youth.
The project is expected to be completed in 2021.
The Westmoreland Community Center was temporarily closed in April due to COVID-19 but will reopen in July, with safety protocols in place.
Mike Bristol, official publicist and marketing manager for the Jim & Juli Foundation stated “It was a pleasure working again with the City of Syracuse on another exciting project. Special thank you to all that were involved. The kids deserve this and will enjoy for years to come.”
For more information about the City of Syracuse Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs, call (315) 473-4330.
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