Basketball courts are back on campus for the first time since 2021, according to Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchison. The previous basketball courts beside the student parking lot were destroyed to move down the parking space and make room for the performing arts center, she added.
The basketball courts were funded by Bond Measure AA, MUSD Board Support and Communications Specialist Scott Forstner stated in an email. Measure AA updates and improves school facilities by providing funding to increase student safety, relieve overcrowding, and update learning technology in the classroom, according to the MUSD website.
“When we were working on the possible construction from the bond measure, unfortunately, COVID-19 interfered, so things became very delayed,” Hutchison said. “We finally said, ‘We need to look for an alternative location (for the courts) right now,’ because that’s an important aspect of our PE curriculum.”
The planning of relocating the courts had been ongoing since before COVID-19, Hutchison said.
“We needed an open space that would be effective, so admin went with our lead contractor and measured out (the blacktop),” Hutchison said. “We made sure that it would be enough to actually fit in the size courts that we needed and to work out the logistics of timing and when it would be done.”
Rebuilding the basketball courts was a good decision as it allows students to develop closer bonds with each other, junior Jorel Hernandez said.
“I usually play basketball as a fun hobby, so I’m really inclined to practice at the basketball courts,” Hernandez said. “It acts as a way to relieve school stress and have a hobby to go to outside of school.”
Playing basketball with peers has made senior Vihaan Khandelwal feel closer to the school, he said. The clear view of the sunset as he plays enhances his after-school experience, he added.
“There’s a certain appeal to something that’s new, and I go play with my friends over there,” Khandelwal said. “Every Friday, we like to play games with each other, and it’s at school, so a lot of people know where to drop by.”
Physical fitness overall is important, which also makes the basketball courts a necessary addition on campus, Hutchison said.
“I think people have been appreciating (the courts) and enjoying them,” Hutchison said. “Every time I’m out there, there are people out there, which is awesome.”
However, the new basketball courts are imperfect and can still be improved, Khandelwal said.
“I feel like (our school) really decided to cut corners on them,” Khandelwal said. “They purchased pretty underwhelming basketball hoops. They also reduced the size and quantity of hoops, so less people can come and enjoy the facilities that the school has.”
One major aspect the school can improve on following the basketball court rebuild is granting access to other facilities focusing on students who want to use facilities after school and during lunch, Khandelwal said.
“The school could be opening other things like the baseball field with a renewed focus on people that come to the school to play afterward,” Khandelwal said. “It is a good place to bond for people and also to watch sports happen during lunch.”