We're petitioning for more designated basketball-only hours at our Cambridge YMCA.

Over the last few months, basketball court availability has been severely limited. When courts are open, waiting times are frequently long and frustrating, with 40+ people often waiting to play just a 15-minute game. Many members have expressed similar concerns, especially in Cambridge/Somerville, where indoor basketball courts are rare and hard to come by.

Basketball at the Cambridge YMCA is more than exercise—it's community building and social interaction. Many of us have become great friends from playing basketball at the Cambridge YMCA. It serves as a crucial gathering place, especially for youth in our area, particularly after school, on weekends, on holidays, and during school vacation periods.

Our gymnasium space can accommodate 6 basketball courts simultaneously, serving dozens of members at once. During peak times, especially weekends, we believe the space could be more efficiently utilized to serve more members through increased basketball hours.

We respectfully ask the Cambridge YMCA management to extend basketball-only designated hours and implement solutions to decrease waiting times. We understand the court must be shared to accommodate other vital programs such as childcare and group exercise programs. This change will significantly improve the experience for all members and strengthen our sense of community.

Please support our cause by signing this petition. Thank you!