A growing passion for basketball in Carman is driving a new push to build a dedicated outdoor court in Kings Park, with organizers now turning to the community to help make the project a reality.
Eric Smith, a longtime Carman basketball coach and volunteer, is leading a fundraising campaign to build a dedicated outdoor basketball court in Kings Park. Pictured with Smith are members of the junior varsity team. Front row (left to right): Sebastian Panganiban, Arkadii Anishchuk and Travis Knight. Back row (left to right): Bravin Tshondo and Sean Doell, with Jeff Knight, court committee member and junior varsity team assistant coach
Longtime local coach and volunteer Eric Smith is leading fundraising efforts for the proposed professional-grade outdoor basketball court, which would provide a safe, centralized space for players of all ages to train, play and connect.
“I’ve been involved with basketball in Carman for most of my life, and over the last few years it’s become clear there’s a serious need for a proper outdoor court,” Smith said. “Right now, players are relying on a patchwork of small, inadequate courts that don’t meet regulation standards and don’t allow the game to grow the way it should.”
At present, local players use a mix of courts at churches and the youth centre, many of which feature inconsistent hoop heights, limited space and worn or incomplete court markings. Smith said those limitations make it difficult to run organized practices or competitive play, particularly as interest in the sport continues to grow among youth.
The proposed court would be centrally located in Kings Park, helping further develop the area as a community recreation hub. Plans call for two full-size main hoops and two adjustable side hoops ranging from six to 10 feet, allowing the space to accommodate everyone from young beginners to experienced players.
The court design will mirror Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association three-point dimensions, giving youth athletes the opportunity to practise at competitive standards. The layout is also optimized for three-on-three play, a popular and accessible format for outdoor basketball.
By building in Kings Park, the project will also take advantage of existing infrastructure, including lighting for evening use, nearby parking, washrooms and natural shade from surrounding trees.
The total projected cost of the project is $150,000, which also represents the overall fundraising goal. Smith said fundraising efforts are already underway, with Corduroy Plains Ltd. and Kelvin Smith each committing $15,000 to kick off the campaign, for a combined $30,000 raised to date.
If fundraising targets are met, construction is expected to begin this spring.
The project has received approval from the Town of Carman and the RM of Dufferin. Once completed, the court will be owned and maintained by the Town of Carman, with oversight through the town’s recreation department.
The court will be open to the public for casual use and will also be designed to host organized youth and adult programming, as well as competitive play.
Smith said he has now moved fully into the fundraising phase of the project.
The campaign invites individuals and businesses to “own a piece of the court,” with sponsorship levels tied to square-footage contributions toward the project’s 5,000-square-foot goal. Sponsorship tiers range from $300 to $9,000, with all donors recognized on a courtside sign and through social media.
Cheques can be made payable to the Town of Carman, and Smith said donation pickup can be arranged.
“Our basketball community here is strong, and this court would give it a permanent home,” he said. “With community support, this is something that can benefit Carman for years to come.”
For more information or to contribute, Smith can be reached at 1-204-751-0238 or by email at carmanbasketball@gmail.com.
