Barchi to discuss plans for basketball courts

The Undergraduate Assembly has been dribbling its proposal for new basketball courts for three months -- and now, the basket may be in sight. Provost Robert Barchi and the UA Executive Board will meet tomorrow to discuss the plan, which calls for Penn to build two outdoor courts. The UA originally presented its proposal to the University in November and a month later provided officials with a petition signed by 1,121 students to demonstrate a need for more courts. "We hope to get a final answer or at least see significant progress," UA Chairman Michael Silver said about tomorrow's meeting. Barchi declined to comment until after the discussion tomorrow. The UA's November 2 proposal called for the two basketball courts to be built on the rooftop of the parking garage at the corner of 38th and Spruce streets. Since then, however, other sites have been considered. Plans for an extensive overhaul of the parking garage, in addition to the potential of open space elsewhere, have led Penn officials and the UA to look at possible ground-level locations. Silver, a College senior, said one of the areas, Hamilton Village, is ideal because of its central location. Hill Field, the space behind Hutchinson Gymnasium and the Quadrangle area are also being considered as possible locations. The UA estimated the cost for the basketball courts as between $70,000 and $100,000 in its original proposal but has since amended its estimate to $100,000 to $150,000. However, Silver said he doesn't see cost as a major issue. "If funding is the last remaining hurdle, we can find donors that are interested in sports or Penn sports alums to donate the money. We'll do a fundraising job if we have to," Silver said. The courts would be PennCard-accessible and will likely remain open from 10 a.m. until as late as 10 p.m. if lighting is approved, according to UA Facilities Committee Chair Jonathan Glick, a Wharton junior. Student opinion on the Undergraduate Assembly's proposal of two outdoor basketball courts has been largely positive. "It's a pretty good idea," Wharton senior Jordan Milman said. "We need more space and playing outdoors is more enjoyable, a different game." Many students complained about the long waits to use the courts at Gimbel Gymnasium, often 30 to 45 minutes at peak afternoon and evening times. "I'm in favor of [the proposal], obviously," College freshman Trip Clattenburg said. "These courts do get overcrowded." Some students, however, questioned whether outdoor courts would alleviate the problem year-round. "It couldn't hurt for the fall or springtime," College senior Bill Mandia said. "But during the winter, it's not going to do a lot of good." In addition to being overcrowded, Wharton senior Andy Goldman said the indoor courts are a "health hazard on a hot day" because of the stifling heat and humidity in a closed, windowless gym. Currently, only Gimbel and Hutchinson gymnasiums are equipped with basketball courts. In its proposal, the UA pointed to a 1998 study that showed Penn was eight basketball courts short of demand. "Absolutely there's a need for basketball courts," Silver said. "Anybody that plays at Gimbel or Hutch understands how long they have to wait."