The basketball hoops in Springfield, MA public parks have been removed since July 2020. To solve for the absence of recreational opportunities Springfield residents came together to purchase basketball rims and nets to install them throughout the City. In response, the City took not only the hoops down but the backboards as well! City officials are citing COVID-19 and Springfield being in the red zone as reason for not putting the hoops back up. 

While our schools have returned back to in-person learning our basketball courts remain closed! All other outdoor sports facilities are available for use except basketball courts. While Springfield is in the red they have not curved in-person business capacity at restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues. 

Based on Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order March 22 Appendix to COVID-19 Order #63 (issued March 18, 2021) stating "Gatherings at event venues and in public settings: 100 people indoors, 150 people outdoors.” There is no discrepancy in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order not allowing basketball hoops to be up and in use. 

Please sign this petition calling for the immediate replacement of the basketball hoops and for the City of Springfield to implement sanitation stations (hand sanitizer and mask dispensaries) and COVID-19 signage at basketball courts so youth can return to play!