A Basketball Hoop for Kirkland Place

KATIE'S GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD!

After many months of planning, the new basketball pad for the New Bethlehem Shelter next door is finally complete — and it’s already being put to good use! The kids began playing the moment the concrete dried. The court is also open to our own youth and the Kirkland Co-op Preschool.

This project began as part of Katherine's Girl Scout Gold Award, which focuses on creating lasting, community-centered impact. When I learned that the shelter kids had been playing basketball in the parking lot — even against a neighbor’s wall — it was clear a safer space was needed.

With guidance from Jim Anderson, Sean Mobley, and James Colver, and help from Pastor Ryan and shelter contact Chanel Fleming, we were able to design a plan that met the shelter’s needs without disrupting residents. After our first contractor fell through, we partnered with Miguel from Kirkland Concrete, who did a fantastic job. Funding came from the Salt House Community Initiatives Fund (thank you, Council!), and Jim Anderson generously donated the pole and backboard.

It’s amazing to see this vision come to life. As a next step, I’d love to host a short basketball mini-camp to teach kids fun games for a smaller court. If you have any basketball experience and would like to help, please connect us at Salt House.

Thank you all for your support in making this project a reality!