ATLANTA – Mayor Kasim Reed and city dignitaries unveiled a new Atlanta Hawks basketball court today at the Bessie Branham Center of Hope. Reed was joined by Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong, Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin and Vice Chairman Grant Hill, Atlanta Hawks Foundation Executive Director David Lee, NBA legend and former Hawks player Dominique Wilkins, Hawks player Tim Hardaway, Jr., Atlanta City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong and Kirkwood community members.
Funded by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, the outdoor basketball court features the Hawks’ new red, black and neon green uniform colors, and is available for Center of Hope youth participants and local residents to enjoy. This is the second of three renovation projects that the Atlanta Hawks Foundation has committed to completing in partnership with the City of Atlanta.
“There is no more important cause than securing a better future for our children and grandchildren,” said Mayor Reed. “That is why I’m proud to be working with the Atlanta Hawks to give our Centers of Hope the tools and facilities they need to better serve our young people.”
Since re-opening in 2011, the Center of Hope at Bessie Branham Park has become an integral gathering place for children and teens in the Kirkwood community. The afterschool programs and summer camps are two of the center’s most popular programs.
“This gorgeous new basketball court will serve the children of Atlanta for years to come,” said Commissioner Phuong. “Facilities like this are critical to making sure that young people stay fit, get involved, and ultimately work toward a brighter future.”
Last month, the Hawks joined the Department of Parks and Recreation in unveiling a complete renovation of a teen space at the Center of Hope at Pittman Park. The final joint renovation project will be completed before the end of the year.