NORWAY — Former Assistant Town Manager Deb Partridge cut the ribbon July 9 for the newly renovated basketball court at the Cottage Street Recreation Area.

The court is fenced in with a fully painted surface, basketball lines designated, and adjustable goal systems allowing all ages to be able to play successfully.

Norway Parks & Recreation staff, from left, are Deven Pendexter, director of Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries; Deb Partridge, former director of Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries; and Angie Paine, Recreation Program coordinator. Submitted photo

The ribbon cutting included basketball games and skill competitions. The new pickleball court, created by converting one of the tennis courts, was also available for play, with kickball going on in the open space.

The town’s Parks & Recreation Department and New Balance provided healthy snacks for all inside the New Balance Warming Hut, according to a news release from Deven Pendexter, the department’s director.

Partridge and former Town Manager Dennis Lajoie started the project in 2021 by obtaining financing and creating the design with Neil Feeley of Beaver Brook Tennis and Rob Prue of Pine Tree Engineering. Construction started in 2022 with the Highway Department, led by Art Chappell and Steve Powers, doing the excavating and drainage work.

Beaver Brook Tennis, the general contractor, utilized local businesses Pine Tree Paving for the court paving and Double T Fence for the enclosed fence. New Balance Foundation contributed $54,900 to the project. AARPA funding provided an additional $10,000.

This new facility is another leap forward for Norway, creating a place for all ages and abilities to play basketball as well as opening an avenue for league plays and skill competitions to be conducted. The public is asked to be good stewards of this new facility by placing trash in the receptacle provided and respecting the rules of the court.

For more information on Norway programs and facilities, contact Deven Pendexter at 207-739-7050 or dpendexter@norwaymaine.com.

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