JANUARY, 2016

Dear Friends:

This newsletter issue arrives on my second day as commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. While I take the responsibility of leading a city agency very seriously, more than anything I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for us.

Under Mayor Jim Kenney’s direction, we will not only continue our great work in programming and public spaces throughout Philadelphia but also strengthen and enhance our efforts. Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis is an incredibly tough act to follow; he built a solid foundation for this newly merged department. Thanks to his extraordinary leadership and the commitment and hard work exhibited by each of you, PPR has made amazing strides over the past seven years. I look forward to establishing an inspiring new vision to advance PPR partnerships, operations, programs and services-- and to forging a new bold path ahead, together.

Over the past five years with the Fairmount Park Conservancy, I enjoyed collaborating with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation on projects like the Hunting Park Revitalization, the Boxers’ Trail rehabilitation, the Centennial District, Love Your Park, TreePhilly, Belmont Plateau improvements, and The Oval. My respect for the department’s employees and their commitment to public service was deepened through each project, and contributed to my interest in joining this great team.

I have much to learn in the next few months, and I will rely on your expertise to guide me during this important time of transition. As part of the learning process, I will be out and about over the next few months visiting our maintenance shops, playgrounds, parks, offices and recreation centers.  I hope to make it to as many sites as possible. In the meantime, I welcome your advice, insight, and suggestions-- please feel free to email me or stop by to introduce yourself when you are on the 10th floor of One Parkway.  I very much look forward to meeting you and working in partnership with you on behalf of our city’s parks and recreation centers. 

Thank you for all you do each day.

Kathryn Ott Lovell

BirdPhilly Returns!

Returning for a second year of bird-centric trips, activities, and learning opportunities, BirdPhilly kicked off its 2016 season on Saturday, January 2 with a stroll through FDR Park. While the weather dipped down into temperatures previously unseen, 25 steadfast birders persevered and were graced with the appearance of 39 different species that call this South Philadelphia park home, at least for the season!

A partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, BirdPhilly debuted in 2015 as a year-long series of free guided bird watching trips and events within Philadelphia city limits. Focused on highlighting exceptional local environmental resources, BirdPhilly guides birders of all ages and skill levels through regionally renowned locations such as the Wissahickon Valley and Pennypack Park, local neighborhood parks, as well as the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

Continue reading about BirdPhilly

Indoor Youth Foot Hockey at Guerin Rec

Guerin Recreation Center in South Philadelphia is now offering an indoor youth foot hockey instructional league for beginners ages ten and under. The league, which will run from January until March, is coordinated by Assistant Recreation Leader Dan Golden. Practices will be Wednesdays at 6 pm. The fee is $25 per child, and includes sticks, shirts and an award at the end of the season. Please call Dan at (215) 685-1894 for more information or to sign up.

Community Propagation Program

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is pleased to announce our NEW Community Propagation Program! This new program invites Philadelphia gardeners and growers to rent table space in our production greenhouses at the Horticulture Center to propagate plants for Philadelphia gardens and farms.

Learn more about the Community Propagation Program

4th Annual Black History Show

The Simons Dancers are looking for dancers, singers and spoken word artists for the 4th Annual Black History Show, which will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2:30 pm at Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center (7 Lock St). Registration is due by Saturday, February 6.

For more information, contact Amenah Claiborne at 215-685-3551 or amenah.claiborne@phila.gov

Community Tree Giveaway Grants Are Open!

We are now accepting applications for the TreePhilly Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants! Through this program, we provide small grants to local community groups so they can host their own yard tree giveaways each spring and fall. We do what we do best – provide the trees, mulch, and education – and community groups do what they do best – connect with constituents to improve their neighborhoods. This season, we are offering five grants worth 50 or 100 trees, plus $500 upon completion of the event to community groups and local businesses to host yard tree giveaways in their neighborhoods. Tree giveaway events must be held in Philadelphia, and trees must also be planted in Philadelphia on private property (not in the sidewalk or in containers).

Download the Spring 2016 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grant Application. The application deadline is Friday, February 12.

