tiles By Trang Pham-Bui - GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - You can once again hear the sneakers hittingthe hard court and the excitement of sinking a basket. It soundslike the city of Gulfport is bouncing back from Katrina. "We know it's been along time coming, and everybody's been verypatient with us," said David D'Aquilla, Assistant Director of theGulfport Department of Leisure Services. "The public interest isout there, and we're just thrilled to get this thing open." The popular Herbert Wilson Recreation Center on Hancock Avenue hasundergone quite a transformation since Katrina damaged the roof andsoaked the entire building. "It was quite amazing," said D'Aquilla. "The roof, all the ceilingtiles, all the flooring tiles, basically everything that could bewet, was wet." The once water-logged facility now boasts four refurbished racquetball courts, a renovated multi-purpose room and kitchen, andfreshly painted gym. James Nance and his three children were amongthe first to check-out the newly-restored rec center. "I think it's immaculate. It's nice. The floors are beautiful, andit's a nice facility to come and just hang out," said Nance. Before Katrina, this Gulfport family used to come to the center allthe time to shoot hoops. Now, that fun, family tradition is back. "They love sports, and they'll probably be doing this for a longtime," said Nance. And this Gulfport community has a place to gather and have a ballonce again. The storm repairs cost more than $1 million. Two other Gulfportrecreation centers are also coming back. The Gaston Hewes facilityis under construction on 28th Street, and the Gaston Point buildingon Mills Avenue is under renovation.
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