RESERVE — Recreation Director, Kerry Watkins, and the Department of Parks & Recreation kicked off the 2015-2016 basketball season Dec. 5 at REGALA Gymnasium in Reserve.

Approximately 250 participants registered to play basketball this season — up more than 100 from last year.

The season consists of four 5&6 year old teams, six 7&8 year old teams, four 9&10 year old teams and four  11&12 year old teams.

Games are played (depending on the week) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at REGALA Gymnasium in Reserve.

Admission is free.

Participants can also play in invitational tournaments throughout the year. Schedules of the basketball games are posted on the Parks and Recreation Department webpage at sjbparish.com.

Raising Cane’s is serving as the season sponsor, which includes a monetary donation, gift baskets, raffles for the weekend and a free meal achievement award for each player at the end of the season.

“I would like to thank Parish President Robottom for her role in this special moment with us as we continue to improve the department,” Watkins said. “Also we would like to thank the entire community, sponsors, volunteer coaches and parents for the overwhelming support they showed as that is a big contribution to our success.”

Parks and Recreation Department leaders said they are looking forward to the completion of the $2.3 million Park Improvement Project underway in all parks parishwide.

The project, based on a Parks & Recreation Master Plan, is funded through the 2014 Bond Issue.

Upgrades include two spray parks, a dog park, new play sets, gazebos, fitness stations, restroom facilities and more.