A2O: Arts and Artists Outdoors

Arts and Artists Outdoors, our dynamic partnership with Mural Arts, will begin its spring session on March 7. Through this program, artists in residence work with students to create art that highlights the surrounding green space. Instruction will take place two days a week at each site. Each site will also host two community days to engage those not in the program. Interested students ages 10-14 can register at the participating facilities:

• Chew Playground: 1833 Ellsworth St, 19146, 215.685.6596
• Dorsey Playground: 6501 Hegerman St., 19135, 215.685.8734
• Francisville Playground: 1737 Francis St., 19121, 215.685.2762
• Mander Playground: 2140 N. 33rd St., 19121, 215.685.3894
• Wright Recreation Center: 3320 Haverford Ave., 19104, 215.685.7686

PPR Year in Review

2015 was a great year for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, with more than 122,841 participants in recurring, staff-led programs; 8,378 trees given away and planted; and 828,191 visits to our pools during the summer months. View many more 2015 numbers in our Year-in-Review Infographic.

Ice Skating in the City of Brotherly Love

This story originally appeared on the Philly Powered blog

Did you know that Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) has 5 ice skating rinks for Philadelphians to enjoy throughout the year? Yes, it’s true and it is FREE to you!

PPR has these five rinks where you can enjoy ice skating free of charge with only a minimal cost to rent the skates right at the facility ($3-$5, depending on the rink).  The ice rinks are open 7 days a week through March, and you can join in the fun for public skating, skating lessons, and adult hockey.  Of course, there are things for the kids to enjoy too, like learning to skate, participating in public skating, youth hockey, and the Ed Snider Hockey Program.

Continue reading about PPR ice rinks

PowerCorpsPHL: 2015 Year in Review

2015 was a year of accomplishments for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation program partner, PowerCorpsPHL. Kicking off the year with a tenacity to conquer more projects, fulfill more service hours, and connect young adults with meaningful employment, PowerCorpsPHL crews traveled throughout numerous communities, completing 109,344 hours of service to the City of Philadelphia.

Continue reading about PowerCorpsPHL’s 2015 achievements

Changes at Fox Chase Rec Center

The new year is a time of transition for Fox Chase Recreation Center in Northeast Philadelphia. The center is run by Betsy Henninger, who has been there for over three years, and Dennis Gibson, who started at the rec center in December 2015. Both are excited for the year ahead– Betsy is excited to work with Dennis, and Dennis is excited to coordinate activities that he does not have prior experience with.

In addition to a new staff member, Fox Chase’s transition included some major renovations. The center got a new floor installed in its gym as well as stadium-quality lights on its sports field.

Continue reading about recent improvements at Fox Chase Recreation Center

The Discovery Center to Bring Environmental Education to Strawberry Mansion

In 2017, The Discovery Center— a $16.7 million, 16,000-square–foot, state-of-the-art, environmental education and outdoor activity center— will open in East Fairmount Park. The project, a partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Philadelphia Outward Bound School and Audubon Pennsylvania, is estimated to break ground in the near future. Construction, which will hopefully begin spring 2016, will include a high ropes course and platforms for observing over 130 species of birds in environs surrounding an 8-foot deep, 37-acre lake. Eventually, the property will include trails, a canoe launching platform, climbing walls, and a building where the majority of educational programming will take place.

Continue reading about the Discovery Center

Ronada Cyrus Excels as Computer Instructor

Ronada Cyrus has found a home in Philadelphia Parks & Recreation since she was a young child: She grew up across the street from Belfield Recreation Center in the Ogontz neighborhood, and her mother worked in the after-school program at the center. From the age of four onward, Ronada participated in activities like basketball, swimming, Girl Scouts, the Performing Arts Fire Prevention Play, and Punt Pass and Kick at the center. Fast forward a decade or two, and Ronada is now a Computer Instructor in the KEYSPOT program, a position she has held for the past four years.

Continue reading about KEYSPOT Computer Instructor Ronada Cyrus

Bartram’s Mile Offers Opportunity for New Programming at Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden, a 45-acre historic living laboratory and outdoor classroom located in Southwest Philadelphia, is the oldest garden in the Americas. The site is managed by the John Bartram Association, whose mission and vision is to protect and enhance the landmark Bartram’s Garden and House; advance the Bartram legacy of discovery, gardening and art; and inspires people of all ages to care for the natural world. This unique site offers a variety of programming, including field trips, family programs, gardening instruction, artists workshops, after-school programs, and a summer camp. These activities mainly attract horticulturalists, history buffs and school groups. However, with the addition of Bartram’s Mile, a 1.1 mile trail that will expand the Schuylkill River Trail from Grays Ferry Avenue to 56th Street, staff hopes to expand into a greater extension of the Philadelphia park system, especially when it comes to use of the Schuylkill River.

