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Best Outdoor Basketball Courts In Metro Detroit

August 16, 2014 / 8:00 AM EDT / CBS Detroit

Sometimes you just feel like getting together with your friends and playing some basketball. Whether it's a random pickup game after work or school, or a group committed to a league play, finding a decent outdoor basketball court is the key to success. Some areas are less than suitable for a game, while some seem made for it. These are some of the best outdoor basketball courts in Detroit where anyone is welcome and everyone can expect to have a good time.

Clark Park
1130 Clark St.
Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 841-8534
www.clarkparkdetroit.com

Located in the heart of Southwest Detroit's Mexicantown, Clark Park has been home for years to a number of great outdoor basketball courts. The park is run with the help of volunteers from all over, and one of the major draws for young people is the clean basketball courts. This area is safe and fun for children of all ages to play.

Belle Isle State Park
E. Jefferson Ave. and E. Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48207
(844) 235-5375
www.michigan.gov

Is there any park more versatile in Detroit than the stunningly beautiful and surprisingly clean Belle Isle State Park? Since becoming a state park and no longer under the ownership of the City of Detroit, Belle Isle has flourished. Last July, Detroit Pistons stars Andre Drummond and Rick Mahorn unveiled a completely renovated set of basketball courts for the island on Metro Detroit Youth Day. So if you're looking for a fun place to play bball and want amazing views to boot, then Belle Isle is going to be hard to beat.

Liberty Park of America
33600 Mound Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48310
(586) 978-9070
www.libertyparkofamerica.com

In the suburban oasis of Sterling Heights, just outside of Detroit, is the massive Liberty Park of America sports complex. Liberty Park has served for many years as the go-to place for metro Detroiters to organize and meet for some serious sports play, including basketball. With a number of outdoor courts available for rental, you can be sure that you'll have a clean, well-maintained and safe area for you and your entire league to play at whenever you should so choose.

YMCA Birmingham
400 E. Lincoln St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 644-9036
www.ymcadetroit.org

Perhaps you're not already part of a group of people or a basketball league but would be interested in having the option to drop by for a drop-in game with other adults? The very popular YMCA in Birmingham offers an Adult Drop-In Game each Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the temperate months from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone can join and stop by for a chance to get outside and workout with fellow adults for an exciting game on the well-kept basketball courts. Please check the YMCA schedule for more information on hours.

Lakeshore Family YMCA
23401 E. Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 778- 5811
www.ymcadetroit.org

Every Monday night, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., adults can gather at the Lakeshore "Y" and meet up for an indiscriminate game of outdoor basketball along the shores of Lake St. Clair. A perfect option for those who are too busy to commit to a nightly group or for those who can't join a league, the YMCA offers you the opportunity to play when you have the time, and when you have the drive. Please check the Lakeshore YMCA schedule for more information on hours.

Related: Best Parks In Detroit

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.

Detroit