Leadership Simpsonville breaks ground on new basketball court at Alder Park as Phase Two plans are unveiled

Shovels officially hit the dirt at Alder Park this week as the Leadership Simpsonville Class of 2026 celebrated a major milestone, hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for a brand-new community basketball court.

The project serves as Phase One of an ongoing initiative to enhance recreation amenities at the neighborhood park. The morning ceremony drew a wide coalition of supporters, including representatives from the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, city staff, the mayor, members of Simpsonville City Council, and neighborhood residents.

“Leadership Simpsonville has done an excellent job planning and executing the plan for this worthy addition to our beautiful park,” shared former Simpsonville City Councilman Lou Hutchings following the event.

Organizers reported that the 2026 leadership cohort is rapidly closing in on its fundraising targets to complete the Phase One court installation. Community donations and corporate sponsorships remain open to help cross the final financial finish line, with several city council members already committing personal contributions to back the project.

Adding to the day’s excitement, city officials pulled back the curtain on future developments, previewing big plans for Phase Two of the Alder Park revitalization. The upcoming expansion is slated to build directly on the basketball court addition, bringing further recreational upgrades to the public space.

As Simpsonville continues to prioritize park connectivity and neighborhood-level recreational opportunities, the collaboration between Leadership Simpsonville, local businesses, and municipal leadership marks another tangible step forward for the community’s outdoor spaces.