Who is affected?

The current state of the basketball court at The Salts affects a wide range of people. Regular players rely on the court for exercise, connection, and competition, but the poor condition of the hoops and outdated, incorrect markings make proper play difficult. Young children who are interested in taking up basketball have no suitable space to learn safely and confidently, due to the neglect of the court some people tend to have a lack of respect for it resulting in unsafe activity for younger people to be around. The lack of a proper facility discourages new players and deters community members from using the court. With the Downs Leisure Center recently doubling its prices for court bookings, many cannot afford to play regularly indoors making free, outdoor alternatives like The Salts essential. Right now, there is no viable alternative in the Seaford area.

What is at stake?

If nothing changes, Seaford risks neglecting one of its most used and accessible recreational spaces. Other parts of The Salts, including the tennis courts, skate park, rugby club and children's playground, have seen major improvements. Without similar investment in the basketball court, it will continue to deteriorate, discouraging use and sending a message that basketball (a growing sport) is not valued. With only faded, incorrect lines and hoops prone to damage, users are left frustrated and excluded from the benefits that come with a proper sports facility that people have access to elsewhere.

Why is now the time to act?

Basketball is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, especially among young people. From the rise of British talent in professional leagues to increased coverage on social media, the sport is reaching more people than ever before. The Seaford court has been in place for at least 15 years and is long overdue for meaningful improvement. Now is the time to invest in the future of local basketball, make the space more accessible for all ages, and ensure Seaford is part of the sport’s growing momentum. We have the interest, the users, and the timing, what we need now is action.

What’s Wrong with the Court and What Needs Changing?

The basketball court at the Salts Recreation Ground falls short of providing a safe and functional environment for players of all ages and abilities. The hoops are non-regulation height, one rim is tilted downward, and both backboards and rims frequently require replacement due to wear, vandalism, and poor durability. These hoops are not built to withstand regular use, especially in a coastal environment where sea air accelerates rust and structural weakness.

In addition to this, the court lines are faded and incorrectly marked. On one half of the court, the lines do not even match up with the opposite side, and key markings such as the three-point line and paint (key are) are missing altogether. Even repainting the current lines as they are would not correct these errors, meaning the court would still be non-functional for proper practice or games.

This lack of proper infrastructure is demotivating for regular players and makes it especially difficult for younger players or beginners to learn the game in a safe and welcoming setting.

Most importantly, the original Salts Recreation Ground Development Plan clearly stated that basketball was "in high demand" and needed to be retained and developed. The plan recommended the installation of adjustable-height hoops near the play space for younger children, and the inclusion of a larger court (possibly within the MUGA) for older or more serious players, with sizes being regulation standards. These improvements have never been implemented. Instead, while significant investments have gone into the children’s playground, tennis courts, and skatepark the basketball court has remained largely untouched, despite being promised investment years ago.

At a time when basketball is growing in popularity, and with local options limited (especially after the Downs Leisure Center doubled its booking fees), upgrading the Salts basketball court would deliver on that original promise and provide more enjoyment for the community.