ISM June18-web

WORLD’S FIRST PUBLIC OUTDOORS
COURT OPENS IN NYC
NEWYORKCITYWELCOMESWORLD’SFIRST
PUBLICOUTDOORSQUASHCOURT
The recent unveiling of the world’s first public squash court in New
York City has generated considerable public interest in the US city.
The pioneering project is the initiative of the Public Squash Foundation,
whose goal is to offer free access to squash in public places.
The inaugural all-glass court, manufactured by ASB Squash,
is modelled on the ASB ShowGlassCourt used at top tier
PSA World Tour events, WSF World Championships and
Commonwealth Games around the world - but modified for
the outdoors.
The new court, at Hamilton Fish Park on Lower East Side,
was officially opened by NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell
Silver. Installed on one of the park’s four handball courts, the
squash court is the latest addition to the NYC Parks’ Adopt-a-
Park program.
ASB will continue its cooperation with the World Squash
Federation (WSF) and Professional Squash Association (PSA)
to encourage other cities, local federations and communities in
the US and around the world to follow the breakthrough New
York example.
“It is exciting to work with Public Squash to bring an amenity
as unique as outdoor squash to one of our city parks,” said
Commissioner Silver at the launch. “Athletic activity benefits
us mentally and physically; and falling in love with a sport like
squash can expose us to worlds we may never have otherwise
come into contact with.”
Ryan Wall, director of Public Squash, added: “Bringing squash
outside, and making it free to the public, is the best way to give
access to all, and increase the visibility of the game.”
In a news story in the New York Times, under the headline
Squash Without the Ceiling, New York stylist Danielle Brown
told reporter Amy Sohn: “It’s amazing being outside… the
whole community has been dying for this. I like it better than
playing inside.”
ASB US Consultant Conor O’Malley explained: “There are
several key ingredients needed for any successful project to
come together; you need the right timing, partners, patience
and perseverance. So, this is really a story of triumph for the
squash community brought about by Public Squash Foundation,
ASB, NYC Parks & Recreation Department - and, of course,
made possible by the generous supporters.
“We hope this is the just the beginning of more courts and more
cities embracing this Public Squash movement,” added the
former US Squash Vice President.
Tommy Berden, the PSA’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “As
Squash is bidding for inclusion in the Olympic Programme, the
opening of a public outdoor squash court in New York serves as
a strong example of the value that squash can bring to a host
city, by easily and efficiently integrating with the modern urban
landscapes and lifestyles.
“I am convinced that the new court will further contribute to
enhance the image of the iconic East Village known for its
diverse, dynamic and artistic community and will become a
popular sport venue for the locals.”
INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE June 2018 | 15
www.isportgroup.com/InternationalSquashMagazine