As originally published by WISN 12.
The home to the Warning Summer Basketball League in Milwaukee is about to be renovated thanks to a $200,000 donation from the Pat Connaughton Foundation.
The donation will help upgrade the Meaux Park basketball courts near Green Bay Road and Villard Avenue with new asphalt, bleachers, rims, nets, backboards, and improved fencing.
“That help is something that’s special because our young people need to feel like this is so important. How do we take care of it, and when people reach back and uplift and beautify it, it’s something special to show our young people what it means,” said Victor Barnett, Running Rebels founder.
The program started in 1974 to keep Milwaukee’s youth out of trouble during the summer and encourage them to aim for college scholarships.
It’s now run by Running Rebels, a mentoring organization.
“It’s not just about honing your athletic ability, this is about making sure kids in our community have an opportunity to do something safe, to do something that’s family friendly,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “This is a staple. It is a true staple right here in Milwaukee.”
This donation will allow more than 500 young people to improve their basketball skills in a safe, upgraded space.