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AUGUST, 2014

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Outdoor Movie Series


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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has kicked off another season of movie nights in neighborhood parks! All movies begin at dusk. Check our Facebook page for current info and rain dates: www.facebook.com/PhilaParkandRec

 

Monday, August 4

Dickinson Square – 1600 Moyamensing, 19148

Despicable Me 2

Tuesday, August 5

Marconi Plaza – Broad & Oregon, 19148

The Lego Movie

Tuesday, August 12

Pennypack on the Delaware - State Rd. at Rhawn, 19136

Despicable Me 2

Wednesday, August 13

Woodside - 3910 Conshohocken, 19131

The Lego Movie

Monday, August 18

East Park (behind Mander Rec Center) - 2140 N. 33rd St. 19121

TBD

Tuesday, August 19

Shot Tower - 101-31 Carpenter St., 19154

The Lego Movie

Wednesday, August 20

Overington - 4600 Lieper, 19124

The Lego Movie

Monday, August 25

Hagert St. Playground – 2040 E. Hagert St., 19125

Frozen

Tuesday, August 26

Powers Park – 2987 Almond St., 19134

The Lego Movie

Wednesday, August 27

Campbell Square - Belgrade & Allegheny, 19125

Frozen

Wednesday, September 3

Starr Garden – 600-44 Lombard, 19157

The Lorax

Tuesday, September 2

Seger Park – 1000 Lombard St, 19147

TBD

 


And be sure to check out these other movie series in PPR parks:

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Concerts at Disston Recreation Center

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In late June, the Tacony Civic Association kicked off its free Summer Concert series at Disston Recreation Center with a performance by The Hooligans. On July 24, the So Easy Blues Band took the stage.


Don’t miss the two remaining shows (also at Disston) in the series. Both concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.:

  • Full Blown Cherry (August 7)
  • Sandbox Rock and Roll Orchestra (August 28)

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Greenworks Philadelphia 2014 Progress Report


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Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability released the Greenworks Philadelphia 2014 Progress Report, which highlights a range of successes, including tripling the number of greened acres that capture the first inch of rainwater before it enters the City’s sewer network in the last year, from 102 in 2012 to 323 in 2013.


Among PPR accomplishments noted in the update are:


  • The opening of the William Dick Elementary Schoolyard, a redesigned yard with new shade trees, a new play system, a turf field, a track and a rain garden to manage stormwater
  • The Parkland Forest Management Framework
  • The Philadelphia Trail Master Plan
  • Planting more than 10,000 trees in 2013, for a total of more than 100,000 since Mayor Nutter took office
  • Orchard development
  • Expansion of community gardens

Download the report for additional PPR achievements


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Swim Meet Information

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The Aquatics Division is moving right along with the opening of the pools and the many people visiting the pools during the hot days of summer.


Looking ahead, the Little Quaker Swim Meet will be held on August 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Awbury Pool. The Little Quaker Swim meet is for children ages 5-8.


Each district will host a swim meet with the winners advancing to the city championship being held at the Lee Cultural Center on August 13 at 1:00 p.m. The championship meet is for boys and girls between the ages of 9-16.


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The Oval Summer 2014 Season


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On July 16, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Association for Public Art kicked off the second season of The Oval. Now through August 17, The Oval will offer free programming, events and activities for all ages. Visitors will experience another world at The Oval with the unveiling of a new creative theme and artwork, Magic Carpet by artist Candy Coated (formerly Candy Depew), commissioned by the Association for Public Art.


A partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy, The Oval was created in 2013 in effort to engage the 70,000+ Philadelphians that live within a ten-minute walk of Eakins Oval, providing an opportunity to eat, play and relax in the eight-acre open air park. By transforming the surface parking lot into a hip, urban oasis, The Oval served as a place to connect and unify the attractions and surrounding neighborhoods, thus drawing in more than 27,000 visitors in six weeks.


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Groundbreaking at Hank Gathers Recreation Center


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On July 8, Darrell L. Clarke, City Council President; Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources and Parks & Recreation Commissioner; and The Trust for Public Land celebrated the City’s efforts to green schoolyards and recreation centers during a ground-breaking ceremony at the Hank Gathers Recreation Center.


This greening project and the recently completed green schoolyard at William Dick Elementary School across the street are part of Philadelphia’s Greenworks Philadelphia plan, specifically the Green2015 initiative: Mayor Nutter’s comprehensive plan to significantly increase outdoor recreational opportunities and green infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.


At Hank Gathers Recreation Center, 75 neighborhood residents working with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and The Trust for Public Land participated in a series of design workshops to select features that will improve the recreation center. The resulting design will enhance an existing junior baseball diamond and relatively new basketball courts. It will also add a new water spray park, upgraded seating areas, a picnic grove under an existing canopy of trees and a native grass bank. The community-driven design builds upon the recreation center’s existing programming and enhances active and passive recreation opportunities for users of all ages.