Continue reading about future plans for Bartram’s Garden programming.

Visual Arts Contest Updates

Visual Arts Holiday Contest

Philadelphia Visual Arts would like to congratulate the winning facilities for their efforts in the Holiday Decorations Contest! 35 facilities participated in the citywide contest.

• First Place: Clemente Playground
• Second Place: Jardel Recreation Center
• Third Place: Lower Mayfair Playground
• People’s Choice Award: Jardel Recreation Center
• People’s Choice Honorable Mention: Bridesburg Recreation Center

Mummers Poster Contest

Mummers Parade poster contest winners received their certificates of award at the Mummers Museum at 2nd and Washington Ave. in South Philadelphia. Posters included feathers, glitter, costumes and scenes from the mummers. Congratulations to all the winners!

Participating Facilities:

• Bridesburg Recreation Center
• Donald Finnegan Playground
• James Finnegan Playground
• John Anderson Cultural Center
• Lee Cultural Center
• Mayfair Recreation Center
• Pelbano Recreation Center
• Vogt Recreation Center

Clearing Out the Clutter: Equipment Disposal Project

When was the last time you saw a mimeograph? Do you know what one is? Park Managers 1 Joshua Bell and Roger Tenant, Jr. do now, thanks to a recent, department-wide equipment disposal project. Under the coordination of Special Projects Manager John Piller, and the leadership of Regional Managers Susan Buck and Paul Dignam, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation cleared its recreation centers, playgrounds, and offices of 772 pieces of outdated equipment.

Continue reading about the Equipment Disposal Project

Ground Broken on Smith Playground Renovations

On December 28, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation joined leaders and partners like Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin, and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick-off the renovation of Smith Playground and its adjoining facilities in South Philadelphia.

When completed, the facility will include a renovated recreation center, basketball courts, playground, fitness trail, and a multi-purpose field surfaced with new turf. The project will also include the installation of green stormwater infrastructure by the Philadelphia Water Department.

Continue reading about improvements to Smith Playground

A Benchmark of Success

A success story for the Friends of Marconi Plaza: the middle arms on their benches! This story exemplifies true partnership between the Friends group, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), and the Fairmount Park Conservancy (FPC). After waiting for over a year for their bench arms that mysteriously disappeared, the park now has 16 new arms installed! The arms were paid for by FPC, and have been installed by PPR’s Skilled Trades Unit, thanks to the continuous advocating efforts of the Friends of Marconi Plaza. The newly installed bench arms are anti-theft, especially difficult to remove. Thank you,  Friends of Marconi Plaza, FPC & Skilled Trades!

What’s New at Cherashore Playground

Cherashore Playground in a Video Game

On a recent fall morning, a camera and video crew from EA Sports traveled from Orlando, Florida to 10th and Olney to film the famous “Chosen League” Court and Cherashore Playground. Cherashore Playground is the home of “The Chosen League” and the basketball court will be featured in EA Sports NBA LIVE 2017. Cherashore was one of eight non-NBA courts around the country that were selected to be included in the next edition of the infamous NBA LIVE series. Others included: Michael Jordan’s gym in New York City along with playgrounds in Baltimore, LA, Chicago and New York City.

Continue reading about Cherashore Playground’s appearance in NBA LIVE

The Gift of Sharing at Cherashore Playground

On December 23, Cherashore Playground welcomed local families to a toy giveaway event to help brighten their holidays. Parents were invited to bring their children to pick out three new toys to take home and enjoy. Children had their choice of footballs, basketballs, board games, telescopes, Barbie dolls, “Frozen” toys and much more. This was the fourth year of the program organized by Deanna Bredell and sponsored by the CYA Gators and Cherashore. Over 400 toys were donated by the US Marines Toys for Tots Program and The Schmidt Family’s Operation Santa Claus Program. Also, on Christmas Eve morning, five high school students from La Salle College High School came to Cherahore and met with 15 children, whose information was given to them in advance, and delivered them each two handpicked, wrapped Christmas gifts. The gift of sharing was alive and well at 10th and Olney this holiday season.

