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AUGUST, 2017

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Dear Staff:


Recently, one of our partners in the City likened the summer season to PPR’s Super Bowl. While the analogy isn’t perfect, the parallels certainly exist. Even though we provide programs and services year-round, we’ve always got our eyes on the big game: summer. Come spring we start intensifying our training—with Stewardship equipping and training park volunteers, TreePhilly educating residents about tree care in warm weather, recreation leaders refreshing their pool and camp management skills, and lifeguards completing trainings and classes. Closer to game time, Administration staff flexes its muscle, processing and coordinating payment for our sizable roster of seasonal staffing.


Our first half is a challenging one—we have Skilled Trades and Operations on the defensive line, ensuring our facilities are up and running, our parks are clean, and our trees aren’t a danger to the game, while Program and Stewardship staff play offense, recruiting, registering, and welcoming residents to our spaces for fun in camps, pools, and parks. It’s a lot to coordinate – and we do everything to prevent fumbles along the way, although the intense heat can feel like a quarterback sack – but we keep fighting until the end of the half.


Kids Fest at the Dell Music Center is our halftime celebration, a chance to bring more than 600 children from our summer camps together to play games, learn about nature, see a fire truck up close, and make new friends. A big thanks to Terri Kerwawich and her team for organizing another successful and fun event.


We’re now entering the second half of our Super Bowl, but the fight isn’t over yet. The swim meets and Fire Prevention Play are in sight, as are those late August vacations, but we’ll keep our head in the game. We’ve still got our fifth year of The Oval (now The Oval+), and we’ve gone for the extra point in fun for visitors with the addition of programming at Shakespeare Park and Aviator Park, as a complement to the popular movie and music nights, food trucks, beer garden, and family-friendly activities at Eakins Oval. Plus, we’ve got more special events and picnics on our properties to permit and service.


Throughout the game, our communications team serves as the broadcasters of our first downs and touchdowns through social and traditional media, and judging by the “In the Media” section of this issue, they’ve been quite successful at it.


I’m so proud of our team, and I know we’ll finish this season stronger than ever. To celebrate, I invite you to our equivalent of a parade down Broad Street: the annual PPR BBQ on September 8 at Belmont Grove! RSVP details are shared later in this issue.


Finally, just because we’ll win this year’s Super Bowl doesn’t mean we should rest on our laurels. That’s why, even though it’s our busiest season, we’re forging ahead with the strategic planning process and drafting our playbook for the future. One team, one dream!


Thank you, as always, for your dedicated service.


Kathryn Ott Lovell


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NaturePHL

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This August, children around Philadelphia will be attending their annual well child visits with pediatricians. Along with their routine check-up, patients at some Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Primary Care Practices may also be receiving prescriptions for outdoor activity! This summer, NaturePHL launches at CHOP Primary Care Cobbs Creek and Roxborough. The program – a collaboration between the Schuylkill Center, CHOP, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the US Forest Service – will connect primary care pediatric health and wellness with nature and time spent being active outdoors.


Learn more about NaturePHL.

 

 

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Camp Philly

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On July 12, we launched the first-ever Camp Philly program! Camp Philly is a new partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and YMCA Camp Speers that will provide an opportunity for 9- to 11-year-olds to experience the independence of camping in a rural setting. Starting August 13, Camp Philly will run two one-week sessions at 1,100-acre Camp Speers, located in the Poconos. Campers will participate in a wide range of programming, including archery, horseback riding, drama lessons, and swimming.


Learn more about Camp Philly.

 

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

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We recently celebrated the opening of a few new facilities: we hope you’ll stop by and explore! You can check out new spaces and amenities at:

  • Shakespeare and Pennypacker Parks, providing additional open space for events along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway;
  • Palumbo Park, featuring new seating and landscaping;
  • Shepard Recreation Center’s new roller skating rink, the first of its kind in our system.

Learn more about our recent ribbon cuttings.

 

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Play Philly Kick-off

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On July 6, we officially kicked off a summer of Play Philly fun with Vogt Recreation Center campers and staff. At 28 of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s summer camps, trained Play Philly staff have implemented special active play and health programming to make sure that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The program will culminate in the 2017 Play Philly Summer Challenge on August 9, where campers will compete in various events to show off the skills they’ve learned!  

 

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Celebrate Summer in Philly Parks & Playgrounds

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Summer is heating up, but we’ve got plenty of ways to cool down and chill out in parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers across the city:

Check out all of our summer events and activities.

