In the picturesque town of Bonney Lake, Bonney Lake Basketball Academy has been a staple in the community for nine years. However, the future of this thriving youth basketball program is hanging in the balance as it faces challenges related to the availability of practice spaces and the uncertain status of its partnership with the City of Bonney Lake Parks & Recreation.
Director Rich Mitchell recently shared insights into the current state of the academy, shedding light on the obstacles it is currently grappling with. In a candid email update, Mitchell disclosed, "Our winter season is just getting started. We had tryouts in late September to give us time to design and order our uniforms. Our season started first of November with league games starting December 2nd."
The academy is a feeder program that boasts a diverse roster, with nine teams spanning from 4th to 8th grade, showcasing both boys and girls divisions. (A feeder programs purpose is to facilitate kids in the community playing together throughout the years until they reach high school. This helps a high school to have a more successful program as we have seen at BLHS the last few years with the boys playing well and the girls making it to state two years in a row.) These young athletes participate in the Select Basketball League organized by Puyallup Parks & Recreation, with additional tournaments in White River, Puyallup, and Auburn. However, despite the program's success and growth, a significant threat looms over its future.
A critical issue facing the Bonney Lake Basketball Academy is the shortage of gym space in Bonney Lake, compelling the program to take 100 families out of the local community every weekend to play basketball elsewhere. This not only poses logistical challenges but also raises concerns about the program's sustainability.
In a phone interview with Director Rich Mitchell, he elaborated on the predicament, revealing, "The Bonney Lake Parks and Recreations only signed a contract to hold the Parks and Recreations for 5 years. That 5 years was up in 2021. The Parks and Recreation have been on a year-by-year extension of the contract that will expire in 2023."
As the expiration of the contract draws near, uncertainty clouds the future of the Bonney Lake Basketball Academy. Mitchell expressed his concern, stating, "Currently, it does not look like they are going to renew for 2024, however, there has been no formal talks around that."
With the looming threat of losing the partnership with Bonney Lake Parks & Recreation, Mitchell is left pondering the future of the academy. The lack of a clear plan beyond 2023 raises questions about how the program will sustain itself, especially with the added challenge of limited practice spaces.
The potential loss of the Bonney Lake Parks and Recreation contract holds significant consequences for the future athletes in the Bonney Lake area. Mitchell underscored that there is currently no plan for youth basketball in the Bonney Lake area, a fact that could adversely impact aspiring athletes and the vibrant sports community that has flourished under the academy's wing.
In a plea to the community, Mitchell urged concerned individuals to take action, saying, "If you want to make a change, reach out to your city council representative and the city of Bonney Lake mayor and make sure to tell them that you want multiple basketball and volleyball courts involved with the upcoming community center that is being built."
As the clock ticks down on the current contract extension, the Bonney Lake Basketball Academy finds itself at a critical juncture. The plea from Rich Mitchell to involve the community in advocating for sports facilities highlights the academy's commitment to nurturing local basketball talent and providing a space for young athletes to thrive. Whether the Bonney Lake Parks & Recreation extends the contract remains to be seen, but the stakes are high for the young athletes who have found a home in this thriving basketball community.
For those interested in supporting the Bonney Lake Basketball Academy or seeking more information, visit their website at www.bonneylakehoops.com or reach out via email at bonneylakeba@gmail.com. The future of Bonney Lake's basketball legacy hangs in the balance, and the community's engagement could be the key to ensuring the academy's continued success.
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