City Leaders urge Residents to keep Basketball Hoops out of Streets

Several Rockford aldermen are now receiving complaints about people dragging portable basketball hoops into the street. It's something that poses a great safety risk for players.

Jaquarius Edwards spends a lot of his time shooting hoops. "We just have fun, play basketball together on a nice day when its cooler we all just play," said Edwards.

And with summer break in full swing city leaders now are seeing an increase of kids playing basketball in the street.

Rockford's Third Ward Alderman Doug Mark explained "I know several aldermen who have even in the discussion tonight; they've had specific instances in their ward"

Local area teenagers are saying playing in the street isn't worth the safety risk.

Edwards said "if you shoot or miss and you might not be looking at a car coming by. It might not see you and then hit you or something."

City leaders are encouraging the use of courts at area parks and schools.  Some basketball players agree. "Why play in the street when we got a court. There's no point to play in the street we've got courts all around here," said Edwards.

City officials are not looking to punish or penalize people. They're just hoping residents move hoops out of the way and back into the driveway, making roads safer for children and drivers.

Rockford's Streets Division Supervisor Harry Noble will present the issue again at next week's City Council meeting.