Parque Chimiya at San Juan Comalapa
The Basketball Court

Completed in March 2007, the basketball court at Parque Chimiyá has become one of the main attractions of the park. The court, which has been used for a variety of games and activities, was funded by a generous private donation and built through the collaborative efforts of Long Way Home and Chuwi Tinamit. The basketball goal posts were constructed so that they double as goal markers for the popular sport of papifut, and the court can also be set up for volleyball.

Construction

The most time-consuming part of the basketball court’s construction was the initial leveling of the site, which had previously been nothing but an uneven packed dirt area. Using hoes, picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, and quite a bit of manpower, Long Way Home staff, volunteers and paid laborers spent months preparing the site before any materials were ever purchased. Once the land was leveled, tons of cement, gravel, sand and rebar were delivered, measurements were made, and we got ready to build a basketball court.

With the use of a rented concrete mixer, the basketball court was poured and smoothed in four sections on four separate days in February and March of 2007. Long Way Home rounded up a great crew of volunteers, and Chuwi Tinamit provided meals and supplemental labor on the days the concrete was poured. Subsequent Long Way Home volunteers helped out by re-painting the used goal posts and painting lines on the court, adding to the number of people collaborating on the project’s success.

Education and Sustainability

With its ability to draw additional visitors to the park, the basketball court adds to the park’s financial sustainability. Long Way Home staff and interns have used the court to coach basketball for the local children, and to lead educational activities. Located near the wooded areas of the park, the basketball court provides an ideal space for any outdoor activity.

We are still raising money to support the essential purpose of the basketball court: playing basketball. Though a relatively inexpensive sport, we are still looking to provide for teams, uniforms, referees, coaches, etc. (Not to mention maintenance!). Click here if you would like to help donate toward the purchase of materials ot help us out with this project or to just make a general donation to the vitality of the project. Long Way Home appreciates your contributions and interest in helping make the world a better place. Just look at the picture to the right to see what people like you have already accomplished!

Click here if you would like to help donate toward the develpment of this project or just make a general donation to the vitality of the project. Long Way Home appreciates your contributions and interest in helping make the world a better place.