Staff Changes

New or Returning Permanent, Full-time Staff                       
Krunal Shah, Departmental Payroll Clerk
Fernando Reyes, Recreation Facilities Caretaker 1        
Efrem Gibbs, Recreation Leader Trainee              
Dedra West, Data Service Support Clerk
Kelly Orenshaw, Recreation Leader Trainee      
Scarlett Naranjo, Recreation Outreach Worker                 

Promotions                          
Thomas Sinnott, Recreation Leader 3   
Latricia Hale, Recreation Leader Trainee
Cornelius Edwards, Recreation Leader Trainee
Maria Bossard, Social Work Services Manager 1

Resignation                          
Isabel Cartagena, Social Work Services Manager 2         

Retirements                        
Bonnie Grant, Assistant Recreation Leader       
David Nelson, Tree Maintenance Crew Chief     
Ervin Smith, Equipment Operator 1         
George Geiss, Recreation Leader 2
William Bowen, Painter 2

PPR Gardens Win PHS Awards

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation community gardens shined brightly among the 225 gardens and public spaces entered in the 2015 “PHS Gardening and Greening Contest”. After being visited by sixty panels of judges, eleven gardens found on Philadelphia Parks & Recreation land were declared “Blue Ribbon Winners” or “Gardens of Distinction Winners” due to their unique, sustainable approach to gardening and use of public space within the city.

Continue reading about PPR’s winning public spaces and gardens

Martin Luther King Day of Service Event at Vogt

On an ice cold morning in January-- January 18 to be exact-- Vogt Recreation Center celebrated the dream and life of Martin Luther King, Jr. through the Martin Luther King Day of Service. Participants collected canned goods for those in need at St. John's Lutheran Church and played in a Martin Luther King Soccer Tournament. Children learned how to share with those less fortunate than themselves, as well as good sportsmanship and team play.

Vogt Recreation Center treated the children to pretzels and sips, and everyone had a wonderful time on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Vogt.

In total Philadelphia Parks & Recreation hosted more than 25 Martin Luther King Day of Service events at recreation centers, parks and playgrounds city-wide.

I'm Yelling Timber!

In early January, the PPR Urban Forestry and Ecosystem Management staff teamed up with the Fairmount Park Conservancy to convert urban logs into useable lumber. A portable sawmill, operated by a local sawyer (Gene Hamilton) was hired to saw logs at the District 3 yard (off of Henry Avenue) and at the Greenland Nursery, in West Fairmount Park.

Approximately 50 large diameter logs were sawed into roughly 8,000 board feet of high quality lumber, during three intensive days of sawing. Species of trees sawed included white ash, black locust and oak, walnut and tulip poplar. Many of these trees are recovered from storm damage cleaned up from city parkland while the majority of the ash trees were provided from the ash tree removal project, which is being conducted in anticipation of the arrival of the emerald ash borer. The EAB will kill all untreated ash trees within the next 5-10 years.

Continue reading about the sawmill project

The Under Dogs Score Big!

In an effort to provide inner city girls with an opportunity to compete on higher level, PPR Recreation Leader Kristin Smerker entered the Vare Gymnastics Team into the Xcel Program run by USA Gymnastics. Before doing this, our gymnasts could only compete in city-wide meets, but through the XCEL program, our gymnasts have the opportunity to compete on a State level. Last year, the Gold Team went to States and bought back an All-around First Place title! Since then, more girls were invited to the Silver and Bronze Teams. Out of the three teams that we have, nine girls were able to attend our first USAG meet of the year.

Continue reading about the Vare Gymnastics Team

Top PPR Social Media Posts

As Philadelphia eased into the winter season, our social media accounts were a mixture of holiday preparations, delayed warm weather activities, and end-of-year accomplishments. Our parks and facilities remained hubs of activity, and numerous programs kicked into high gear. Through fun, interactive, and informative posts, our accounts continue to grow with each season!

Download our latest Top Social Media Posts report to learn more

Group Fundraisers at Burholme

With a desire to connect with local organizations, the new and improved Burholme Family Fun Center is excited to announce new group packages catering to schools, groups, or organizations that are looking for a fun and unique fundraiser, group outing, or party location! The new group packages offer groups the ability to choose between a range of activities including access to the golf range with top-of-the-line equipment, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a brand new arcade, and renovated café offering a variety of food options.

Fundraisers and events at Burholme Family Fun Center are not only fun and beneficial to the organizations working to raise money, but a portion of the proceeds of sales at the center go back into the continual improvement of surrounding Burholme Park!

