The annual Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Tournament in New Hampton successfully brought together 28 teams over the weekend, despite coinciding with the Super Bowl. The event not only provided an exciting atmosphere for players and spectators but also allowed participants to wrap up their games in time to enjoy the football championship at home.
Tara Hackman, the Parks and Recreation Director, expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s outcome, noting that most attendees would likely be settled on their couches by 17:30 on Sunday. “Good players, good competition, great representatives of a lot of towns and just a lot of fun,” Hackman stated after the games concluded at the Chickasaw Wellness Complex on February 11, 2024. She acknowledged the challenges posed by scheduling the tournament on Super Bowl Sunday but remained optimistic about the event’s success.
This year, the tournament faced unique hurdles as it was pushed back a week due to the Upper Iowa Conference wrestling tournament being hosted by New Hampton/Turkey Valley. The overlap raised concerns about attracting teams, as games would still be ongoing during the Super Bowl kickoff. To address this, Hackman and her assistant, Kayla Flick, approached the New Hampton School Board to request a change to the district’s policy preventing activities on school grounds before 13:00 on Sundays. While the board is expected to discuss the policy at an upcoming meeting, the timing was too late for this year’s tournament.
Instead, Hackman and Flick sought permission to use the Chickasaw Wellness Complex on Sunday, which was granted. The facility also featured a concession stand run by the Chickasaw Hoops Club. “It’s nice to see the CWC utilized in this way, and I think for the most part it went pretty well,” Hackman remarked. She highlighted the importance of accommodating members who wished to use the track and was pleased with the high turnout at the complex.
While the event went smoothly, Hackman expressed hope that the school board would permit the use of school facilities for future tournaments earlier on Sundays. “Even if it’s not the Super Bowl, to use the school on Sunday means some teams aren’t getting home until 20:00 or 21:00, which is an issue,” she explained. “We have great facilities at the school, and we’d love to utilize them both days.”
One challenge faced at the wellness complex was the location of the concession stand, which some deemed “hidden.” Club officials noted that while Saturday was a successful fundraising day, attendance on Sunday was lower. “We want them to have a good fundraiser too,” Hackman added. “It’s understandable that the CWC wants the concession stand where it is, but it does hurt them a little.”
In reflecting on the tournament’s success, Hackman emphasized the positive outcomes. “We had 28 teams—20 yesterday and eight today—and it all worked out great,” she said with a smile. “And we’re going to get people home for the Super Bowl, so it was a win all around.”
The New Hampton Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Tournament continues to adapt and thrive, showcasing local talent and community spirit even in the face of scheduling challenges.
