MARCH, 2016

Dear Friends:

It’s been a whirlwind first month for me as commissioner, filled with countless meetings with PPR staff, City leadership, funders and partners to learn about the department’s current programs and services, and to visualize our future. Thank you to everyone who has shared their time, knowledge and opinions with me thus far.

The vastness of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is astounding, as are the dedication and passion of our employees. Our department has so much to offer the citizens and children of Philadelphia, and I want to work with each of you to ensure that people are aware of our programs and services, and that we are making it easy to take advantage of them.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has made great strides in renovating public spaces, developing new programming, and ensuring the parks and recreation system is Safe, Clean and Ready to Use. But more work is required to deliver our programs and services in a truly accessible and equitable manner. I look forward to working with you to reach the state of excellence that Philadelphians deserve.

Kathryn Ott Lovell

Venice Island Comedy Night

Friday, March 11, 9-11:30 p.m.

Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center

Tickets: $20

Don’t miss headliner Chris Rich, winner of Budweiser Ladies of Laughter and former opening act for Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne, David Brenner and Gilbert Gottfried, as she brings her brand of clean, clever comedy to Venice Island. Other comedians scheduled for the evening include LaTice Klapa, Manayunk local Sylis P., and host for the evening Jess Carpenter.

Learn more and purchase tickets for Venice Island Comedy Night

DCNR Grants

On January 28, Governor Tom Wolf announced $28 million in Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grants to improve recreation and community revitalization efforts across Pennsylvania, including several Philadelphia Parks & Recreation projects:

• $300,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Columbus Square Park, including the construction of passive seating area, walkways and permeable pavers, and rain garden; installation of required safety surfacing to existing play areas, spray feature, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $400,000 payment toward the acquisition of approximately 1.9 acres located along Frankford Creek for open space, passive recreation and the development of the Frankford Creek Greenway.
• $188,000 for the rehabilitation of Gorgas Park. Work will include construction of stormwater management structures, pedestrian walkway and parking area; renovation of ballfield; installation of fencing; ADA access, landscaping, site amenities, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $350,000 toward the rehabilitation of Lanier Playground, including construction of a spray pad, softball field, multipurpose field, volleyball court, dog park, pedestrian walkways, fitness equipment, rain garden with bridge and stormwater management structures; installation of lighting, play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing; ADA access, interpretive signage, landscaping, site amenities, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $388,000 toward the rehabilitation and further development of Markward Playground at Schuylkill River Park. Work will include construction of retaining walls, paving, and stormwater management control measures; installation of water feature, site lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Looking for Softball Players & Teams

The Fairmount Park Women’s Softball League has been part of the women’s sports community in Philadelphia for 40 years. The league is organized and operated by volunteers and has 8-10 teams competing in one division. Games are played at Belmont Plateau in West Philadelphia at Belmont and Montgomery Avenues.

The FPWSL season begins at the end of April and ends with a championship playoff in mid-July. Games are played 6:30pm on Wednesday and Friday evenings, and at 10am and 12pm on Sundays. Learn more about the Fairmount Park Women’s Softball League and how you can join as an individual or team.

Tree to Table: Maple Sugaring Festival

March 5, 1-2:30 p.m.

Snow Date: March 6, 1-2:30 p.m.

Tacony Creek Park, Ramona Gateway, 4528 I St. Philadelphia, PA 19124

Join TTF Watershed Partnership to learn what makes maple trees special and why we can use them to make maple syrup. "Tap" a tree and watch maple syrup being made. Taste syrup on a waffle! Dress warmly for the one-hour lesson. For adults and children ages 5+.

RSVP: doryan@ttfwatershed.org or (215) 744-1853

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

Missed the Blue Cross Broad Street Run Lottery?

Join the Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Broad Street Run team to enjoy great perks while raising funds for the historic Belmont Plateau trails! This year’s Blue Cross Broad Street Run will take place on May 1, and the deadline to set up your fundraiser is April 15. Learn more about joining the Fairmount Park Conservancy team.

Job Opportunities

Older Adult Services Director (Promotional, close date of 2/26/16)

Grounds Maintenance Worker Crew Chief (Promotional, close date of 2/26/16)

Rally 4 Rizzo

The third annual Rally 4 Rizzo will be held at South Philly’s Rizzo Rink on Saturday, February 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The proceeds from this event benefit the programs and participants of the Rizzo family. PPR Recreation Leader 3 Tony Tomassetti will host, and he will be assisted by Recreation Leader 1 Anthony DiFlorio and the staff, rink attendants, volunteers and the longtime, loyal advisory council members of Rizzo.

food, carnival games, music and prizes. Everyone is invited. Tickets are $10 each and $25 for a family four-pack. Remember, you don’t have to skate to have a great time!

