McClinton, Gauthier, city leaders honor fallen hero, cheer new basketball court

PHILADELPHIA, July 15 – State and city officials gathered in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood to unveil a newly renovated basketball court in the renamed Sgt. Robert Wilson III Park.

The park bears the name of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III of the city’s 22nd Precinct, who was murdered while protecting civilians during the course of an armed robbery in 2015. Wilson grew up in the neighborhood and played basketball at the park.

The basketball court was refurbished using a combination of state and city funds and will provide local youth a place to play, exercise and socialize.

“When we invest in recreational spaces for our youth and families, we are investing in the health, well-being, and future of our communities,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, DPhila./Delaware, “Today’s event not only commemorates the lives of several community heroes, including Sergeant Wilson but also demonstrates how people from across the community can work together to improve the lives of all our neighbors.”