Donald E. Witherspoon Memorial Basketball Court Dedicated

"Don Witherspoon was a man of few words but can be described by so many. A man of honor, distinction, of courage, of dedication, of perseverance, a man connected to his roots, a servant-leader," said Andrae Holsey, president of the Blair County NAACP.

"My brother wasn't about a pat on the back. He wasn't about tooting his own horn. He was only trying to do God's will," Jerry Witherspoon said about his brother.

"Every time I saw him, anytime we were together, we always hugged and I always said, 'I love you, brother.'" said PA State Representative of the 80th District Jim Gregory.

These are just some of the things that were said of Claysburg native Don Witherspoon at the dedication of the Donald E. Witherspoon Memorial Basketball Court Dedication Ceremony held Friday August 19th at The Booker T Washington Park on 19th street in Altoona.

Jerry Witherspoon said while growing up in Claysburg, their mom used to tell all of the kids, "Carry yourself in a nice way, people will do things for you. They will help you."

Linda Witherspoon said that she was surprised about the honor being bestowed upon her husband. "I am just so honored that they still remember Don. This was just something that was really close to his heart. He always tried to help the kids."

Linda continued by saying that Don would be overwhelmed.

"He was always very humble about everything. He never bragged about things that he did."

Michael Hofer, Executive Director of The Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission told the story of how this whole project began back in 2007. "Don came into my office asking for new backboards and rims for this court. My response to him was 'Why don't we fix the entire court?'"

Hofer continued by saying that Don had the same drive and vision. "That one conversation led to what would become The Booker T. Washington Revitalization Corporation, three new park revitalization projects in our community, well over $1 million in funds raised for community park projects and most importantly a friendship that I will never forget."

Hofer added that with the naming of the court comes the development of plans to provide the community with a first-class facility that will be a representation of Witherspoon. There will be the installation of new basketball standards, new anti-skid color coded surfacing and a memorial to Don's legacy.

"We are anticipating that construction to be some time in the spring of 2023 and hopefully a ribbon cutting ceremony some time next summer.