JGMS Gym Equipment Upgrade Will Help Meet Growing Demand

The Bedford Recreation Commission has upgraded basketball infrastructure in the gymnasium at John Glenn Middle School.

Recreation Director Josh Smith lauded the improvements for their direct and trickle-down impact. 

“This project, which was paid for through the recreation revolving fund, will help meet the growing demand for youth basketball while opening up more time and space for adult and youth programming as well,” he said. 

Last week, Smith said, “We had new backboards and rims installed at JGMS, while also installing a system where the two main baskets automatically can be raised to the ceiling, allowing for more use of the gym. 

“These improved baskets and their flexibility will offer expanded use of the middle school gym across all age groups,” he continued. “The accessibility and functionality will allow all ages use of the Middle School gym increasing options for scheduling and use, including elementary age groups, which were previously not able to play games in this gym.”

Smith explained that “previously there were four baskets on the side that were old, in different shapes and sizes, and not adjustable. They did not move up or down, which is needed for youth basketball.”

Meanwhile, the two main baskets “were fixed and could not be moved up and out of the way to accommodate more uses of the gym.”

The improvements were envisioned and approved during the January meeting of the Recreation Commission. “It was discussed that the JGMS courts were underutilized for both youth and adult recreational programming, given the state of the baskets,” Smith reported. 

“The commission discussed how enrollment has been increasing in the Bauman league each year and in basketball clinics and camps that the recreation department offers,” he continued. “Bedford Travel Basketball also utilizes the gyms in the schools.”

In addition to all of the increased recreational programming that this opens up, there is a benefit for athletics and school use, he said, as Davis and Lane schools and the high school are all used often for adult programs, including badminton, basketball, pickleball, and volleyball.

“By installing the new adjustable glass backboards and the system that allows for retracting the main glass backboards, this allows for much more use of the JGMS court while opening up time for other programming at BHS, Lane, and Davis,” the director said.