By CW, The Freelancer
As the park was filled with community members participating in organized soccer leagues nearby, city leaders, youth advocates and residents gathered Sunday morning at the Willie Henderson Sports Complex basketball courts to celebrate the unveiling of newly revitalized courts made possible through a partnership between San Diego FC, the Presby Foundation and local community leaders Dwayne and Armon Harvey.
Held at 10 a.m. on May 17, 2026, the event focused on more than upgraded courts. Speakers throughout the morning emphasized unity, opportunity and the importance of investing in the next generation through safe recreational spaces and community involvement.
Joel Katz, Vice President of Community Impact at San Diego FC, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the project during his remarks, referencing the well-known parable: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Katz explained that providing young people with safe places to play, grow and connect creates opportunities that can positively impact generations to come.
Councilmember Henry L. Foster III expressed gratitude for everyone who played a role in making the project possible and praised the community for coming together to accomplish the mission.
“It’s powerful to see the community come together and get the mission accomplished,” Foster said. “This is what happens when organizations, leaders and residents believe in the future of our youth.”
Several speakers shared heartfelt reflections on what the revitalized courts mean to the neighborhood. Dwayne Harvey of Willie Henderson CRG spoke about the importance of continuing to invest in local youth and families, while David Monroe of the San Diego Parks Foundation highlighted the value of preserving recreational spaces that bring communities together.
Benjamin Kilabuka, a youth from the community, spoke proudly about having a renewed space where young people can gather, compete and build friendships. Coach Jeremy Briggs of Willie Henderson Parks and Recreation spoke about the importance of unity and making sure youth feel connected to positive opportunities within their own neighborhoods.
Armon Harvey of the SD Youth Sports Equity Coalition shared passionate remarks about creating equal access to sports opportunities and safe spaces for all youth throughout San Diego communities.
Throughout the event, speakers had glowing things to say about the partnership and the determination it took to make the project happen. Many thank yous were passed around among the organizations, volunteers, residents and community leaders who helped breathe new life into the courts.
Community members also shared emotional reactions to the upgrades. One resident said the day carried special meaning because she had watched the park evolve over the years.
“I’ve seen this park from the beginning and all the transitions,” she said. “This upgrade is going to draw kids back outside to play again.”
Another youth from the neighborhood said he was excited to finally have a new court where he and his friends could spend time together.
As the courts opened for play, kids and adults quickly filled the area, kicking around soccer balls, shooting hoops and enjoying the renewed atmosphere together.
The message throughout the day was clear: this project was never about one person. It was about an entire community choosing to invest in its youth together.
As neighborhoods continue searching for ways to inspire the next generation, one question remains: what more can happen when an entire community decides the future of its youth is bigger than any single individual?