 

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PPR BBQ: Save the Date and RSVP

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Save the date: the PPR BBQ will be on Friday, September 8 from 11am-3pm at the Belmont Picnic Grove! Together, we’ll enjoy the best BBQ in Philly, music, field day activities, a softball game, pick-up basketball – and we’ll be joined by special guest Mayor Kenney.


Have you RSVP’d yet? If not, please complete the registration form and return it to your supervisor, Stephanie Gradel, or Moria Miller at 1515 Arch St, 10th Floor by Friday, August 25. We hope to see you there!

 

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Accepting Applications for Plants Make Positive Places: Native Plant Garden Program

By Daniel Feeser, Horticulture Coordinator
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With the power of dedicated staff and volunteers, more native plants will be blooming at recreation centers and urban parks this year. These home-grown native plants are part of a program called “Plants Make Positive Places” (P3), which focuses on beautifying green spaces, amplifying Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) landscapes’ educational and ecological impact, and increasing PPR’s native seed reservoir. The program participants attended a garden training focused on plant identification, watering strategies, and garden planning. P3 is currently taking applications for both new gardens and past gardens with plans to keep growing native plants on park property. Applications are due Friday, August 25.


For application information, email Dan Feeser at info@p3phila.org

 

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Aerial Adventures in West Fairmount Park

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This coming spring, explore West Fairmount Park on a whole new level: up in the trees! Treetop Quest will create and operate a five-acre “aerial adventure” obstacle course, complete with zipline, at the intersection of Chamounix Drive and Ford Road. As part of course construction, invasive plants will be removed and new public trails will be added. Treetop Quest will also provide 1,000 free vouchers for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation summer camps, giving our campers a new way to experience the outdoors.


We’ll share updates as they become available, so keep an eye out for more info in upcoming newsletters!

 

 

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Junior Baseball Federation: 70 Years of Baseball

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The Junior Baseball Foundation (the “JBF”) was formed in 1948 by Bob Carpenter, owner of the Phillies, and Connie Mack, Manager and part-owner of the Philadelphia Athletics, to coordinate and help fund the City’s Youth Baseball programs.  The JBF develops the resources needed to provide this support primarily through the sale of ticket vouchers that, this year, are redeemable for one of five designated regular season Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park (one of which is against their former hometown rivals, the Athletics).

 

Learn more about this year’s Junior Baseball Federation Benefit games and how you can help.

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Boxers’ Trail 5K Run/Walk: Save the Date

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On Saturday, September 9, walk or run the scenic cliff paths of the Boxers’ Trail in East Fairmount Park where heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier trained. Proceeds from the Boxers’ Trail 5K benefit Mander Recreation Center in North Philadelphia, which organizes youth programs, including runs along the Boxers’ Trail. On-site registration is at 8:30am and the race begins at 9:30am.


Learn more and register in advance for the Boxers’ Trail 5K.

 

 

 

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Summer Reading with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Read by 4th, and Tree House Books

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This summer, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation campers are building their home libraries and their reading skills, with help from Tree House Books and Read by 4th! Thanks to this partnership, campers will resist the “summer slide” -- loss in educational attainment over out-of-school time -- with a donated take-home library of engaging, age-appropriate books, as well as programs to help track their reading progress.


Learn more about our new summer reading partnership.

 

 

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Strategic Planning Update

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The department’s strategic planning process, launched in February, continues to gain momentum as it progresses. After an initial Discovery Phase that included more than a hundred staff interviews, dozens of site visits, a deep document review, and leadership workshops, we’ve transitioned to the Engagement and Analysis Phase. To launch this phase, we hosted focus groups with PPR staff from all divisions, union representatives, nonprofit partners, and the Commission on Parks and Recreation. Recently, we created seven working groups composed of 90 staff members from across the department to create the goals, objectives, and strategies that will make the plan attainable, measurable, timely, and relevant. We look forward to sharing updates with you and hearing your feedback about the plan.

 

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Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center Updates

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We’ve got the latest scoop from Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center (VIPARC), including a recent performance of Improv Island, and the upcoming premiere of WILD: a devised Clown Western produced by VIPARC’s in-house theatrical group, ShoeBox Company.


Learn more about what’s new at VIPARC!

 

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Disston Recreation Center Updates

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Disston Recreation Center has had a great start to the season, with the kick-off of their Summer Concert Series (continuing through August 10!) and the recent donation of basketballs for summer campers.


Learn more about Disston Recreation Center’s first concert of the season, and the 6th Man Project’s visit and donation to Disston Summer Day Camp.