Continue reading about group fundraisers at Burholme Family Fun Center

Marian Anderson Boxer to Fight for WBO Junior Welterweight Title

On February 27, Hank Lundy, a boxer who trains at Graduate Hospital’s Marian Anderson Recreation Center, will face Omaha’s Terence Crawford at Madison Square Garden for the WBO Junior Welterweight title match. The fight will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm.

View an interview with Hank on Boxing 396

Share the Ride Donates Bikes to Kids in West Philly

Philadelphia is known for many things, from historic sites to iconic foods and a beloved boxer cast in bronze. Now we can proudly add the city’s rising bike culture to the list. A study published by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia revealed that South Philly and Center City are among the top 25 neighborhoods for bike commuters in the United States. That fact should come as no surprise, considering Philly’s ever-growing network of trails for bicyclists and pedestrians is over 223 miles. Additionally, newly built bike lanes, biking facilities such as Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Philly Pumptrack, the implementation of Indego (Philly’s first bike-sharing system), and numerous bike enthusiast groups contribute to the rising popularity of urban biking. Because of this growth in bike culture, Philadelphia hosted its second annual Share the Ride event on December 20 at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Carousel House. Through the Share the Ride program, children from underserved neighborhoods receive brand new bikes, helmets, and locks donated by Pinkbike and its partners. This year, fifteen 5th graders from Henry C. Lea Elementary school in West Philadelphia were the fortunate recipients of the generous donations. 

Continue reading about Share the Ride

Birthday Tribute to Terri Degnan

Above is a collage created by the children and staff of Gifford Playground on January 22 to wish the late Terri Degnan a happy birthday. Terri was like a mother, a sister, a mentor, and a friend to these individuals, so they had a party for her while she is now, in their hearts and minds, in heaven. There is a void among PPR staff in her absence, and she will reside in our memories and our hearts forever.

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

In our last newsletter, we told you about PPR’s Lori Hayes’ hunt for the “perfect” Christmas tree for the City Hall courtyard. Well, the holidays are over, you’re a few pounds heavier, and your bank account is a few dollars lighter.

And just like you have to take down the decorations in your home and yard, Hayes and her crew-- consisting of James Moffett, Dave Rodriguez, Mark DeLoach, Oswald Lugo, Bernie Donnelly, Dan Dolan, Malik Hudson and Deverick Dorsey-- had the big task over at City Hall.

Everybody loved seeing and hearing about putting up the tree, so we got a glimpse of the work it took to take it all down. Enjoy the pictures, and just a reminder to Hayes and her Christmas Tree Crew: Mayor Jim Kenney was quoted in the newspapers saying next year he wants to put up, “a really big, big Christmas tree!”

So it looks like Lori Hayes and Dan Dolan will be going on a fall road trip!

Rizzo RSI Uses His Talent to Help the Community

In November, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Program division hired its second cohort of Youth Workforce Development Recreation Specialty Instructors (RSI). Young adults were selected for their “teachable talents” to join a unique program that enhances PPR’s programming offerings while providing RSI’s with professional development trainings and exposure to career paths within the department.

Among that second cohort was RSI Jaray Swinney. He heard about the Youth Workforce opportunity through his cousin and contacted Stephanie Gradel to apply. Jaray mainly works at Rizzo Rink but also works at Shot Tower Recreation Center and Herron Playground when needed. 

Continue reading about Jaray Swinney

What’s in a Name? Wister's Woods Park

Wister's Woods Park (adjacent to La Salle University) is of course named after the Philadelphia family so closely linked with the history of Germantown and its surroundings. The Wisters bequeathed a large portion of their wooded hilly estate to the City to be used as a public park, which was formally inaugurated in 1911. A later addition to the park by gift of the Wister family specified that the natural topography of the site be preserved. Several notable Wisters left their marks on history, not least the prominent horticulturist John Caspar Wister. But did you know that Owen Wister, raised in Germantown, wrote what is widely believed to be the first Western novel? The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains, written by a Philadelphian in 1902, established the popular genre and is also the namesake of Virginian Road in close proximity to Wister's Woods Park. 

