Harper Stantz, the Binghamton High School student who died after she was struck by a vehicle, will be honored when new tennis courts are built at Recreation Park.

The 16-year-old girl and 19-year-old Britney Laserinko were hit by a speeding Jeep last March, minutes after they finished playing tennis at the West Side park. Laserinko was seriously hurt. Stantz died of her injuries two days later.

Mayor Richard David says ground will be broken this summer on new courts at Rec Park.

The tennis courts at Recreation Park on Binghamton's West Side on September 13, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The tennis courts at Recreation Park on Binghamton's West Side on September 13, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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In his State of the City message, David announced plans for the project. He said the courts will be named the Harper M. Stantz Memorial Courts at Recreation Park.

The mayor noted that Stantz loved tennis and was a member of the Binghamton High School team.

David said the project will address drainage issues. He also said court lighting may be considered to allow for nighttime play.

A bright yellow bench honoring Stantz was installed next to the tennis courts last September.

This bench was donated in memory of Harper Stantz, who died after being hit by a vehicle near Recreation Park. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
This bench was donated in memory of Harper Stantz, who died after being hit by a vehicle near Recreation Park. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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LISTEN: Marty and Patty Stantz discussed the loss of their daughter on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program last September.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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