 

 

 

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Food Program

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Did you know that Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) is a part of the city’s Summer Meals Program? Last year, PPR served 1.7 million meals to youth 18-and-younger, including breakfasts, lunches, and snacks! This year, that work continues as recreation centers, day camps, neighborhood playstreets (blocks closed to traffic, offering meals and activities), and more distribute USDA-approved meals citywide. PPR’s Food Program has been running for over 40 years, helping to feed our community’s children.


Learn more about the city’s summer meals program, including distribution locations.

 

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Staff Profile: Kymberly Porter

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On a recent overcast summer morning at Jefferson Playground, Grounds & Facilities Maintenance Worker 1 (and current acting crew chief) Kymberly Porter brought the sunshine! Kymberly was all smiles as she explained her day-to-day work at playgrounds and recreation centers throughout North Philadelphia.


Learn more about how Kymberly and her crew help keep playgrounds safe, clean, and ready to use.

 

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Lloyd Hall Updates

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Walk, bike, drive, or row (like the summer campers above!) to Lloyd Hall for activities this summer:

  • On Tuesdays at 6pm, a new Women’s Self Defense Class will be offered based on participant interest. Contact instructor Floyd Smith at 267-770-6635 to learn more.
  • A new session of Walk With Ease, a six-week walking program designed to help folks exercise safely and comfortably, kicked off on June 26 and will continue through August 4. For more information, contact Kara Sapp at 215-685-3936.

 

 

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Star Players History & Updates

By Bill Arthur, Recreation Leader 2, Morris Estate Cultural Center
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The Star Players of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation have just completed their most recent show, A Night of Disney, to outstanding reviews and enthusiastic audiences! The revue show featured many of your favorite Disney songs and dances, and had two performances at Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center.


Learn more about the Star Players’ history – and their next production, coming in October! – on our blog.

 

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Rebuild Update

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We’re excited to see Rebuild – a transformative seven-year, $500 million investment in Philly neighborhoods – moving forward with the official approval of City Council! Now that the project has been authorized, Rebuild staff will soon launch a series of information sessions for small local vendors in the design and construction industries to learn more about how to work on Rebuild.


Sign up for updates on contracting opportunities.

 

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Staff Changes

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New Hires:
Terrell Creighton Sr., Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Kyle Dawson, Urban Park Ranger
Antonio Dixon, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Kareem Flowers, Recreation Leader Trainee
Curtis Grady, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Gregory Hill, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Julio Marquez, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Anthony Montanez, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Christina Moresi, Environmental Education Planner
Gordon Porter, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker
Ashley Shimp, Recreation Leader Trainee

Promotions:
Lartricia Hale, Recreation Leader Trainee
Kelly Orenshaw, Tree Maintenance Crew Chief

Separations:
George Cowan, Recreation Outreach Worker
Michael DeStefano, Recreation Leader 1
Steve Okula, Grounds Maintenance Worker 2
John Yannatell, Grounds and FAC

 

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Parks and Recreation Commission Pool Visits

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The Parks and Recreation Commission (PaRC) kicked off the summer with a big splash: its members have been touring pools across the city, talking to lifeguards, and going for a swim in 28 of our 70+ pools! The goal? To get a sense of current pool conditions and programming, and to better understand the role Philadelphia Parks & Recreation pools play in their neighborhoods.


Learn more (and see photos) from PaRC’s pool visits.

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Customer Service Corner

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Theme for the month: Provide proper phone and in-person etiquette.


Walt Disney believed: “Focusing on the customer experience has become the single most important way for an organization to achieve success – often becoming its key differentiator and competitive advantage.” As we continue to be the number one provider of recreational opportunities for the citizens of Philadelphia, we need to continue to provide the most positive customer experiences to elevate us from the rest.

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Social Media Update

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Throughout the month we had a lot of exciting events and activities happening at our sites, including The Oval+ opening, Camp Philly’s press conference, camps starting, and plenty more fun activities! This month’s top social media posts showcase different aspects of what Philadelphia Parks & Recreation offers. From rules to pools: here are the top posts!


Download our overview of the top social media posts in the last month.

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The Dirt

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Did you know: Robin Klink has a hobby of collecting magnets. The best part of that hobby is that it doesn't cost her a cent! She asks friends, family, and coworkers to bring her back a souvenir from their vacation travels. (Above is her recent cache of acquisitions from summer 2017 so far.) Robin's collection has certainly grown over the years, and she now considers it an art installation as the display of magnets covers almost every metal surface in her cubicle. Donations always welcome: she’s still seeking magnets from Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.


Got tips for The Dirt, our monthly mention of life outside the department? Send them to parksandrecreation@phila.gov!