Promoting Peace at Northern Liberties through After School Clubs

This year, the Northern Liberties After School Program staff incorporated a new aspect into the program: clubs. This facet of the After School Program began in October, when kids were presented with the opportunity to join any of four clubs being offered by the After School staff for 6 weeks, which ran on different days from 4:30-5:30pm. The four clubs offered during this first round were Peace Club, French Club, Cooking, and Arts & Crafts. Children were asked to indicate which clubs they were interested in by writing a number from 1-4 next to each club (if interested), based on their order of preference. There was also the option for kids to not join any of the clubs, so every child who signed up for a club did so voluntarily.

One of the clubs in particular sparked the interest not only of the kids, but of community members and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation employees via Facebook. The Peace Club, spearheaded by Lynn Gallagher, encouraged and worked with children to enhance their conflict resolution skills, build each other’s self-esteem, and pioneer solutions to work together to create a more peaceful and loving community.

Continue reading about the Peace Club at Northern Liberties Recreation Center

CPR Training for Teens

Nine teenagers joined us at Pennypack Environmental Center on January 9 to become certified in CPR, First Aid and AED. This program was sponsored by the Pennypack Environmental Center’s Teen Advisory Council and instructed by PPR’s very own Doug Robinson. The teens learned a lot and had fun while doing it.

Founded in 2012, the Teen Advisory Council works alongside PPR staff to plan social and recreational programs for teens and families, and assists at special events and community service projects. If you know a teen who is interested in being outdoors, making a difference, and connecting with new friends, please contact Stephanie Hoffer Robinson at 215-685-0429 or stephanie.hoffer@phila.gov for more information. 

Holiday Swim Meet at Lincoln Pool

On December 18, under the direction of Doris Swarn, Water Safety Instructor 2, and Will Coleman, Water Safety Instructor 1, Lincoln Pool held its very own holiday swim meet with nearly 110 participants from the Lincoln Pool, Polar Bears Aquatic Club and St. Cecilia’s swim team. Doris and Will, along with Lifeguard Veronica Refela, wanted to continue a swim team as an extension of the summer months, so that is exactly what they did. They worked hard to revise the fall schedule and successfully held swim team practice every Friday evening despite the many existing groups that utilize the pool, including St. Cecilia, St. Matthew, Resurrection, Little Flower, St. Hubert and Father Judge. The Lincoln swim team had approximately 30 participants and had lots of enthusiasm and fun at the meet. Winners took home first, second and third place medals, and all of the kids were given the confidence to race again in future competitions and the incentive to continue to swim all year long. I want to commend Doris and Will for their efforts! A special thanks to George Kilcullen for assisting at the meet during the busy holiday time.

Lincoln Drive Gateway Project

On January 14, Scott Walker of Axe Handle Timber and a crew from Hanson Construction began installation of gateway trelliswork at Lincoln Drive and Johnson Street in West Mount Airy.

Chris Palmer has been overseeing the project, and Stewardship’s David Bower has been leading volunteers at the site for several years now.

Read the August 10 NewsWorks story (“City grant to enable completion of Lincoln Drive gateway project”) or visit the West Mount Airy Neighbors website to learn more

Teen with Down Syndrome Excels in Tumbling Program

June Monica Ruffenach, a 13-year-old who has Down Syndrome, has participated in Murphy Recreation Center’s Tumbling Program for the past four years. She is currently a beginner who has completed three levels in the program, and is quickly on her way to becoming intermediate. According to her mom, Lynn, June started the program not even knowing how to do a somersault, but she learns something new each week and continues to improve. “June is very independent and is always challenging herself. She does a great job,” said Murphy Rec’s team coach, Debbie Demarco. 

Continue reading about June’s participation in the tumbling program

2015 Holiday Luncheon

On December 17, staff from across all divisions of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation gathered for a luncheon at the Horticulture Center to celebrate the upcoming holidays and the achievements of their coworkers. The honorees included retirees and those who have completed 25 years of service.

Download the names of the individuals who were honored

View pictures of the luncheon recognition ceremony

Scanlon Learn to Compete Day

On January 17, Scanlon Ice Rink had its first annual “Learn to Compete” event organized by Michelle Shaw, Recreation Specialty Instructor for Scanlon. This event was open to all students in the Learn to Skate classes. There were 33 participants ranging from ages 3 to 44, and the skill level ranged from skaters just learning how to march on the ice to skaters who were jumping and spinning. Varying levels of skaters meant that each level had specific criteria to be judged. Every skater had a choreographed routine to music that they had practiced during their free time at the rink for about a month. Volunteer judges knowledgeable in the sport placed the skaters based on their performances. Medals were given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners during the award ceremony that followed the event. This event encouraged increased sportsmanship and self-confidence. All in all, it was a great day and we strive for continued success in the future! 

