Formed in late 2017, the SMRDC, in conjunction with MNC Lower Health District and Nestle, recently started construction on a multi-purpose basketball facility in the town after a long application and funding process.

"Most of the fundraising efforts we conducted were in 2018 and then we were fortunate enough to receive the healthy communities grant and Nestle grant," Rebecca Box of the committee said.

"With circumstances it's taken a while to finalise those grant fundings but now we're on our way."

Throughout 12 months of fundraising the committee managed to raise $10,000 with their focus turning to grants after achieving that figure thanks to the kindness of the community.

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The idea for the committee and basketball court started due to the substantial injuries a young Smithtown basketballer suffered when practicing.

"Originally the idea was to form a committee to enhance the park," Mrs Box said.

"We had an incident where there was a young kid playing basketball at the school after hours, a ball went on the roof and the kid fell off and fractured his skull and wasn't in a good way.

"The incident highlighted that we needed a safe place for the kids to play, to suit the 7-15 and older age group."

Along with basketball, the court will also be accessible for those wishing to enhance their netball skills.

Basketball hoops will be attached on the main court whilst netball rings will be on the reverse side facing out onto the grass so players can practice their shooting and any other skills.

The court itself should be built by next Sunday according to Mrs Box with line marking to be completed around the end of June.

The basketball project is just one of many for the committee as they strive to make a difference to the community of Smithtown.

"We have ideas of other projects we want to do but the basketball court was our main priority," Box said.

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