The Town Council received a presentation from Meredith Beauregard of Cape Hoops at the June 10, 2024 council meeting regarding a need for outdoor basketball courts on or near the Cape Elizabeth School Department campus.  Cape Hoops is a newly formed 501c(3) nonprofit organization with the of mission of providing expanded basketball programming for the boys and girls of Cape Elizabeth.  However, their vision hinges on having safe spaces and basketball courts for children to play on. The current situation presents challenges, with limited indoor gym space and outdoor courts facing various issues.

Indoor court time is at a premium due to high school sports and community programming.  The new pickleball courts at Fort Williams removed the only basketball court at the park.  As a result, there remains only one, full-size outdoor court in Cape Elizabeth off of the entryway to the elementary and middle school.  According to Beauregard, it is in poor condition, greatly accessed by kids of all ages, and is currently not zoned as a court.  

Beauregard said that the purpose of the presentation is to request the Town to provide assistance in locating an appropriate spot which could potentially be used for 1-2 full basketball courts and to cover the costs associated with developing a new site plan amendment.  Potential locations include the area next to the parking lot at Town Hall and space near the old Spurwink School adjacent to the Thomas Memorial Library.

Town Manager Michael McGovern said that the timing of the request is complicated by the uncertainty of the school building project’s direction.  “It's an awkward moment. Maybe by this time next month there'll be more clarity on where the school project is going.”  Should the council be inclined to work towards a solution with Cape Hoops, “We can come back after talking it over with different staff members with a specific proposal, after identifying a preferred location and confirming cost, with a motion to authorize fundraising and with an authorization to begin the process of applying for permits,” McGovern said.  

Councilors Jeremy Gabrielson and Timothy Thompson both indicated a desire to move forward with next steps. The target timeframe could be July or August.