LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – Thanks to a $730,000 investment of District 7 discretionary funds, a new, state-of-the-art basketball facility has opened at Father McNaboe Park. The facility, which includes 12 basketball hoops, a multi-purpose floor, chain link fence and a roof with lights, was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday morning, Aug. 20.

Derick, a student at Washington Middle School, expressed his excitement about the new court. “It feels good, and it feels like I’m going to be like LeBron James,” he said. His classmate Daphne Casso added, “I feel a lot better because now I can play basketball with all my friends and have fun.”

The new facility also includes a bathroom and a water fountain to keep park visitors hydrated. “The last park we had, like this one, I didn’t like because it got too hot,” Derick noted.

JJ Gomez, director of parks for the city of Laredo, emphasized the dual purpose of the new facility. “We wanted to make sure they had all the amenities they needed and that they enjoyed them. We want to make this park even bigger; it’s one of our biggest parks, so we want to add a lot of amenities,” Gomez said.

Gomez explained that the park will benefit both Washington Middle School students and the wider public. “It will be used by the school during the day and in the evening all the citizens of Laredo can come and enjoy this beautiful basketball court that we have here,” he said.

Gomez also asked the community to help maintain the new facility. “Let’s take care of this place. Let’s make sure you report anything you notice,” he added.

The new facility is one of several park projects aimed at improving recreation in the community and providing better amenities for residents.

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