Turnpike Lane basketball courts opened after renovation
The iconic Turnpike Lane basketball courts in Haringey, North London, have officially reopened following a renovation, restoring one of London’s most historic destination courts to its former glory.
Reopened on Monday, with an official community day launch event scheduled for Thursday May 29, the revamped court was brought to life through a collaboration between Access Sport and the Hoopsfix Foundation, with support from Basketball England via Project Swish, the London Marathon Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Haringey Council.
The transformation includes a bold new design by clothing and basketball brand Half Decent Day, upgraded hoops and backboards, and improvements to the playing surface – making it one of the best outdoor basketball facilities in North London.
The design itself was shaped by community input through a series of consultations, with the court’s new logo paying tribute to its rich basketball legacy.
This project marks the third outdoor court that the Hoopsfix Foundation has helped fund — following Clapham Common and Brighton Beach — thanks to proceeds raised through ticket sales for the annual Hoopsfix All-Star Classic.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the renovation of Turnpike Lane basketball courts, one of London’s most iconic and well-loved outdoor courts,” said Sam Neter, Executive Director of the Hoopsfix Foundation.
“For years, the basketball community has been asking for more high-quality, dedicated outdoor spaces like Turnpike Lane, and through our partnership with Access Sport, we’ve been able to bring it back up to scratch. I also want to pay tribute to Ben Blossom, a regular at the courts who sadly passed away. In his memory, his family invited donations towards the refurbishment—their generosity played a vital role in making this project happen.”
In the weeks ahead, Access Sport will launch Turnpike Lane Basketball Club, a new inclusive community programme that aims to engage underserved and disabled young people in the area. Volunteers will be recruited and trained to run regular sessions, with accessible equipment provided in partnership with Basketball England.
“Thank you to all the partners involved in this process; without your support, we wouldn’t have been able to revitalise this historic court,” Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport, CEO, said.
“We look forward to seeing it grow into a vibrant hub where local young people can connect through basketball.”
The reopening event next week will feature coaching sessions, a dunk show, wheelchair basketball taster sessions, a live DJ, and giveaways from Bouncewear, Half Decent Day, and Basketball England.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Access Sport in the launch of another brilliant art court, this time at the iconic Turnpike Lane courts,” said Toby Wilkinson, Interim Facilities Manager at Basketball England.
“We know how integral it is to have safe spaces for young people to enjoy playing basketball, which is why we’re working hard with our partners to revamp the nation’s outdoor courts.”
This refurbishment is part of Access Sport’s wider partnership with the London Marathon Foundation, which will see £1.6 million invested into inclusive basketball and cycling activities across London, aiming to make inclusion the norm in community sport.
Their first court was completed last year at Burgess Park.
“Turnpike Lane has always felt like one of the original streetball courts in London—a place rich in basketball history and community,” added Sam Sure, founder of Half Decent Day.
“Being part of shaping its identity and bringing it to life with a bold, new design is a true honour.”
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