Ypsi organizations offer free youth summer basketball program in 5 parks

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

A coalition of community groups has come together to offer a free youth basketball program called Ballin’ Summer ’26 in locations across the Ypsilanti area.

The series began June 8 will end Aug. 13, offering programming from 5-7 p.m. five days a week. The programming rotates through five different parks each week: Parkridge, Fireman’s, West Willow, Appleridge, and Prospect. 

“The program focuses on basketball skills, mentorship, leadership, and positive youth development in a safe and supportive environment,” says Justin Harper, co-founder and director of the nonprofit CLR Academy, which is among the organizations hosting Ballin’ Summer ’26. “Our goal is to make this an annual initiative that creates a lasting impact in the community.” 

He notes that Derrick Jackson, former director of community engagement at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, and other sheriff’s office staff ran a similar summer program several years ago. The coalition of groups helping to run this year’s program includes CLR Academy, Real Agape, The Corner Health Center, Ypsi Can I Share?, Supreme Felons, and Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper.

“We want to keep the kids active in the summer so they’re not getting into trouble,” Harper says. “And we’re specifically going into places that need a positive intervention.”

The first hour of each program starts with participants forming a circle for a dialogue focused on social-emotional skills and sportsmanship, followed by basketball coaching and drills. In the second hour, participants play through a whole game and end with another circle-up. 

Harper says he wants not only to be a role model to the participants, but to help them grow into positive role models themselves.

An interactive map showing where programs take place each day is available here. Anyone with questions may email Harper at aaeapleaders@gmail.com.