SAUGUS — The lights weren’t even on, and already children could be seen playing on the basketball court in the darkness.
Even Selectwoman Debra Panetta squared up and let one fly (for the record, the shot went down).
Children, residents, town officials, employees and business owners gathered Monday evening at Evans Park to cut the ribbon on the two new basketball courts. To Town Manager Scott Crabtree, this was more than just ceremonial. To him, and others, it was a major deal.
“This has been an eyesore for many years,” said Crabtree referring to the park behind the old Evans School, at the southern end of Saugus Center where Winter and Central Streets intersect. “People see this as the center of the town,” said Crabtree. “And it’s so nice to come by here and see this. We can be real proud of it.”
The newly-reconfigured park features two new, regulation-sized basketball courts, new surrounding sidewalks and granite curbing, reconfigured parking, and new landscaping, drainage, a water fountain, benches, and trash receptacles.
There will also be security cameras and lighting installed as part of the project to increase safety and security on the premises. Lines have been painted in the courts, and the final surface color will be completed in the spring when the weather is warmer.
“We have been able to come together for the common good of the town,” Crabtree said. “It took an awful lot of cooperation from a lot of people to get this done.
“I see this as a great day for Saugus.”
Crabtree said the new courts will create a positive environment for Saugus athletes, especially basketball players who will have a ready-made facility for clinics and summer leagues.
“I’ve already talked about getting some youth and summer leagues, and men’s leagues,” said varsity basketball coach Mark Bertrand. “I can remember when kids would come over here to play on Sunday nights.”
The upgrades, which were supported by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting earlier this year, are part of an ongoing effort to continue to improve the town’s parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields for the children and families of Saugus, Crabtree said.
“When we work together as one team, we are able to accomplish so much for our town,” he said. “I look forward to the children and families being able to enjoy this wonderful park for many years to come.”
“One of our top priorities on the board has been the idea of open space for everyone to enjoy,” Panetta said. “Since this all started, we’ve fixed up Bristol Street Park, the tennis courts at the middle school, and now this. We’ve come a long way. I am so pleased to see all the progress we have made together.”