Soil Safety and Land Access Workshops

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Office of Sustainability, and the Philadelphia Land Bank, is now offering FREE workshops on soil safety and land access. The Soil Safety Workshop will educate participants about the risk of pollutants in urban soil, the best practices for gardening safely and what resources exist to support their projects. The Land Access Workshop will educate participants on how to gain legal access to land for gardens, and farms and what resources exist to support their projects.

We will come to you! To request a workshop for your community garden/farm or organization, or for more information, please contact Jasmine Hamilton, FarmPhilly Garden Outreach Coordinator, at 215.683.3583 or FarmPhilly@Phila.gov.

NoLibs Players Auditions for “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani

The NoLibs Players will be staging a community theatre production of John Cariani’s Almost, Maine to be performed by adults. Derek Muller will direct it, and auditions will take place on Saturday, March 5. You may drop in anytime between 1-4 p.m. that day to audition. No experience is required, and we ask that nobody submit an acting resume.

Please visit the audition Facebook event listing for more information or email nolibsrec@gmail.com.

Staff Changes

New Hires

Aparna Palantino (pictured above left) has joined Philadelphia Parks & Recreation as Deputy Commissioner for Capital Infrastructure and Natural Lands Management. Aparna is a familiar face to many in the department already, as she came from the Department of Public Property after 14 years as Projects Director for Parks and Recreation. Aparna brings a wealth of knowledge in capital projects and a significant understanding of our facilities and infrastructure.

Tiffany W. Thurman (pictured above right) is the Chief of Staff to the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. Tiffany comes from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where she served as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Delegation. Tiffany brings extensive experience in economic development and growth, strategic planning, community engagement and management from the private, public and nonprofit sectors. She is from Georgia, but has called Philadelphia home since 2001. Tiffany serves on several charitable boards, and is currently finalizing her master’s thesis on economic development through sustainable urban land use planning at the University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, Tiffany, her husband Zeke, and their borador Zoe-Joy enjoy many outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hunting and off-trail hiking.

Promotions

• Alice Dignam, Recreation Leader 3
• Jigar Modi, Accountant Trainee
• Herbert Baskerville, Grounds Maintenance Worker Crew Chief

Rehires

Elijah Mauldin,Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker

Retirements

Anne Morley, Greenhouse/Nursery Attendant

Resignations

Michael Sherman, Assistant Recreation Leader

Get Active in South Philly!

Looking for an athletic activity for your child? Check out these four opportunities in South Philadelphia:

• Murphy Rec Biddy Ball
• Philadelphia Senators at Barry Playground
• Foot Hockey League at Guerin
• UYA Basketball at Marian Anderson

Staff Profile: Donna Mora

Donna Mora has been working for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for the past 12 years. She is currently an Operations Crew Chief in PPR District 4, which covers parkland in Northwest Philadelphia.

Before finding her path to PPR, Donna attended W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, where she studied agriculture and landscaping, so she has always seen herself in a role like this. She decided to apply for a Grounds Maintenance Worker 1 position once her children started getting older and she realized she needed a full-time position after working part-time. After about two years, Donna was promoted to a Grounds Maintenance Worker 2 and then was promoted to her current position as Crew Chief.

Continue reading about Donna Mora

Tustin Playground Expecting Exciting Things in 2016

It’s been a productive year for the staff and patrons at Tustin Playground in West Philadelphia. While the center’s programming schedule may not be as vast as others, what the site does offer is organized exceptionally well, and there are plans to expand and create new programs in 2016. According to Recreation Leader Damon Cunningham, Tustin is considered a safe neighborhood hub for people of all ages to spend their time. “It gives our community a place to gather,” says Damon. “People of all ages come here. It’s a very multi-generational place.”

Continue reading about Tustin Playground

The Renovation of Vernon Park

Situated in the historic neighborhood of Germantown in Northwest Philadelphia sits Vernon Park. Once a regal estate owned by the Wister family, the 8-acre park houses a mansion, unique horticultural finds, and multiple statues and monuments. Despite this rich history, Vernon Park fell into a state of disrepair due to budgetary cuts and a struggling surrounding neighborhood. As conditions in the park deteriorated, local residents who felt uncomfortable in the park’s setting began to avoid the once lustrous area.

