Northeast Portland's Irving Park will again play host this summer to aspiring basketball and artistic standouts from the surrounding community.
First Step Sports Academy's annual All-American B-Ball Clinic runs through Aug. 24 at the park, corner of Northeast Seventh Avenue and Fremont Street.
The clinic runs from noon to 3:30 p.m. Monday though Thursday, and from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and culminates with a youth basketball tournament from Aug. 25 through 27. The clinic started June 26, but spots are still available; call 503-604-1718 to register. Cost is $135 for nine weeks.
The park will host a Youth Jazz and Art Festival from 4 to 9 p.m. July 28, featuring leading musical and artistic lights from among the neighborhood's. youth.
Irving Park will also be the site of several Family Fun Days during August. The daylong events are scheduled for Aug. 4, 11 and 18. The first two Family Fun Days will focus on family health, with representatives from Northwest Medical Teams, Western States Chiropractic College and Providence Health Systems on hand to conduct health screening and provide information on keeping families healthy and happy.
The Aug. 18 event focuses on home safety and efficiency. The Community Energy Project will provide information on conserving energy and money in the home, and will explain how to get tested for lead exposure.
For more information on the clinic, the jazz and art festival or the Family Fun Days, call Melissa Knight, 503-604-1718, or e-mail firststepsports@comcast.net.
An aspiring basketball star talks hoops with a Portland Police Bureau officer at the All-American B-Ball Clinic at Irving Park. Photo courtesy of Our First Step Sports Academy
