Residents are invited to celebrate the refurbishment of Barking Park’s Basketball Court at a special community open day on Saturday 20 June, following £45,000 improvements made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The upgraded court provides a high-quality space for local people to play, exercise and enjoy basketball in the heart of the community.

The open day will begin with a ‘Slam Jam’ session for primary school-aged children from 11am to 12pm. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

From 12pm to 2pm, the court will host a free drop-in basketball session open to everyone, regardless of age or ability, offering an opportunity for local residents to try out the refurbished facility.

Councillor Simon Perry, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, said: "We're delighted with this investment in Basketball at Barking Park. Thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity funding, local people now have a high-quality court to enjoy, and I hope that it will encourage more people to get active and give basketball a try. I would encourage everyone to come along to the open day, see it for themselves, and give it a go."

Basketball England contributed to the project through its #ProjectSwish campaign – which is helping to transform England’s run-down basketball courts into assets for people to enjoy playing basketball – by fully funding the upgrades to the baskets, as well as providing technical guidance and specifications throughout. 

Basketball England Outdoor Projects Lead Toby Wilkinson said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Barking & Dagenham council on the latest #ProjectSwish renovation, in a highly popular borough for basketball.  

“The finished court is a real asset to the local community, providing a safe and accessible facility where basketball can be enjoyed by all. We look forward to seeing the sport grow in the area and hope to work with the council to regenerate further courts in the near future." 

The open day forms part of the council’s ongoing efforts to support healthier, more active communities and increase opportunities for people of all ages to take part in sport.

For more information and to book a place at the ‘Slam Jam’ session, please visit www.playhq.com/uk/basketball-england/register/acb307