THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 17, 1996 TAG: 9605160196
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY NANCY LEWIS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Anything good is worth waiting for.
Just ask community leaders in Lake Edward.
On Saturday, they joined hands with city officials to celebrate the opening of a community basketball court at the corner of Hampton Lane and Hampton Way. The $300,000 project took three years to complete and tested the ability of neighborhood activists to communicate needs to those with the power to provide. The success of the effort also depended on city leaders' knack for listening.
Elizabeth Bryant, former president of the Lake Edward Area Civic League, wore a satisfied smile as she prepared for the dedication. It was she who took the initiative in early 1993 to see the court built.
``Now if you want to find your son, you know where to look,'' said Bryant, whose grandchildren live in Lake Edward. ``They're going to be running our country, so you have to do something for them.''
Mayor Meyera Oberndorf lauded Lake Edward citizens for their tirelessness in putting together ``a piece at a time'' the things that add up to an improved quality of life. She also praised Councilman Louis Jones for his promotion of the project.
The court, which actually opened for use early this year, is well used by area youth, said residents. Lake Edward, an area of the city that abuts Norfolk, is home to about 2,000 teenagers, many of whom lack recreational opportunities. While some of those who live in apartment complexes have use of pool facilities, others do not. The closest of the city's large recreational centers, the Bayside facility, is some five miles distant - too far away for most of the youths to take advantage of.
Also on hand for the dedication was Ronald Jenkins, Bayside High School basketball coach. He praised community leaders and city officials for their roles in helping to see Bryant's vision become reality.
``Some of the best athletes in the country . . . come out of Lake Edward,'' Jenkins said. ``It's important for the kids to know that parents and the community are working for them.''
Now Bryant has visions of a satellite recreation center or boy's club for Lake Edward.
``If she can do this,'' said Michael Wilson, gesturing toward the basketball court, ``sooner or later we'll have a pool for these kids.''
Wilson lives in Lake Edward and attends civic league meetings because ``it seems like they want to do things for kids.''
The 36-year-old, who is disabled from a stroke, advocates for Lake Edward youth because, he says, ``The Lord set me down and turned me around, and I think this is something I'm supposed to do. If you give in good measure, it will be given back.''
Wilson was one of many residents who were vocal in their opposition to Mr. Magic's, a nightclub in a strip center near Lake Edward that was closed last year. He said that the site, at the corner of Newtown and Baker roads, would be a good spot for a youth center.
Other recent initiatives for Lake Edward youth include a drama project in partnership with nearby Virginia Wesleyan College. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by NANCY LEWIS
Cory James, 15, left; Jarvis Gainer, 16; Milton Lane, 15; and James
McDaniels, 15, check out the new basketball court at the corner of
Hampton Lane and Hampton Way.
by CNB