Determined to build upon the successes of previous iterations of the Friends of Vernon Park that included new trees and flowerbeds, fencing erected around the entire park, and the construction of a children’s play area, the current Friends group vowed to make positive changes in the park and return it to the neighborhood as a safe, green, viable space.

Continue reading about recent renovations at Vernon Park

Video: Bridesburg After School Program Report

Find out what happened at Bridesburg Recreation Center’s After School Program this January!

New TreePhilly Sponsor

TreePhilly is excited to announce a new sponsorship from TD Bank! TD Bank will be sponsoring the Yard Tree Giveaways at $75,000 a year for the next three years, which will add thousands of new trees to the 14,500 trees TreePhilly has already given away to Philadelphians since 2012.  Stay tuned for more news from TreePhilly this spring, including the opening of registration for the Yard Tree Giveaways in March.

Spotlight on: Royalty Supreme All Stars

Royalty Supreme All Stars (RSA) is a nationally ranked, all-star cheer and dance nonprofit organization based out of Sturgis Playground. RSA’s goals are to provide a safe environment for youth between the ages of 3 and 18 to excel in the area of sports and dance on an all-star level; to promote self-esteem and build character to enable youth to reach their full potential; and to challenge youth to work hard and achieve at their best, in and out of the organization. For more information, contact Paulette McLaughlin at 267-908-0795.

Rare Geese Attract Birders to FDR Park

A pair of barnacle geese was found on Friday by local birder Jim McConnell at FDR Park. Barnacle geese breed in Greenland, Scandinavia and Western Russia and winter on the Baltic and North Sea Coasts. This is the first record of the species for Philadelphia. Barnacle geese occasionally occur in the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada in the winter, usually in Canada goose flocks. It is very likely that some barnacle geese are blown off course from Greenland by storms during migration. For lack of their own species, they associate with their close genetic relatives, Canada geese.

Continue reading about a visit by barnacle geese to FDR Park

AEC Cares to Renovate Athletic Recreation Center

On May 18, AEC Cares, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, AIA Philadelphia and the Community Design Collaborative, will make the following improvements to Athletic Recreation Center:

• Renovate the lobby
• Upgrade the performing arts auditorium
• Overhaul the kitchen
• Upgrade the multipurpose space

Built in 1912, Athletic Recreation Center offers a variety of activities for children and adults: basketball, boxing, visual and performing arts, as well as serving as a community meeting space.

Consider reading about the upcoming renovations to Athletic Recreation Center

JFK Plaza/LOVE Park Groundbreaking Ceremony

On February 10, Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell Clarke, PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, City officials and partners gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick-off the redesign of John F. Kennedy Plaza/LOVE Park and the renovation of the Welcome Center.

Construction on LOVE Park will begin in Spring 2016. The LOVE Park redesign was conceived in partnership between Hargreaves Associates and KieranTimberlake in 2015 after a national selection process and robust community engagement process. The new park design will feature the famous LOVE statue by Robert Indiana, more green space, a new fountain, a reorganized layout and several food truck vendors.  Structural upgrades will also be made, specifically replacing the waterproof membrane and making the garage more accessible to people with disabilities.

Continue reading about the LOVE Park groundbreaking ceremony

Goodbye, Old Friend

A grim February day with dark skies and a cold steady rain sets the somber mood for a sad goodbye to a dear old friend. Like a true friend, we had our ups and downs, maybe more ups. Our relationship had a rocky start, most warned me it wouldn’t last. Some wondered what I saw in you, we had so little in common, it will never work out…  But I saw something few others had. I saw an opportunity to make a change, to make a difference where it really mattered, and the stakes were high.

Continue reading Tim Gill's tribute to LOVE Park

Mardi Gras at Guerin Recreation Center

The children in Guerin’s After School Program celebrated the Mardi Gras in style this year. They decorated masks, made decorations, and played games. The highlight of the afternoon was the beautiful “King Cake” decorated to reflect the colors of Mardi Gras-- purple, green and gold. The cake contained a little plastic baby, which symbolizes luck to whoever gets the piece with the baby in it. The lucky student was Miss Janet Luong! A good time was had by all.

Community Propagation Program Launches at the Horticulture Center!

The FarmPhilly Program is partnering with the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to rent table space in the greenhouse out to gardeners.  From February through May, gardeners will be starting seedlings and propagating plants in the greenhouse.  Participating members include community gardens, nonprofits, and small gardening businesses from across Philadelphia. Members were oriented to the greenhouse over the first two weeks of February, and people are excited to get things growing and connect with other gardeners! All spaces have been filled, and there is a wait list in case any tables open up. Many thanks to the staff at the Horticulture Center for helping make this incredible resource available to more of Philadelphia’s horticulturalists!

