Ben Hill Recreation Center, also known as William Walker Recreation Center, serves the Ben Hill neighborhood at 2405 Fairburn Road SW as a 13.66-acre community park with comprehensive recreational facilities. Established in 1941 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives, this historic center features professional-grade amenities including a covered outdoor basketball court (donated by Josh Smith), brand-new artificial turf football field, tennis courts, and both indoor and outdoor basketball facilities. The center maintains its vital community role through diverse programming from youth summer camps to senior dance classes, though recent issues like removed basketball rims and organizational challenges have frustrated some users seeking consistent recreational access.
The recreation center honors longtime director William Walker, with Coach Walker continuing to run gymnasium programs maintaining generational connections to the community. While the facility offers impressive infrastructure including meeting rooms, computer lab, and swimming pool, reviews reveal contrasting experiences between excellent facilities and operational inconsistencies. The professional turf field and covered basketball pavilion represent significant investments in community recreation, yet reports of missing basketball rims, poor league organization, and staff attitude issues suggest management struggles affecting user satisfaction despite the center’s strong physical assets and dedicated longtime coaches.
Ben Hill Recreation Center, also known as William Walker Recreation Center, serves the Ben Hill neighborhood at 2405 Fairburn Road SW as a 13.66-acre community park with comprehensive recreational facilities. Established in 1941 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives, this historic center features professional-grade amenities including a covered outdoor basketball court (donated by Josh Smith), brand-new artificial turf football field, tennis courts, and both indoor and outdoor basketball facilities. The center maintains its vital community role through diverse programming from youth summer camps to senior dance classes, though recent issues like removed basketball rims and organizational challenges have frustrated some users seeking consistent recreational access.
The recreation center honors longtime director William Walker, with Coach Walker continuing to run gymnasium programs maintaining generational connections to the community. While the facility offers impressive infrastructure including meeting rooms, computer lab, and swimming pool, reviews reveal contrasting experiences between excellent facilities and operational inconsistencies. The professional turf field and covered basketball pavilion represent significant investments in community recreation, yet reports of missing basketball rims, poor league organization, and staff attitude issues suggest management struggles affecting user satisfaction despite the center’s strong physical assets and dedicated longtime coaches.
A pavilion-covered outdoor court provides weather-protected play, though recent reports indicate removed rims leaving only backboards, preventing actual basketball games. When operational, the covered design offers excellent shade and rain protection for year-round use.
Brand-new artificial turf accommodates football and soccer with professional-quality playing surfaces receiving consistent praise. The multipurpose design supports various field sports and organized leagues throughout the year.
Two tennis courts remain consistently available for free play, though noise from adjacent activities sometimes disrupts matches. Courts provide basic amenities for casual and competitive tennis players.
Two full indoor basketball courts support league play, practices, and recreational games with quality flooring and equipment. The gym serves as headquarters for various youth programs and community events beyond athletics.
An operational pool provides aquatic recreation and swimming programs, though specific details about hours and programming remain limited in recent reviews.
Multiple spaces accommodate community gatherings, after-school programs, and special events with rental options available. Computer lab facilities support educational programming and digital literacy initiatives.
Modern playground equipment includes five slides and numerous swings suitable for various age groups. Recent updates maintain safety standards, though some areas require pest control for fire ants and better maintenance.
Running turf and open grass areas support unstructured play and exercise beyond organized sports. These spaces provide flexibility for community events, picnics, and casual recreation.
Baseball fields complement other sports facilities, creating comprehensive athletic options for all seasons. Picnic areas with grills support family gatherings, though electrical access remains unavailable at barbecue sites.
Highly regarded summer programs from 2014-2017 created lasting memories with activities including karate instruction, cookouts, and structured daily engagement. Current camps continue receiving praise for keeping children engaged throughout the day.
Programs provide homework help, sports activities, and supervised recreation for school-age children with experienced staff support. Long-term participants develop strong bonds with coaches and peers through consistent programming.
Basketball, football, and baseball leagues operate seasonally, though reviews indicate organizational issues affecting quality and fairness. Some parents report problematic rules and practices undermining youth development goals.
Dance classes for older adults and annual senior picnics create social opportunities for elderly community members. These programs receive positive feedback for maintaining active lifestyles and community connections.
Adult basketball, tennis, and fitness opportunities provide structured and unstructured exercise options. Facility availability supports various activity levels from casual recreation to competitive sports.
Block parties, vendor fairs, and seasonal celebrations utilize the spacious grounds for neighborhood gatherings. These events strengthen community bonds while showcasing local businesses and organizations.
Ms. Brown receives consistent praise for professionalism and warm demeanor setting positive facility culture. Police presence on-site or nearby provides security for users and vehicles during activities.
Reports of terrible basketball coordination, robbery of earned points through questionable rule interpretations, and poor staff attitudes indicate management issues. Volunteer coaches with 20+ years of service feel overlooked despite significant contributions.
While police presence enhances security, some long-term residents report increased safety concerns compared to previous decades. The location in what some describe as “ghetto area” or “not the good side of town” affects perceptions despite actual safety measures.
Limited parking creates challenges during large events and tournaments affecting attendance and convenience. Bathroom maintenance issues including inadequate supplies and cleanliness problems require attention.
Despite operational challenges, the center remains beloved by many who grew up using facilities and now bring their children. The combination of historic significance, quality infrastructure, and dedicated long-term staff creates deep community connections transcending current management issues.
Well-maintained turf fields and covered courts demonstrate investment in facility upgrades benefiting users. However, missing basketball rims, unmaintained grass areas, and displaced grates around courts show inconsistent maintenance priorities affecting daily usability. The contrast between excellent capital improvements and poor routine maintenance suggests resource allocation challenges requiring administrative attention to maximize this historic community asset’s potential.