PowerCorps PHL Cleans Up Vernon Park

The PowerCorps team did a really good job at Vernon Park on December 21. Our team of 9 young men and women, 2 of whom live quite near the park, worked from 8am until 4:30pm. We started by raking leaves... and stinky Ginkgo fruits!... at the toolshed. We then raked at Center-in-the-Park, at the Pastorius/Abolition monument, and on the large lawn in front of Vernon House. We also cleared leaves from most of the storm water inlets throughout the park. All leaves were taken to the site near the fence on the south edge of the park between the deli and the church. We once again have a large compost pile that we hope will yield compost for our gardens in future years.

Continue reading about the PowerCorps crew’s work in Vernon Park

Video: Bridesburg After School Report

Find out what went on at Bridesburg Recreation Center’s After School Program in December!

Mitchell Playground Gymnastics Team Report

On January 9, the gymnastics team from Mitchell Playground participated in a competition. The team, which currently has 12 girls, is run by Assistant Recreation Leader Kelly Fassano. The team did not end up placing in the meet, but they did debut their brand new uniforms. Also, one gymnast did place in the team’s previous competition.

Spina Bifida Forget Me Not Award

On December 12, John McBride (Recreation Leader III, Bridesburg) was awarded the "Forget Me Not" Award by the Spina Bifida Association of the Delaware Valley (SBADV). While John was unable to accept in person due to a previous commitment, he was blessed to have his father, Jack McBride, accept it for him. John was recognized for his work with the annual 5K Run, Walk, and Roll, but he has been long involved with the SBADV, having worked their golf tournament as well as Carousel House events. He owes a large debt to Stuart Greenberg, a tireless champion for the SBADV and a longtime mentor and friend. Stuart has made the city a better place during his time in Parks & Recreation, and has helped mold many a leader. John and Stuart both worked on a podcast to help spread knowledge about Spina Bifida and the 5K run.

John is glad he is able to help tell the story, but he knows the real heroes are those with Spina Bifida who may deal with this obstacle, yet through their spirit and positive outlook have rendered this condition only an obstacle and not a disability.

PPR Staff Comes Together to Make 2016 Mummers Parade a Success

This year marked the 116th annual Mummers Parade. According to co-directors Leo Dignam and Jim Marino, the parade is a massive undertaking and would not be possible without the dedication of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation staff. This year, 110 PPR employees from a variety of work units staffed the event in numerous roles inside the PPR offices and out on the parade route. Some of these jobs included: security, crowd control, oversight of different performance divisions, food coordination, transportation management, maintenance, and management of scoring statistics. Leo and Jim expressed deep appreciation for the staff members who step away from their regular jobs for the day to make sure that all aspects of the parade run smoothly.  “Overall, it went well. The staff did a really good job coordinating,” said Jim.

Continue reading about PPR’s work on the 2016 Mummers Parade

Marivel’s Last Day at Roosevelt Playground

Marivel played a key role with helping our children complete their homework tasks and assisting with snack, arts and crafts, and physical fitness activities. She also was very helpful with facilitating conversations with our Spanish-speaking parents.

Marivel is heading to a full-time position with PGW where her skill set will help serve their valued customers. We all wish her the best of luck with her new career.

Santa Visits Vogt Recreation Center

On a crystal clear Friday night in December, Jolly Old Saint Nick appeared at Vogt Recreation Center to greet the children in the Tot Rec and After-School Program. The children had hung their decorations with care, hoping Saint Nick would arrive so the children could share their wishes with the Jolly Old Man. The children were served a gourmet meal of pizza and sips in the anticipation of the arrival of Saint Nick. Saint Nick arrived to the cheer of the parents/guardians and children. Saint Nick and his helper elves quickly got to business of visiting every child in the room.

Continue reading about Santa’s visit to Vogt Recreation Center

NoLibs Players Put on First Production, “A Seussified Christmas Carol”

On December 11 and 12, The NoLibs Players’ Youth proudly presented a one-act version of Peter Bloedel’s “A Seussified Christmas Carol.” The show is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale through Dr. Seuss-style rhyme. The NoLibs Players is the title of Northern Liberties Recreation Center’s brand new drama program.

Continue reading about “A Seussified Christmas Carol”