Facebook votes help North Babylon basketball courts

Some of Babylon Town’s basketball courts are getting a makeover, thanks in part to voters on Facebook.

The basketball courts at Phelps Lane Park in North Babylon will get a $20,000 renovation grant thanks to Sprite’s Spark Parks Project. The initiative aims to bring a “spark” to active community areas through construction and refurbishment.

Phelps Lane was picked as one of 21 basketball courts from across the country to receive an improvement grant for a court makeover. Parks were chosen based on Facebook votes, as well as the scope of the project and benefit to the community. The North Babylon park was the only one in the state to receive a Sprite grant.

The money will go toward repairing major surface cracks and resurfacing and painting the courts as well as repairing lighting. There will also be safety padding placed around the lighting and basketball poles. In addition, a retaining wall will also be put up to prevent vehicles from driving onto the courts. The renovations will take place this spring.