Those playing are not only able to improve their overall game on a brand new court but they will see a large blue insignia of the United States Air Force on the court playing surface and on the glass backboards.

It’s all thanks to a partnership developed over the past couple of months with Mayor Derek Slaughter and his

administration and U.S. Air Force recruiters.

On a sun-splashed Friday morning, as children swished a few from three-point territory, Slaughter called for all to be seated in chairs assembled on the court. He welcomed guests and led them all in the Pledge of Allegiance, with an American flag on the court.

The dedication of the newly resurfaced courts at Memorial Park in Williamsport July 21, 2023. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The event was classic and classical, with Jason Hurwitz, a city native, playing the National Anthem on violin.

Hurwitz wanted to play the violin at age 3 after seeing Itzhak Perlman play for Oscar the Grouch on “Sesame Street.”

His version of America’s song hit all the right notes, including a jazzy ending, which led several members of Air Force brass with the 311th Recruiting Squadron — in their dress blue and white uniforms — giving a rousing applause for Hurwitz performance.

Before the symbolic ribbon-cutting, Slaughter described his enthusiasm for how the court turned out, thanking his Streets and Parks Department and others for preparing it for the ceremony.

These kind of improvements will be made at basketball courts at Shaw Place Park and Young’s Woods Park in the city’s east end in the near future, where the resurfacing has been done and the Air Force wants to contribute.

A basketball bounces off the rim of a basket during the dedication of the newly resurfaced courts at Memorial Park in Williamsport July 21, 2023. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

A few others at the ceremony, expressing their amazement at this municipal-military partnership, included state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport (83rd District), Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger and a representative from the office of state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township.

Slaughter said it was not quite a year ago when he was approached by Air Force Master Sgt. Leo Knight-Inglesby, an energetic recruiter, who asked him to coffee with others to see what the military branch could do for the city.

In return, the basketball courts would provide a perfect location to engage and gain the interest of youngsters, some who might be playing a game, practicing to improve their game and could be considering a career or opportunities serving in the Air Force.

“When my wife and I moved to Williamsport in May of 2020, right after the COVID pandemic began, our assignment was guaranteed to be uncertain,” Inglesby said.

Moving to a community with no ties, no friends and no family, he said he also was new to recruiting. It wasn’t long before the community warmly received the recruiter and his wife with open arms and it wasn’t long afterwards that he began to coordinate with Slaughter on several projects, including the restored hoops.

Master Sgt. Leo Knight-Inglesby shakes hands with Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter during the dedication of the newly resurfaced courts at Memorial Park in Williamsport July 21, 2023. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

For many years, the basketball courts across the city remained in poor condition and were frequented by, not all but some, individuals with unsavory or criminal intent.

The newly formed partnership would carry an expressed purpose – to promote outdoor activities and a safe socializing environment.

Today, that friendship and bond between Inglesby and Slaughter and between the recruiter and others on the City Council and in Lycoming County is expected to last beyond his time of serving the region.

The better condition of the courts, too, are expected to draw more quality players, and provide recreational spaces to practice, gain skills, and get healthier.

During the ceremony, several children played the game and banked shots off the new transparent backboard, which also has the symbol of the Air Force on it.

The action heats up as a pick up game of basketball starts during the dedication of the newly resurfaced courts at Memorial Park in Williamsport July 21, 2023. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The court not only represents 130 people who the recruiter said he helped to join the U.S. Air Force during his time in Greater Williamsport, but also all former airmen and guardians and all service members in the north-central Pennsylvania region.

“My vision is that these courts give the youth in our community just another option for something to do on a sunny day,” he said.

Benefits of the partnership and opportunities for those who join the Air Force were highlighted at the ceremony.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Mike Williams briefly discussed how the Air Force ensures freedom here and around the world and provides critical humanitarian aid anywhere around the globe within 24 hours or shut down airspace, allowing the troops on the ground to control the battlefield, or the Air Force can obliterate a threat or target posing threat.

Because of its many capabilities the Air Force can deter action of “our adversaries which mean us harm,” Williams said.

Master Sgt. Leo Knight-Inglesby, who is the Air Force and Space Force recruiter and including Lycoming County, makes remarks during the dedication of the newly resurfaced courts at Memorial Park in Williamsport July 21, 2023. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Our small all-volunteer force is only as strong as those who raise their hand to accomplish the mission,” Williams said. “That is why we are here today.”

“The Air Force Recruiting Service strives to partner with community leaders and influencers to create awareness of the benefits of service in supporting the great cause of freedom,” he said.

“We aim to engage younger populations and create awareness of services that are not commonly talked about,” he said.

Such benefits include up to $65,000 in college loan payment programs and coverage of up to 100 percent of college tuition for undergraduate and graduate degrees, 30 days of paid vacation a year and worldwide travel.