View more photos of the Gather Rec Center groundbreaking


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Celebrating Mud=Big Success!


By Mary Grace Gorman
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In recognition of International Mud Day, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Grow Up Green Program helped “Celebrate Mud” on Thursday, June 26 at the Pennypack Environmental Center, located at 8600 Verree Road in the Fox Chase section of the city. Over 30 people, children and adults alike, participated in this fun and messy event. Although intended for children ages 2-5 years old, a few older siblings, parents and staff members also joined in on the fun and got messy themselves. People were covered from head to toe in mud.


Continue reading about the “Celebrate Mud” event


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Mander Recreation Center Improvements

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William P. Hankowsky, Chairman, President and CEO, Liberty Property Trust; City Council President Darrell L. Clarke; Fairmount Park Conservancy Board President and Liberty Trust SVP John Gattuso; and Commission on Parks and Recreation member Derrick Ford at the Bill Rouse Day of Caring]
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In partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Liberty Property Trust held its 11th Annual Bill Rouse Day of Caring on June 20. Approximately 200 employees from four regional offices volunteered their time on the company’s national day of service to renovate and upgrade Mander Recreation Center. Located on 22-acres on the east edge of Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, it is home to after school programs, community events, sports leagues and day camps. The agenda included cleaning and painting the center, installing new flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as upgrading the basketball courts, baseball stands and landscaping.


For more than a decade, Liberty Property Trust employees have honored the memory of company founder Willard “Bill” G. Rouse III with a national day of community service. It is traditionally observed on the Friday closest to his birthday, June 19, and celebrated by more than 400 employees in the company’s more than 20 offices in the US and UK.


Liberty’s efforts are helping to support the “The New Fairmount Park” action plan that will allow residents of all surrounding neighborhoods to safely enter and use the park, expand the activities Philadelphians can experience in the park, accommodate walkers and bikers over cars and engage others in its long-term care.


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What’s New at Bridesburg Recreation Center

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Fish eye view of a summer day at the Bridesburg pool
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Wondering what happens in a typical week of summer day camp? Bridesburg Recreation Center has a video report for you!


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Farm Philly Update

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For many kids throughout Philadelphia, summertime in the city means fun-filled days at recreation center summer camps, and Farm Philly is proud to be continuing garden education with the campers at 15 of these camps.


So far this summer, we have seen kids eating raspberries fresh off the bush, cherry tomatoes off of the vine and carrots right from the ground. It is incredible to witness memories being made for each of these students as they work so diligently to care for their gardens. There is nothing quite like watching the look on a young person’s face as they show off their garden knowledge to parents, recreation leaders and friends. There are some students who have gone as far as to bring in seeds to share with their fellow Junior Farmers, while others have been so excited to learn about gardening that they have decided to start gardens in their own backyards, on their windowsills or in containers on their front steps.


In addition to our vegetable gardens, the pollinator gardens are something to see with their wide array of colors, scents and insects! The kids have spotted butterflies, praying mantis, bees, ladybeetles and more during lessons on beneficial garden critters. You never know what you might find when you take a moment to walk through one of these wonderful gardens, but whether it is a student harvesting something delicious or a monarch butterfly pollinating, it is sure to make your day.


View more Farm Philly photos


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Photo: Philly Play Program at Rizzo Rink

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Brayden Brown throws a football during Philly Play camp at Rizzo Rink


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TreePhilly Nominated for a Philly Geek Award

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TreePhilly has been nominated for a Philly Geek Award in the Social Media Project of the Year category! Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on August 16 at the Academy of Natural Sciences. In the meantime, follow TreePhilly on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.


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Featured Path Finder: Kristin Smerker

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In this video, Kristin Smerker tells us about the growth of the athletes in her PPR gymnastics programs. Watch Kristin Smerker’s “Find Your Path” story.


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Photos: Dell Music Center Highlights

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Check out other remaining shows at the Dell Music Center this summer, including Fantasia, Ledisi, Brian McNight and more!


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Energy-Saving Tip of the Month

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Help your air conditioner by doing moisture-producing chores, such as washing clothes and dishes or mopping floors in the early morning or at night when it is cooler.


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Farewell

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This August, Lindsay Deal will complete her AmeriCorps VISTA year of service with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Lindsay was primarily involved with volunteer engagement and special event support. Volunteer background checks, community meetings and the Spring Open House represented a few of Lindsay’s projects. Additionally, Lindsay assisted with programs at the Wissahickon Environmental Center, Sister Cities Park and Bingo for the Blind. The next stop for Lindsay is Portland, Oregon where she will continue serving as a VISTA leader with the Oregon Public Health Partnership.


We appreciate her year of service and wish Lindsay well in her next endeavor!


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Photo: Visual Arts Camp

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Children paint nature in nature during Mr. Cristian’s 2D class. View more camp photos on the Visual Arts Facebook page.


