If you’re looking to play some pickup basketball, you might soon find yourself hooping back in your former school.

The Prince Edward Island government is soon rolling out a pilot project to allow sporting groups and organizations to book school gymnasiums after hours.

Education and Early Years Minister Robin Croucher made the announcement during question period in the legislature on Friday, in response to questions from fellow Progressive Conservative MLA Susie Dillon.

Croucher said the pilot will begin in late April and groups will be able to go online and book times at six Island schools:

• Souris Regional.
• Colonel Gray.
• Sherwood Elementary.
• East Wiltshire.
• Three Oaks.
• Westisle.

The news comes after years of discussion about using gym spaces for community events.

In an interview after question period, Croucher said he’s excited to finally get the initiative underway.

“Anytime that we can give access to our schools to the various sporting teams or community groups that need that space, it benefits the community, it benefits Islanders,” he said.

“It’s one of those good-news stories that I really look forward to sharing some more on.”

Some schools already allow after-hours events in gyms, but the minister said there’s no standard procedure. This new policy, Croucher added, will make booking easy and uniform.

Josh Whitty with Basketball P.E.I. said he was encouraged by the announcement, adding it’s been an “ongoing challenge” over the years for sport organizations and community groups to find space.

“We’re working to deliver the highest quality programming possible, but challenges with facility access make it difficult to meet the growing interest and participation in our sport,” Whitty said in a statement on Friday.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the details of this initiative. It’s important that this leads to a more consistent, transparent, and accessible system that allows organizations to plan effectively and ensures athletes have the opportunities they’re seeking.”

Croucher said the province will have a website where groups can book the gymnasiums for after-hours events, and there will be a small booking fee to cover costs like staffing. He’ll also be looking at making the gyms available in the summer.

“There are some considerations when it comes to staffing, who’s going to open and close the schools, cleaning of the schools, and obviously safety is a priority and security,” Croucher said.

“We want to get it right, that’s why we’re starting with the six that we’re starting with.”