Bridgeport officially lifted the ban on playing basketball in public parks Saturday.

Mayor Joe Ganim says he lifted the ban after a News 12 Connecticut story on social media sparked a flood of comments from local residents, who said it was time for the bars to go.

The bars, which were put in place at the start of the pandemic to promote social distancing, were removed from hoops all across the city.

"We've gone through COVID, things are opening up all over the state, we absolutely need these kids to have access to something to do," said Wayne Winston.

"It keeps positive energy around here, as long as they keep staying focused and keep the bars off the hoops, we're good," said 19-year-old James Thompson, who hit the court with a friend for the first time in months.

With the bars off the hoops and kids being able to play basketball in public again, Ganim says it's up to them to use common sense measures.

"Do it, but do it with some distance and do it with some safety in mind," Ganim advises, as local health officials also urge players to use face masks and avoid body contact when playing.

In the meantime, Thompson said playing hoops brings some positivity in an uncertain time.

"I'm glad that somebody recognized the area and recognized that we need hope, that we need positive, that we need people off the street," Thompson said.