The South Bay’s DNA is community, family and an active lifestyle. Thus, our towns are built to foster this but when cities take away equipment to facilitate this, it goes against the core values of our town. Recently, the city decided to remove the basketball backboards and rims from the west side of Clark Baseball Field in Hermosa Beach, CA.   

These basketball hoops are used by many neighborhood kids after school or during summer to get some shots up.  Also, since there is a 9 foot hoop within this set of hoops, it fosters inclusivity for smaller kids so parents use this spot to help train their younger children to get better at basketball. 

We recognize that there was litigation causing CIP 619 for the courts east of the baseball field.  However, that ligitation was about pickleball (not basketball) and regarding an area that is fully enclosed with 4 sides around it with a standard regulation size court with lines inviting formal competitive play.  The removed basketball hoops on the west side are a very different scenario as there are no formal lines on the ground -  indicating it is not a standard regulation court which doesn't invite formal games but rather just a place to get some shots up or work on skills.  Also, it isn't enclosed and there is no wall or fence at the base of the basketball hoop - which is the direction of momentum when playing - mitigating any risk substantially.  Many cities have smaller than regulation spaces for basketball hoops, including half-courts, and have not had issues at all. Given all of this and the joy it brings the community and kids, it is our hope the city can reinstate the rims and backboards ASAP.

Moreover, the benefits of physical activity for children are well-documented. According to the CDC, physical activity in children improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, controls weight, and reduces anxiety and depression. By taking away these basketball hoops, our city is limiting opportunities for children to engage in such healthy activities.

We propose that the city reinstall the three basketball backboards and rims on the existing poles. This small act will have a big impact on our community and neighborhood giving us access to basketball hoops that aren’t always occupied by scrimmages (like the courts east of the baseball field) but are there for skill development and as an outlet for the kids to get some shots up promoting that active lifestyle, community and family dynamics Hermosa was built on! 

Please join us in urging the to bring back the basketball facilities at Clark Field. Sign this petition today to support healthy and inclusive activities for Hermosa's community.