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Tell Us Your Story!

We Help People Grow, That’s What We Do.
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Through the stewardship of our natural and cultural resources, the structured activities at our bustling recreation centers and the preservation of our city’s rich history, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation connects people to new pathways in life.


Let us know how you or someone you know embodies PPR and “Find Your Path” by sharing your story. If you can you answer one or more of the following questions, we want to hear from you!


  • How did you “Find Your Path” through Philadelphia Parks & Recreation?
  • How has your involvement with PPR helped you grow or been a positive influence on your life?
  • What are 5 words that describe what Philadelphia Parks & Recreation means to you?

Please fill out our Find Your Path story form with your answer(s).


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McIlvain Playground Update

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By Steve Schmidt, Facility Supervisor, McIlvain Playground
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McIlvain Playground was buzzing with activity two weeks prior to our annual summer day camp. What was all the buzz about? McIlvain was fortunate to have over 220 volunteers call Penn and Pratt their home for two weeks. Through a partnership with the Northeast Bible Fellowship, adults, as well as teenagers, visited us from Orange City, Florida; Marietta, Georgia; and Hopkinton, Massachusetts.


During the week of June 23, twenty-five members from “The Journey” in Orange City came and painted all of our outside benches, painted a mural and cleaned the playground.


Continue reading the McIlvain Playground update

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Scanlon Hosts NHL Draft Picks

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On June 26, the Scanlon Ice Rink had the pleasure of hosting the top 6 NHL Draft picks for the 2014 NHL Draft. The hockey players conducted skills and drills for approximately 40 young children all part of Snider Hockey. Tons of photographers, sports announcers, newspaper writers and spectators visited the center that day along with Ed Snider for the two-hour program. After the skating program, the draft prospects posed for pictures and signed autographs for all of the children.


Many thanks go out to the Scanlon staff for working so hard to prepare the ice, especially Jerry Luberski, John Goodwin, Tom Ruppert and Mike Ives.


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Clayborn & Lewis Playground Transformed


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space On June 17, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) teamed up with the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) and local community members to revitalize the Clayborn & Lewis Playground. The PA Municipal League members, in town for their 115th Annual Convention, kicked off their stay with this West Philadelphia service project.

Led by PPR’s Stewardship Unit, the 57 volunteers completed seven service projects to spruce up the playground and kick off the summer season. Volunteers assembled new playground equipment, repainted the basketball court and surrounding walls, repainted the picnic tables, planted new flower beds, redesigned bulletin boards and had a general clean up of the playground and surrounding area.

Continue reading about the Clayborn & Lewis volunteer event

View photos of the Clayborn & Lewis cleanup

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Photo: Team Houston at Color Run

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Houston Playground’s Color Run team before and after the 5K
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2014 PPR Baseball Season Ends

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation recently completed its 2014 Baseball Season. The Champions and Finalists will be honored at our Annual Baseball Awards Banquet on Thursday September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Cannstatters (9130 Academy Road). Special thanks goes to Baseball Chairperson Art Comas and the league directors and committee members. Without their commitment and dedication to their leagues and the game of baseball, none of this is possible. The teams who will be honored are:

 

League Director

CHAMPIONS

FINALIST

8 & Under

Greg Stepp

Somerton

Lansing

9 & Under

Chuck Christman

Liberty Bell

Somerton

10 & Under

JJ Pospiech

Calvary

Bustleton

11 & Under

Mike Mychack

Falcons

Rhawnhurst

12 & Under

John Medica

Holy Terrors

Crispin

14 & Under

Kris Dufner

Sabres

Rhawnhurst

17 & Under

John Kirchenbauer

Bustleton

Houston

 

 


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Photo: Dodgeball at Roosevelt Playground

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Roosevelt Playground camp participants play ultimate dodgeball.
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Photos: Philly Cup

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View photos from Pop’s Playground and Grays Ferry Crescent, then join us for the remaining Philly Cup events at Whitehall Skatepark (August 16) and Paine’s Park (September 13)!


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Energy-saving Field Light Initiative

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As a reminder, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is piloting a field lighting energy conservation initiative. PPR is using field lights only Monday to Friday, dusk to 10:30 p.m., mid-March through December. Field lights will be turned off at all other times, reducing energy usage by lowering the amount of time fields are lit while not in use. If you see field lights on at a PPR facility at non-designated times, please email PPR.EnergySaver@phila.gov.


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Parks and Recreation Commission Champions New Regulation on Unauthorized Amplified Sound

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Neighborhoods disrupted by loud, unauthorized, amplified sound coming from nearby park areas have a new weapon at their disposal to quell noisy park users. The Parks and Recreation Commission Public Safety Committee, chaired by Commissioner Matt Perks, spearheaded an effort to clarify regulations banning amplified sound, particularly where parks abut residential areas. Residents can invoke the regulation when calling to report violations to the new regulation. Review the new regulation on Scribd.


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