East Fairmount Park Spotlight: Joseph E. Mander, Sr.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is currently working in conjunction with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and community stakeholders to create easier access to East Fairmount Park for its surrounding neighborhoods and to lift up the park experience for all park users. As we work towards the future of East Fairmount Park and its surrounding communities, we will occasionally feature stories here that celebrate the area’s remarkable past. The first feature in the series will highlight Joseph E. Mander, Sr.

Read the story of Joseph E. Mander, Sr.

American Legion Playground After School Program: We Support Each Other

The American Legion After School Program attended its second Frankford High School Girls Basketball game on February 5 in support of one of the most active youths at the playground, Laquana Nagbe. The children wanted to show their support for one of Frankford High School Girls Basketball's star players since she has always supported many of the programs at American Legion Playground.

The first game was attended by the children back in December. Frankford H.S. Principal Michael Calderone and Coach David Cebular were so impressed with the children's cheering and support, they invited them back to see another game and celebrate with a pizza party for them and the team. It was such a great experience for the children to see a high school basketball game in person and meet all the players.

Top Social Media Report

This month, we’ve captivated our PPR social media audience with a lot of exciting news! Followers were very interested in the announcement of the Broad Street Run lottery, the Love Park redesign and groundbreaking, information about special opportunities with our partners, and of course, the welcoming of our new commissioner, Kathryn Ott Lovell! With a delay in winter weather this year, our followers were also excited to see winter-related posts, especially during the first major snowfall of the season.

Download our Top Social Media Report to see which posts grabbed the most attention across our platforms over the last month.

Snowman Social at Sister Cities Park

The Snowman Social display at Sister Cities Park will be removed on Thursday, February 25… two months after the original removal date. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation was asked to keep the snowmen on display at Sister Cities by the Center City District throughout January and February. All snowmen will be returning home to their sites soon.

Continue reading about the Snowman Social and plans for a “Butterflies of Spring” display

McVeigh Women’s Volleyball League

On February 8, McVeigh Recreation Center finished up its first annual Fall Women’s Volleyball League. The league came to fruition in a roundabout way. This past summer, we were approached by Nancy Watts, a member of the community who was interested in gym time for her volleyball team to practice.  Nancy had worked with my co-worker in the past, so I was happy to help. Her team started practicing every Monday and Friday night.

As time passed and I started to build a relationship with Nancy, I noticed the team didn’t play any games, they always just practiced. They were a team who wanted to play but had no one to play. I approached Nancy about having scrimmages versus the staff, which she was absolutely on board with.

Continue reading about McVeigh’s Women’s Volleyball League

Outdoor Experiences Workforce Development Team

It’s mid-February, and it’s halfway into the Workforce Development Team’s program. As of February 16, the Outdoor Experiences Workforce Team has been out to over 20 sites and has done over 35 activities with the After School participants. They’ve been attending a Friday morning Professional Development training series that will culminate March 18 where they have been given lessons on inclusion, taking their jobs seriously, adding more nature-play into activities, classroom management and how to address crucial conversations, just to mention a few. 

Spring is gearing up to be a busy one for this team. In addition to finishing up all Outdoor Experience exposure lessons with the After School Programs that requested visits, the Outdoor Experiences team will also be assisting with maple sugaring at the Wissahickon Environmental Center; school programs and fishing at Pennypack Environmental Center; maple sugaring, farm tours and sheep shearing at Fox Chase Farms. There are four more Into the Parks trips that workforce will be assisting with and also special programs at TreePhilly giveaways, Smith Memorial Playground and Sister Cities Park, Mud Day at Pennypack Environmental Center and special “Tent Events” at various recreation centers and parks. Just what is a “Tent Event”? For more information on this or any of these programs, please email Mary Grace Gorman at mary-grace.gorman@phila.gov.

Black History Month at Vogt

This January, the Vogt Recreation Center After School Program participated in PPR’s Visual Arts office’s Black History Month Artwork Contest. The Vogt After School Program children created a quilt with drawings of 16 prominent Black Americans for the contest with some assistance from the After School Program staff: Claire Rollinson, Carol Donnelly and Josh Nedby. Each child in the program drew at least one of the 16 famous Black Americans on the quilt. In preparation for the quilt, each child researched at least one famous Black American and gave a short presentation on the person to the After School Program. The list included Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Maya Angelou, among many others. The children learned about prominent Black Americans that they did not know of previously, and the project allowed them to work together to create something of their own. 

