New UA court set to hoop it up

After a year of proposals, meetings with the administration and an extensive search for money, the Undergraduate Assembly has provided Penn with a new facility -- an outdoor basketball court due to open next week. Construction on the outdoor court, which is located on the roof of the parking garage at 38th and Spruce streets, is in its final stages. The finishing touches are the installation of a PennCard reader and the activation of timers on the lights. A press conference and dedication will be held next week to formally open the court. The court cost about $80,000, with the UA coughing up $11,000 and the administration paying for the rest. Nearly a year ago, UA Chairman Michael Bassik, Student Life Committee Chairman Ethan Kay and Facilities Committee Chairman Alex Moskowitz presented the initial proposal to Provost Robert Barchi. Barchi agreed to the UA's proposal, noting the need for such a facility on campus. "We need as many opportunities as possible for outdoor recreation facilities on campus," Barchi said. "The UA convinced me there was a great demand for it." Barchi brought the idea to University President Judith Rodin, who then approved it. The provost worked in conjunction with the UA to develop a financial plan in order to secure adequate funding for the court. With help from the administration and the Office of Alumni Relations, the UA is also attempting to secure outside funds from specific alumni. A letter is being sent out to six alumni in the next week or two. "If and when the alumni decide to give money to the courts, that money will go back to the administration," said Kay, a Wharton sophomore. Kay said the UA did encounter some funding problems during the course of construction. "There was confusion on the administration's side as to who would help us get additional funds," Kay said. The UA did not want to take away funding from the Athletic Department or the alumni office. Once the alumni office came up with a list of outside donors, Kay said the remainder of the project ran smoothly. "It was quite a roller coaster, but I think the end justifies the means," Kay said. Barchi said he thinks the new court will elicit a positive response among students. "Hopefully, they will see it as a response by the administration to meet their needs on campus," Barchi said. Assuming student response is high, the construction of an additional court is a viable option. "We discussed the possibility of an additional court, and if the demand is high enough based upon student interest, we do have the space to do it up there," Barchi said. However, before the court opens, the timers on the lights on top of the roof must be completely set up. The timers should be activated next week and will shut off the lights every night at 11 p.m. or midnight. Kay said,"They are trying to strike a balance between people wanting to use the courts and avoiding disturbing the neighbors late at night."