'World-class' free sports courts to open at Glasgow park in 'landmark' move
'World-class' netball and basketball courts will officially open this month, in a 'landmark' move for West Glasgow.The newly refurbished courts, which are free-to-use, are set to open around noon on Sunday, June 14 at Victoria Park.AdvertisementThe upgraded facility now features two courts with rotating netball and basketball posts, allowing each court to be used for either sport. There has also been improvement to the paths running alongside the courts, which will be particularly of use to wheelchair users.It comes after the basketball hoops suffered bad damage and poor fencing was spotted around the space.Sarah Gandon, a local resident, sports consultant, netball player and one of the community project leads on this project, said: "I grew up in this area playing on these courts, so to say this is a life-long passion project is pretty accurate.Advertisement"Since the upgrade of the tennis courts, we have battled to ensure that there is a useable multi sport space again with facilities not just fit for purpose, but that bring equality, continue to be free to use, and be a space that encourages all members of the community to be physically active. I hope everyone enjoys the vibrant space for years to come.”We previously reported that Sarah claimed the changes made to the tennis courts essentially wiped out the netball court.AdvertisementTo celebrate the opening on June 14, there will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be performed by Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell, Glasgow City Councillor for the Victoria Park ward; Kieron Achara MBE, former captain of the Scotland and Great Britain national basketball teams; and Lynsey Gallagher, former Scotland international netballer with over 88 international caps.Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell hailed the development as a landmark moment for sport and community in the West of Glasgow.AdvertisementThe ribbon-cutting will be followed by an exhibition showcase featuring Highland Fever, Scotland's first men's and mixed netball team, and a local wheelchair basketball team, celebrating the inclusive spirit the new courts are designed to inspire.The regeneration project was led by the community, particularly the Glasgow Netball Association and Victoria Park Community Trust, and was made possible due to a £32,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation.AdvertisementIt was supported by Glasgow City Council, and Glasgow Life, as well as sportscotland National Lottery-funded Sport Facilities Fund grant, with the Scottish Parliament noting hopes that, with the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow in 2026, the facilities will provide an open access space for those inspired by the games to get involved in playing basketball and netball in their local community.There is no booking required for the courts, and they are open to all ages.
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