Sports
SPJST repairs Morgan’s Point basketball court
Sunday, 05 August 2012 by Mark Magnan
What is a basketball court without a three point arch, the key or free throw line? Well it is just a rectangle with a bucket at each end. But thanks to a little known SPJST Lodge of Morgans Point Resort, the local basketball court is freshly painted.
Tom Edwards, President of the Morgan's Point Economic Development Board, thanked the SPJST Lodge during the last City Council meeting. It seems the SPJST members came in and repainted the lines on the basketball court with little fanfare or recognition. Actually no one took credit for the actual painting, it was noticed only after the job was complete.
The local chapter of the SPJST Lodge from Temple is active in the local communities. They were looking for ways to help the city of Morgan's Point Resort with some projects. One of the main projects of interest is a series of walking trails. Mr. Edwards has been working on a project to bring about 35 miles of walking and hiking trails to the city of Morgan's Point. The effort has been approved by the city council, so it is on the way. However it will be closer to the end of this year before any major steps are seen on this. Mr. Edwards is working with TPWD to assist in the construction of the trails.
Along with the walking trails is a series of paddling trails as well. This project could be partially funded by the National Park Service. Both of these would bring visitors to Morgan's Point, but also offer some activities for the citizens of the city.
The SPJST Lodge was anxious to help the community with both of these projects. But as Edwards stated the city can only do so much, they are applying to the state and federal government for assistance or grants to gives the trail projects the boost they need. Since the soonest that any work could start on either of these trails was three to four months away, the SPJST members took matters into their own hands and worked on some community service projects close to home. The basketball court was freshened up with new goals recently and all that they needed now was some new lines. That is exactly what they got, thanks to some community minded individuals and SPJST.
The basketball court is across from the swimming pool, just behind the tennis courts. It overlooks the lake and probably has one of the most scenic views of any basketball court in the area.
While Edwards still thinks that the trail projects are in the very early stages he was thankful that someone in the area is willing to help with construction and maintenance of the trails. Once they are in place they will need periodic cleaning and upkeep. With local folks that have a community spirit like those of the SPJST lodge, Edwards is confident that Morgan's Point will have some quality trails for all to use.
So the next time you may have the urge to shoot some hoops, what better place to go than the scenic court overlooking Lake Belton. And so you know when to shoot those three-pointers, many thanks go out to James Lee and the other SPJST Lodge members that spent time on their knees to give the courts a needed facelift.
