New Gould Park Basketball Court Unveiled in Dobbs Ferry

Athletic facilities are anything but child's play in Dobbs Ferry. Making sure the village has sufficient state-of-the art equipment and field space is a hot topic year after year—and Saturday's unveiling of a new basketball court in Gould Park helped further show that Dobbs Ferry's facilities committee is serious about improving conditions for athletes.

Village officials, members of the facilities committee, coaches and a number of Dobbs Ferry's aspiring basketball players gathered in Gould Park this weekend for the new court's official christening. Residents marveled at the glass backboards and smooth paving.

"Every morning as I pass Gould Park I am at risk of causing an accident, rubbernecking to see the new courts," said facilities committee chair Drew Coburn. "The idea of glass backboards—it's just amazing."

Earlier this year, the village formed an ad hoc facilities committee to spearhead fundraising efforts for new athletic equipment and to work with local institutions to gain access for residents to facilities at places like and

Along with Coburn, those on the committee most involved with the basketball court transformation were Ron Roland and Matt Arone.

"During our first meeting, we had 20 people in a room and there was this energy, noise and glow," Coburn continued.

He said Roland was so excited about the prospect of getting new basketball courts he made it clear that, "'If you unleash me, I'll make it happen.'"

And he did.

Roland led the fundraising effort and graciously accepted a donation from residents Bill and Yvonne Deakins.

The committee also thanked the village's administration for supporting the project by providing public resources, like the use of the village's public works department.

"This administration is about a vision to create new and refurbish recreational facilities," said Mayor Hartley Connett who—with the help of about 15 kids—cut the ribbon symbolizing Dobbs Ferry's newest basketball courts.

Then Connett and a few other dads challenged the kids to a game of knock-out.

Editor's note: Anybody know who won?