We the undersigned hereby petition the Bayside City Council of Victoria, Australia to install an outdoor Basketball court or half court in the Bayside zone, specifically in Dendy park.   

As the parents, family and friends of passionate basketball loving tweens and teenagers, we are concerned by the lack of local quality outdoor basketball courts in this area. The available courts are indoor and only accessible under supervised circumstances that prevent ad hoc play. 

Our tweens and teenagers need spaces where they can engage in physical outdoor activities and socialise outside the confines of technology. Providing these spaces contributes to improved physical and mental wellbeing. 

According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity can help prevent depression among adolescents. along with reducing the temptation and likelihood of youth crime.

Basketball is increasingly popular - currently the second highest participated team sport in Australia according to the recent Australian Clearinghouse for Sport annual AusPlay survey (AusPlay results | Clearinghouse for Sport). Approximately 5% of the population (15yrs +) play basketball, with 18% of teens aged 15-17 playing, and 10% of 18-24 year olds.

Currently there are very few outdoor basketball courts/half courts in this area and those that exist are very poor quality, not well maintained and aren’t built to a specification that allow our children to practice under game day conditions (eg. rings are at incorrect heights, there are no court markings, insufficient space and the surfaces are often dangerous). The Sandringham basketball stadiums are fabulous but are indoors and less accessible for a casual free play across weekdays and weekends.

The installation of a basketball court or half court at Dendy park would encourage many tweens and teenagers to exercise and provide an opportunity for them to gather together, build friendships, learn teamwork skills and enjoy their time outdoors.

By signing this petition, we support the call for the Bayside City Council of Victoria, Australia to install a Basketball court or half court at Dendy park.   Please sign this petition today (including full name, suburb and postcode to be valid) and share with your network before close date 2nd June 2024! This will then be tabled on the agenda (6th June) and likely included as a topic for council consideration on 18th June meeting.