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Former player aims to revive summer basketball league across Schenectady parks
Summary
A community organizer announced plans to run a multi-park summer basketball league and youth skills program in Schenectady, hiring about 40–42 young people and partnering with schools, police and recreation staff.
Ray, a community organizer and former professional basketball player, announced plans Monday to revive a summer basketball league across four Schenectady parks, saying the program will hire about 42 youth and include daily skills training and weekend tournaments.
The program will run at Hillhurst Park, Jerry Burrell Park, Steinmetz and Central Park and will include activities such as pickleball, fishing, basketball, tennis, cricket and soccer, Ray said. “Basketball saved my life,” he said, describing why returning the league matters to him and local children.
City parks staff said the program will highlight recent park improvements paid for with arbor funds and other investments. Parks staff told the council the Steinmetz fishing restoration may be completed by season’s end and that grass at another upgraded field must be fully established before play resumes there.
Organizers plan guest instructors, free skills-and-drills sessions for younger children and collaboration with the school district to bring pupils to scheduled park sessions. Ray said he expects outside teams to attend as well, and that the program will culminate in a championship weekend the last weekend before school starts. “We’re hoping to start it, July 9 through the 20 seventh,” he said.
Speakers at the meeting discussed potential funding and operational support. A councilmember suggested tapping an existing public-safety line—the Athletic League Foundation allocation that includes funds for police and fire—to help cover jerseys and supplies; parks staff said some support also may come from concessions and community fundraising. Police Chief James Plott was reported to have agreed to a police presence and limited participation by officers.
Organizers and council members emphasized the program’s goals: youth employment, recreation, community engagement and showcasing park improvements. No formal council action or city funding commitment was recorded during the presentation; organizers said they will continue fundraising and coordination with city and school partners.
The council’s public remarks about the program were limited to the presentation and brief Q&A; staff and councilmembers asked for follow-up details on scheduling, safety plans and any requested city support.
