Outdoor basketball court close to downtown to see complete renovation

April 12, 2024 – Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Winnipeg Sea Bears News

WINNIPEG – Buckets & Borders, the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Payworks have teamed up to rehabilitate two basketball courts near the city's core. The organizations aim to break down barriers, connect the community and create a platform to introduce more young people to the game and see its positive benefits.

The partnership, known as the Mayfair Project, will renovate the public court at the corner of River Avenue and Donald Street with new backboards, standards and curbs; and a second, brand new one, added next to it to expand access to basketball in the region. A local Winnipeg artist will then complete a full court wall to completely revitalize and enliven the downtown space.

The announcement comes as the CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League) awards Winnipeg Championship Weekend in 2025. This project will be one of the community initiatives undertaken in conjunction with a full weekend celebration of basketball. It aims to make a lasting positive impact in the city at the lower end of the game.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to bring more kids to the game of basketball and provide a safe space for them to learn, grow and play. We look forward to bringing the Sea Bears to the courts in Mayfair and St. John's this summer and connecting with young people in these wonderful community spaces,” said Jason Smith, president of the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

The trial is scheduled to end on Friday, July 5. Organizations will hold a grand opening on Sunday, July 7 to celebrate with the community.

“Buckets & Borders' mandate is to improve communities and bring people together through basketball. Last year we completed our first Winnipeg-based project, restoring an outdoor basketball court at St. John's Park. We are grateful to be able to return to Winnipeg and drive. We, along with our partners at Payworks and the Winnipeg Sea Bears making an impact through the game we love,” said Justin Lee, CEO and Founder of Buckets & Borders.

The revitalization of St. John's Park, highlighted in Jordan Stranger's Soaring Like an Eagle, has breathed new life into the neighborhood. Winnipeg Sea Bears players and coaches plan to host a free youth basketball clinic at the same arena later this summer.

“Payworks is excited to be a part of The Mayfair and honored to give back to the city we've called home for 25 years. The Mayfair will bring more to the neighborhood than beautiful basketball courts. It will be a shared space, a unique sense of community where everyone can come together, grow and be inspired. It's for all ages. Winnipeggers will have something to be proud of: the challenges they faced on the field, their enthusiasm and progress, their skills and how they came together to work together for a common goal. and look forward to being a stimulating space in this way,” said Payworks President and CEO JP Perron.

A recent Mayfair project is inviting local artists. Follow Sea Bears social media for more information.

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