Northport Basketball Court Revitalization Planned

NORTHPORT, NY — The Northport High School 1995 Long Island Champion boys basketball team is working on a project for the love of the game. The team is raising money to refurbish the basketball court in Cow Harbor Park in downtown Northport Village to create an accessible place where kids can discover and nurture a love for the game.

Between a GoFundMe effort and a $7,000 donation from Kevin O'Neill & Rich Dolce, owners of the John W. Engeman Theater, more than $32,000 has been raised for the court.

"By working with the Northport Basketball Team, we are helping children and families have increased access to healthier lifestyles as well as safe, inclusive and innovative play opportunities for years to come," Kevin O'Neill said in a news release from the theater.

More than $25,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe page for the Northport basketball court as of Thursday afternoon.

The Northport Village Board approved a plan for a complete renovation that would lead to a modern basketball court that appropriately reflects the community's high regard for youth sports, according to the GoFundMe page.

The revitalized court is planned to include two new commercial-grade tempered glass backboards, state-of-the-art rims and poles, a completely refinished and repainted surface, court markings, and new benches.

The goal of the fundraiser is $50,000.

"What’s been so inspiring is how many former classmates who are now parents have contributed to the initiative," said Doug Trani and Chris Wiebke, Northport class of 1995 graduates who are spearheading the efforts. "As parents, we have a unique perspective on how important a role sports play in building confidence and character. Kevin & Rich are parents too and have seen the benefits of sports on their own kids. They recognize that something as seemingly simple as a basketball court can have a profound impact on young people as they develop."

As of Tuesday, all proceeds from ticket sales to "Smokey Joe's Cafe" at Engeman Theater performances on Sept. 16 and 17 will be donated towards the project goal of $50,000.

"Basketball has had a profound impact on our lives, and it all stems from playing in our local parks here in Northport," Trani said. "Providing kids and teens the chance to fall in love with the game we did is an opportunity we didn’t want to pass up."

The fundraising deadline is Cow Harbor Day on Sept. 19. The groundbreaking on the new court is slated for March 2022. Any extra money will be used for future maintenance of the court.