Father-Daughter Team Explores Philadelphia’s Parks and Playgrounds

In January 2012, Michael Froelich of West Philadelphia decided to begin a project where he took his then three-year-old daughter, Zora, to parks and playgrounds in their neighborhood and documented their experiences through a blog called Zora Plays. The idea started as a project of the international Fun-A-Day initiative, where people do a project that highlights everyday life in their city. Michael and Zora started by visiting 31 parks and playgrounds within walking or biking distance of their home. After those 31 playgrounds were complete, Michael decided to extend the project and drive to playgrounds and parks as far as 40 minutes away. Through the project, his goal was to expose Zora to the diverse neighborhoods and playgrounds that Philadelphia has to offer.

Continue reading about Zora Plays

Alliance for Healthier Generations Training

On January 27, PPR recreation leaders and recreation specialty instructors (RSIs) attended an Alliance for Healthier Generations training at Athletic Recreation Center. The training, focused on healthy eating and physical activity, was attended by representatives from Mander, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gathers, Clemente, Wright, Lonnie Young, Miles Mack, Mill Creek, and Athletic.

Fairmount Park Guards

Park guards were once a fixture of Philadelphia’s park system and their history is well documented in the collections of the Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives. The Fairmount Park Guard was established shortly after Fairmount Park, and its officers patrolled the entire park system, maintaining its safety. Sometimes accompanied by trained park dogs or mounted on horseback, park guards enforced park regulations and looked after the well-being of park users. They routinely engaged in rescue missions related to boating or auto accidents and operated out of buildings scattered throughout the parks. In 1972, the entire Fairmount Park Guard, more than 500 in number, was subsumed into Philadelphia’s Police Department.

Continue reading about Fairmount Park Guards

District 1 Tumbling Championship

On February 12, the finest tumbling athletes took to the mats at Jardel Recreation Center to find out once and for all who's the best tumbler in PPR’s District One. With an incredible turnout of over 200 people watching, 86 registered competitors, and 7 sites participating, this meet became one of the biggest and brightest events of the early new year! Of the 200 hundred people in attendance, including family, friends, and coaches, all who came out to root on their respected sites and favorite tumblers, none was disappointed with the spectacular display of talent. Top honors received trophies and ribbons. Top competitors moved on to the City-wide Tumbling Championship on February 20 at Gustine Recreation Center, where the top six finalists in each category competed against the rest of the best the city has to offer.

Stewardship Unit Gets CPR Certified

The Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy Stewardship units took advantage of PPR Park Ranger Doug Robinson’s offer of CPR training on January 16. Robinson is a certified CPR instructor with the American Red Cross and offered the training to Stewardship due to their community engagement duties with the public.

Continue reading about the Stewardship Unit’s CPR certification

Why I Like Coming to Simpson Recreation Center

Simpson is a very fun place to be at every day. 

At Simpson, we get to do our homework, eat snacks, and play fun games with our friends. While doing our homework, the staff at Simpson always checks our homework before we put it up. After homework, we get to have snack time where we eat and talk to our friends. Also we get to go to the Simpson’s snack store to buy extra if we want another snack. When everyone is done eating and the room is cleaned, we go in the gym and play games or stay in the room and play board games. Some of the games we play in the gym are relay races, kick ball, steel the bacon, dodge ball and jump rope.

Simpson is very fun!

“How Do You Holiday?” Contest Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in our “How Do You Holiday?” contest this winter, and congratulations to all of the winners below!

Winning Stories

• Steve Schmidt, Cherashore Playground
• Jade Ryan, Fox Chase Recreation Center (submitted by Betsy Henninger)
• Lauren Murphy, Pelbano Recreation Center
• Yadira Curet, Feltonville Recreation Center

Honorable Mention Stories

• Jennifer Sunday, LOVE Park
• Valerie Arhondakis, District 1

Winning Photos

• JJ Pospiech, Clemente Playground
• Beth Perkowski, Rivera Recreation Center
• Lisa Lenke, Fitzpatrick Playground
• Robin Klink, Urban Forestry & Ecosystem Management

Honorable Mention Photos

• Sam Owens, C.B. Moore Recreation Center
• John Kirchenbauer, Piccoli Playground

Download all of the “How Do You Holiday?” contest entries

Video: District 2 & 3 Tumbling Meet

Watch a video about the District 2 and 3 tumbling meet on February 3.