Street proposes eventual fix for Paradise’s basketball ban

By Mark Squibb / July 21, 2023

The Town of Paradise may have received flack for issuing orders to residents on Spracklin Boulevard to take their portable basketball nets in off the streets this June, but council isn’t backing down on the decision.

Council discussed the matter briefly earlier this month, as reported in The Shoreline, and again during this week’s meeting.

“Last meeting, councillor (Elizabeth) Laurie brought forward complaints from residents regarding basketball nets along the street, and the notices that were being issued by Municipal Enforcement” said Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street. “And I know, Your Worship, that you’ve spoken with media, and I know we’ve all received messages regarding it, and it’s been added to most committee agendas as well.”

Street then reiterated the move to issue the order was complaint driven.

“Safety is of the utmost importance, and the municipal enforcement officer’s duty is to respond to complaints, and complete an assessment,” she said. “If they witness an infraction, they have to act upon it. It’s for the safety of residents.”

Street suggested that an increase in basketball’s popularity, leading to the placement of more nets on Town roads, may be behind the issue.

But she offered a potential solution. Street said that, as she understands it, residents of Spracklin would be willing to let their children walk to the Woodstock Gardens playground off Port Rexton Place, but that may not be safe due to a lack of sidewalks as the children would have to walk along, and cross, busy Topsail Road to get to the new playground.

She suggested the Town look into the cost of laying sidewalks in the area. The matter wasn’t voted upon, but her suggestion was duly noted.