The Atlanta Hawks, StateFarm and city of Atlanta officials gathered last week to unveil the city’s first “Good Neighbor Club”at the William Walker Recreation Center in southwest Atlanta. The concept is a safe place for kids to hang out and play with friends.
“What I love about the Atlanta Hawks is that they aren’t strangers to our community,” said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms during the ceremony. “There are so many children that will never have the opportunity to go into the StateFarm Arena, but you all have worked so very hard to bring that experience to them.”
The partnership has constructed several outdoor community courts throughout the area, but this is the first indoor endeavor.
“I can’t wait to hang out in the really cool new community room with my friends. I’m especially excited to play foosball,” said Jenna Smith, one of many neighborhood kids who will enjoy the new amenities.
The center is named for longtime basketball coach and Ben Hill community icon William Walker who was also at the ribbon-cutting who looked on with pride.
This is a community asset and we’re the stewards,” said Steve Koonin CEO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. “This is a little piece of giving back to the people who give us so much.”
The William Walker Recreation Center is located at 2405 Fairburn Road SW.
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