Smiles and a lot of laughs are the legacy of a local American Hero.
Tuesday, the ribbon was cut on the new, state-of-the-art playground in Amherst, in honor of Staff Sergeant Billy Wilson, who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2012.
"He would be on the zip line right now," said his friend Kristen. "He would be all over it."
"Seeing all these kids having fun I can't think of a better way for him to be remembered," said his mother Kim.
He was a man family and friends say wouldn't leave anyone out. Loved by all Staff Sergeant Billy Wilson III wanted to make people smile, so his family could think of no better way to honor him than to spread his love and kindness in a public park in Amherst.
"He grew up in this neighborhood he played at this park and it's a great legacy," said Kim.
It took years for the Billy Wilson Community Playground to be built. Hundreds volunteered to make the public space a success, and something everyone can enjoy.
"All ages, all abilities...everyone can come and play and that's what Billy would want."
The park is open to all, on Hopkins Road in Amherst.
