Basketball Court Improvements at Breukelen Houses

NYCHA’s Breukelen Houses in Brooklyn celebrated a welcomed addition to the community with the opening of a newly upgraded basketball court.  

Residents, led by Breukelen Resident Community Council President Angel King, and NYPD officials, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, and NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer Vito Mustaciuolo gathered on May 15 to cut the ribbon for the court’s first official day. Ms. King, a 32-year resident of Breukelen Houses, called it a joyous occasion “to see those smiles on those kids’ faces because they have a new basketball court.” 

“I think it was a great, successful event,” she said, noting that residents immediately played a game. “It felt like the community was coming back to life.”  

Improvements to the existing Breukelen basketball court area included a leveling of the surface, new paint, new backboards, and the installation of new benches and an electronic scoreboard. The project was initiated by the Office of the Chief Operating Officer.   

Along with the upgrades, a new sign was installed to dedicate the court to the memory of Breukelen Houses residents who have passed away.  

Several community organizations came out to support the celebration, including Doral Health & Wellness, Urban Hope, and East Flatbush Village, Inc. During the event, attendees also received various donations, such as groceries, clothes, toys, and books.  

Ms. King noted that in addition to helping keep youth active, the renovated basketball court will give them the opportunity to interact with older generations of residents who said they have been inspired to come back to their old court for some pick-up games.  

“Now we have a place to commune and just be together,” said Ms. King.