Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that a resolution adopted by the City Council on May 14, 2025, and signed by the Mayor on May 15, 2025, authorizing the Department of Recreation to Co-Sponsor the 2025 “4th Street Classic Basketball Tournament” in Partnership with 4th Street Classic Basketball and Groovey Lou, and Officially Renaming 4th Street Park to “Gus Williams Park” - (beginning June 21, 2025, and concluding August 28, 2025, with games held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost to the City shall not exceed $2,000, to be allocated from Budget Code A7310.104, for limited staffing needs, including coverage for absences and potential additional staffing); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF RECREATION TO CO-SPONSOR THE 2025 “4TH
STREET CLASSIC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT”
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 4TH STREET CLASSIC
BASKETBALL AND GROOVEY LOU, AND
OFFICIALLY RENAMING 4TH STREET PARK
TO “GUS WILLIAMS PARK”
Whereas, by letter dated May 9, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation has requested legislative authorization to co-sponsor and support the 2025 “4th Street Classic Basketball Tournament” (the “Tournament”), in partnership with 4th Street Classic Basketball and Groovey Lou; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon values community-driven initiatives that engage its youth in safe, structured, and enriching programs; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation has requested authorization to co-sponsor the 2025 “4th Street Classic Basketball Tournament” in partnership with 4th Street Classic Basketball and Groovey Lou; and
Whereas, the tournament is scheduled to take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays beginning June 21, 2025, and concluding August 28, 2025, with games held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, the event is aimed at promoting positive engagement among youth aged 14 to 19, while revitalizing the city’s long-standing basketball tradition; and
Whereas, the tournament will commence with an Opening Day celebration and ceremonial tip-off on June 21, 2025, during which the 4th Street Park will be officially renamed “Gus Williams Park” in honor of NBA legend and Mount Vernon native Gus Williams; and
Whereas, a temporary sign will be installed on June 21, 2025, to reflect the new name, with a permanent sign to be placed upon completion of park renovations; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation will provide logistical support including equipment such as tables, chairs, inflatable amusements, and access to the Doles Center for restrooms, cooling stations, and refreshments; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has raised no objections to the use of the park on the specified dates and times; and
Whereas, the tournament organizers will provide liability insurance for the full duration of the event and will submit a finalized game schedule to the City; and
Whereas, the cost to the City shall not exceed $2,000, to be allocated from Budget Code A7310.104, for limited staffing needs, including coverage for absences and potential additional staffing; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Police Department has reviewed and recommended approval of the event and will assign appropriate supervisory and patrol coverage, including auxiliary police presence; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Co-Sponsor. The City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the 2025 “4th Street Classic Basketball Tournament” in partnership with 4th Street Classic Basketball and Groovey Lou.
Section 2. Tournament Schedule and Location. The tournament shall be held at the basketball courts located at 4th Street Park (to be renamed “Gus Williams Park”) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from June 21, 2025, through August 28, 2025, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Section 3. Renaming of the Park. Effective June 21, 2025, 4th Street Park shall be officially renamed “Gus Williams Park” in honor of Mount Vernon native and NBA legend Gus Williams. A temporary sign shall be placed on that date, with a permanent sign installed upon the completion of park renovations.
Section 4. City Support and Logistics. The Department of Recreation shall provide necessary logistical support, including equipment (tables, chairs, inflatable amusements), and access to the Doles Center for amenities such as restrooms, cooling stations, and refreshments.
Section 5. Insurance and Schedule Submission. The tournament organizers shall provide full insurance coverage for the duration of the event and submit a finalized game schedule to the Department of Recreation before the start of the tournament.
Section 6. Funding. City support shall not exceed $2,000 and shall be drawn from Budget Code A7310.104. This funding shall be used solely for staffing and support related to the event.
Section 7. Public Safety. The Mount Vernon Police Department shall assign a sector car and a supervisor to monitor the event series, and auxiliary police shall be present to ensure public safety and orderly conduct.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Approval.