Four new basketball “supercourts” coming to Mississauga
Published September 27, 2021 at 9:05 am
It’s not quite an NBA arena jam-packed with 20,000 screaming fans–but for Malton residents looking to put up three-pointers or dunk the basketball, a new facility that opened on the weekend might be the next best thing.
This past Saturday morning, the Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation officially unveiled four new outdoor basketball “supercourts”–including one International Basketball Federation regulation-size court–at Paul Coffey Park, located at Derry Rd. and Goreway Dr.
Bhatia, a former Malton resident, Mississauga businessman and Toronto Raptors superfan who hasn’t missed a Raptors’ home game since they began playing in the NBA in 1995, was joined at the unveiling by Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish and the Malton Sting basketball team, among others.
“The addition of these courts brings something extra special to the Malton community and to Mississauga as a whole,” said Crombie. “Basketball lovers from across the city will come here to play, connect and bond over the game.”
In addition to three full-sized recreational courts, perfect for three-on-three games, the new $150,000 facility boasts an IBF regulation-size court, ideal for hosting tournaments complete with fans, City of Mississauga officials say.
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Parrish said Bhatia and his foundation must be applauded for their contributions to Malton.
“They have really made an impact on Mississauga, and this is just the beginning,” she said. “These are the kinds of projects that put Malton on the map. The Superfan has not forgotten his first home in Canada.”
Bhatia said he’s proud to give back to the community with the new courts.
“Malton is very special to me. It’s where my family began our life in Canada. It was the warm welcome we received from such a diverse community that gave us the strength to build the life we have today,” said Bhatia, whose foundation will host celebrity basketball camps at the new site beginning in 2022. “Basketball changed my life and I hope these courts will bring people together for generations to come.”
The Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to raising money to build basketball courts and provide camps for kids in Canada and around the world.
The 112-acre Paul Coffey Park, a multi-use destination formerly known as Wildwood Park, opened in 1968. Various renovations and additions have been made over the years, including the Paul Coffey Arena and Malton Adventure Playground.
The City of Mississauga put $40 million into redevelopment of the park in the last several years, and officials say they’re not done yet.
“The new courts are just the tip of the iceberg for Paul Coffey Park. There are plenty additions to come,” said Jodi Robillos, the City’s acting commissioner of community services. “New tennis courts, bocce court reconstruction, a dog leash-free zone and cricket pitch upgrades are also planned.”
Among other features, the park has two large picnic areas, shelter area, barbecues, water sources, walking trails, tennis court, bocce courts, a major and minor soccer field, two softball diamonds, a cricket pitch, skateboard facility and views of Mimico Creek.
The park also boasts a CF-100 airplane monument, which is fitting given its proximity to Pearson Airport.
Founded in 2019, the Sting is a non-profit organization that provides youth with a safe environment in which to play the sport. The Malton Sting Basketball Club focuses on the student/athlete and offers various programs including a Jr. NBA development program and rep/competitive programs.
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