play625

SoCalHoops News Report

Playground Ball Is the Thing In Summer--(June 25, 1998)

LA Times Valley edition sportswriter, Eric Sondheimer wrote an interesting piece today about pickup games played at some of the local city parks and rec centers. We won't reprint the entire article, but if you want to check it out, go to the LA Times website. As Sondheimer notes, "Pickup basketball games in the region are as much a tradition as going to the beach. The real action is at park courts, because most high school gymnasiums stopped open play when money ran out for after-school programs in the 1980s."

While most people know that some of the best pickup games are played around Venice Beach, that's not the only spot where you can find great action. So where do you find the best pickup games in the San Fernando Valley?

Here's Eric's list; the commentary is his also, unless otherwise noted:

1. Reseda Park, Reseda Boulevard and Victory Boulevard, Reseda:

Players start arriving on weekends just past 8 a.m. and games keep going at night under the lights. There are five baskets and two courts. [SoCalHoops: Also try the gym at Sherman Oaks CES located across the street, which is frequently open]

2. Balboa Park, Balboa Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard, Encino:

College players looking for competition are known to show up on the four outside baskets. There's also a gym at the park. Gianandrea Marcaccini, a Valley College player, said, "You learn debating skills. You learn if you want the ball, you have to argue for 10 minutes."

3. Valley College, Burbank Boulevard and Ethel Avenue, Van Nuys:

This is the best place for high-caliber players, college or high school. The gym is open Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. It costs $1 to play. Two full-court games take place. Former UCLA players Trevor Wilson and Tracy Murray have been known to make appearances during the summer. [SoCalHoops: And on Saturdays look for some of the best high school talent in the area including Gilbert Arenas, (and Gil Sr., his father), Devin Montgomery, and others].

3. Moranda Park, Point Hueneme Drive and Surfside Drive, Hueneme:

For Ventura County players, this court, a short walk from the Hueneme pier, is packed early in the evening. There are three baskets. As long as the wind isn't howling, the games are competitive.

4. Woodland Hills Park, Shoup Street and Miranda Avenue, Woodland Hills:

A new outside court with two hoops is under construction and should be available by Aug. 1. The old court was used by many ex-Taft and ex-El Camino Real players. The park has a gym, but it's rarely open for free play because of leagues.

5. DeAnza Park, Lost Hills Road and Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas:

It's the most luxurious outside court this side of Beverly Hills. On the way to Zuma Beach, the park has six glass backboard baskets and lights. The only problem is sharing with roller hockey players, who get use of the court at specific times.

6. Valley Plaza Recreation Center, Laurel Grove Avenue and Vanowen Street, North Hollywood:

This is one of the favorite hangouts for Grant High All-City guard Gilbert Arenas. There's a gym and four outside courts.

7. Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, Hazeltine Avenue and Huston Street, Van Nuys:

The four outside courts receive nonstop action on weekends. Take a dip in the adjacent park pool to cool off.

8. John Quimby Park, Hart Street and De Soto Avenue, Canoga Park:

Only months old, this outdoor facility has four cement courts. It's starting to attract a steady group of players. But bring along a gas mask to deal with car exhaust along busy De Soto.

9. Encino Park, Ventura Boulevard and Genesta Avenue, Encino:

This is a favorite park for lawyers, so avoid verbal insults. There are only two baskets, but it's in the middle of Encino's restaurant row. Encino Hospital is less than a mile away. [SoCalHoops: This is the nicest place to play, tree-shaded with giant oaks; frequently empty on Sunday mornings]

10. Knapp Ranch Park, Kittridge Street and Valley Circle Boulevard, West Hills:

Hidden in an upscale housing development, there are four baskets and two full courts. It's quiet, safe and well maintained. The courts start to fill up just past 6 p.m. on summer weekdays.