Mayor Kasim Reed unveiled a new Atlanta Hawks-themed basketball court at the Center of Hope at William Walker, formerly the Ben Hill Recreation Center. Mayor Reed was joined by Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong, Atlanta City Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta Hawks CEO Principal Owner and Chair of the Board of Directors Tony Ressler, Atlanta Hawks Owner Grant Hill, Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin, Atlanta Hawks Vice President and NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, a host of current and former Atlanta Hawks players, the Atlanta Junior Hawks team players and Ben Hill community members. Funded by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, the outdoor basketball court features the team’s red, black and neon green uniforms colors, and is available for Center of Hope youth participants and local residents to enjoy.

“The Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Hawks Foundation have been exemplary community partners," said Mayor Reed. "Thanks to their support, our Centers of Hope have best-in-class amenities, including the new basketball court at the William Walker Recreation Center. Our Centers of Hope serve thousands of Atlanta's young people every day, ensuring they have opportunities for character development and academic enrichment, and a safe place to play."

The project is the third Atlanta Hawks-themed basketball court renovation by the foundation in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation. The City of Atlanta unveiled the new basketball courts located at the Center of Hope at Bessie Branham and the Center of Hope at Grant Park last year.

"We are so proud of this new investment in the Ben Hill community and our partnership with the Atlanta Hawks to support our facilities and parks,” said Amy Phuong, Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “This  new basketball court is a vital resource for young people to stay fit, get involved, and work toward a brighter future.”

Last year, the Department of Parks and Recreation started the Atlanta Junior Hawks league and in partnership with the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, the players received uniforms resembling the Atlanta Hawks game attire. More than 2,000 Atlanta kids and teens have participated in this city-wide basketball program.