Bringing the spark back to community spaces

New Zealand’s telecommunications company Spark has teamed up with the Auckland Council to build five basketball courts across the city.

Giving the community a safe space to gather and play some ball, the Spark Boroughs project was about connecting ballers at all courts – part of this connectivity was providing free WIFI at the courts. It’s this blend of good old-fashioned exercise and new ways of staying in touch that has created a community space everyone can enjoy.

Part of playing any sport is hearing the cheers from the crowd, so Urban Effects was approached to provide seating at each court – so anyone from seasoned players to newcomers can come down and watch or play.

Our portable, yet sturdy Metro 2 Tier Grandstand has a sleek design that fits into the urban aesthetic of a basketball court and is tough enough to withstand everyday use.

It can easily sit 24 adults and is all about comfort, with rounded edges for safety and an easily accessible step to move up and down the stand. The tough aluminium and stainless steel frame will stand up to Auckland’s harshest weather year-round.

View this video about the first court in Otara, and see the grandstand in use.