Basketball court under construction at old powwow grounds

By Alexander Bliven

Smoke Signals intern

Construction began Monday, Aug. 10, on a new full-size community basketball court on the old powwow grounds across the street from the Tribal Governance Center.

The project was a donation to the Tribe by the Big Ten Conference.

The court will measure 50-by-84 feet, the same dimensions as a high school basketball court and will include lighting for nighttime play. It will be located near the Tribal education complex and gym. That area was selected because of its proximity to those facilities.

Tribal Engineering & Community Development Department Manager Ryan Webb also noted that the Tribal campus master plan designates that portion of the old powwow grounds as open space, making the court consistent with planned use of the area.

In an email to Tribal employees, Webb said the court was donated by the Big Ten Conference, “reflecting their support for youth wellness, recreation and our community’s long-term health.”

Big Ten is a collegiate athletic conference comprising 18 universities across the United States, including the University of Oregon. Its mission is to balance high-level college sports with academic success while promoting “integrity, fairness and competitiveness.”

Tribal Communications Director Sara Thompson said the partnership developed from Big Ten’s interest in exploring the Pacific Northwest.

“When the Big Ten expanded to include the University of Oregon, they expressed a desire to explore the Pacific Northwest as part of their Big Life series,” Thompson said. “They came out earlier this year for initial conversations on how we could work together. Everything grew from there.”

According to Big Ten, the Big Life series is an immersive educational program through which Big Ten student-athletes, coaches and administrators learn about the history, culture and communities of different regions. During this year’s Pacific Northwest program, more than 100 of the program’s participants visited Grand Ronde for the Veterans Powwow.

The old powwow grounds area will be an active construction site during the project. Those nearby may notice temporary impacts to parking and pathways adjacent to the site, with signage posted to safely direct foot traffic.

Webb expected excavation and concrete slab work to be finished by Aug. 20. The concrete will then need 14-21 days to cure before court surfacing, hoops and lights can be installed, with a tentative completion date of late September.

The court’s hours are expected to align with those of the Tribal Gym: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.