City of Wilmington, Sixers Youth Foundation Cut Ribbon at Reimagined Eastlake Park

WILMINGTON - Mayor John Carney joined the Sixers Youth Foundation, City officials, and members of the community for a ribbon cutting and Blue Coats Fan Fest at the new Eastlake Park on Wednesday evening. With an investment of more than $1 million from the City, this marks the first time that Eastlake Park has undergone renovation since it was constructed in 1939.

"Parks and outdoor spaces offer healthy and productive opportunities for youth and families to connect with one another and their community," said Mayor John Carney. "I'm grateful to the Sixers Youth Foundation, members of City Council, our Department of Parks and Recreation, and others who played a role in making this space possible for the 9th Ward community."

Funded through a grant from the Sixers Youth Foundation, the refurbished basketball court features a fresh playing surface, new rims and nets, upgraded court markings, and Sixers Youth Foundation branding. To date, the Sixers Youth Foundation has refurbished 15 courts in the Greater Philadelphia Region. This was the first court the Sixers Youth Foundation has refurbished in Delaware.

"Today marks a special milestone for the Sixers Youth Foundation as we unveil our first refurbished basketball court in Delaware," said Leslie Walker, Executive Director, Sixers Youth Foundation. "Together with the Delaware Blue Coats and the City of Wilmington, we are proud to create a welcoming space where young people can play, build connections, and develop confidence and life skills that will benefit them long after they leave the court.

Concurrently with the ribbon cutting, the Fan Fest included attractions such as food trucks, inflatables, ballon artists, face painters, and appearances from Franklin, the 76ers mascot, and Coaty, the Blue Coats mascot. Following the ribbon cutting, the Delaware Blue Coats and their junior coaches hosted a basketball clinic on the new court.

"The transformation of Eastlake Park reflects our commitment to reinvesting in neighborhoods and ensuring that every young person in Wilmington has access to safe, vibrant, and welcoming spaces," said Dr.Melody Phillips, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. "For a park that has served this community since 1939, this investment honors its history while creating new opportunities for recreation, connection, and community pride. We are not simply improving parks; we are investing in the people and neighborhoods that give them life."

"Our young people deserve places like this right in their own neighborhood - somewhere to play ball, build friendships, and just be kids. That's what Eastlake Park represents to me," said Councilmember Alexander Hackett. "It's a place where friendships will grow, families will come together, and memories will be made for generations to come. Investing in Eastlake Park shows our families that they matter and that their neighborhood matters. Thank you to the City of Wilmington and the Sixers Youth Foundation for helping bring this vision to life. I'm looking forward to seeing this park full of kids and families making memories."