 


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Tribute to Nate Hardy

By Ben Burenstein, Public Computing Center Program Administrator
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Nate Hardy, our Computer Instructor at C.B. Moore Recreation Center since the opening of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Public Computing Centers, passed away peacefully on June 23. Nate’s sense of humor, his gentleness and toughness, his willingness to put others before himself, his intelligence, and his love of music were just some of the positive attributes he gladly shared with all. He was a person who lit up any room he entered, and it is hard to believe he is gone. Rest in Peace, Nate.

 

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Community Propagation Program


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You may have heard of our Community Propagation Program, a partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: now, see it in action! Farm Philly Propagation Specialist Arielle Narva shares the scoop on this initiative, which gives more than 30 organizations, farms, small business, and community gardens a spot to start their seeds at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.


Check out the full story (and plenty of pictures!) on our blog.

 


 


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Welcome New Staff: Sign Auditors


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Starting this summer, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has hired four seasonal staff members assisting with preparations for a new, department-wide signage program. The Site Auditing team will be identifying locations and opportunities for the new system at more than 400 parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, and special use facilities throughout our system. Look for them to visit the site near you soon!

 


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Penrose Playground Summer Camp at Strawberry Green Driving Range

By Cornelius Edwards, Recreation Leader 1
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Penrose Playground staff, campers, family, and community would like to thank Patty McGrail-Schiffler of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, as well as Stoney and Bill at Strawberry Green Driving Range, for their hard work, dedication and support.  Strawberry Green Driving Range has allowed the campers from Penrose Playground to use their facility during the summer, granting a group of campers an amazing opportunity to learn basic golf skills.  Patty came out to offer valuable tips. Penrose would like to say thank you for all of the support.

 

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District 3 Pulls Triple Duty

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Recreation Leader Beth Perkowski shares a recent busy day for District 3 staff members: from a Read by 4th training session and Treehouse Books giveaway, to Hydration Station coin toss, to Bingo for the Blind at Carousel House! Thanks to both staff and project partners for their attendance and enthusiastic participation at these events.


Read on for a recap of District 3’s “Triple Duty” day.

 


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Play Philly Staff Training at Vogt Recreation Center

By Patty McGrail-Schiffler, Program Coordinator
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During the week of June 26, all Play Philly Recreation Specialty Instructors (RSIs) from 28 sites were given training at Vogt Recreation Center. On Monday and Tuesday, Playworks came in to teach the RSIs a variety of games, sports and how to handle their campers. Also on Tuesday, Councilman Bobby Henon, the sponsor of Play Philly, came to speak with the RSIs. Councilman Henon shared that when he was a kid, camp counselors were his mentors and people he could count on. 


Learn more about the week of training Play Philly staff received.

 


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Kendrick Recreation Center Referee Clinic for Staff

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Eight recreation leaders participated in the four-week basketball officiating clinic held at Kendrick Recreation Center in June. District Manager Joe Brogan led the clinic with a combination of informative classroom sessions mixed with on-the-court activity. All staff who participated refereed live action on court on the final night. The whole clinic was made possible thanks to Shane Martin and the Kendrick Advisory Council who sponsored staff official shirts and whistles, and Joe Brogan who was the lead trainer.

 

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PowerCorps PHL Project at Wister Playground

By Carlos Alvarez, PowerCorps PHL Project Manager
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This project at Wister Playground was started using a mix of purchased wood and leftover wood that was obtained from other PPR projects. Now that we have access to our own source of wood, we can begin to expand the capacity of PowerCorps to produce some useful items for a variety of purposes. After the completion of a double set of cubbies that got wall-mounted, two chess tables, and two bench cubbies, we are also adding another two chess tables and a bookshelf, using wood cut for us at the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center to finish the project and turn the open space into a decent multipurpose room.

 

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Dendy Day at Dendy Playground

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On July 17, Dendy Playground held its annual Dendy Day event, honoring its namesake, Marie Dendy, with a day full of swimming, basketball, music, and summer fun.

 

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Roosevelt Playground Updates

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Recreation Leader Joe Fricker shares a few summertime updates from Roosevelt Playground! Kids at Roosevelt’s summer camp enjoy all kinds of activities, from storytime to sign language; outside the facility, a PowerCorps PHL crew helped clean up the perimeter, weeding, trimming, and clearing debris.


Read more about Roosevelt Playground campers’ activities, and check out photos of PowerCorps members in action.

 


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McVeigh Recreation Center: “Get By With a Lot of Help from COMHAR”


By Todd Colistro, Recreation Leader
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The Beatles said it best, “We all get by with a little help from our friends.” In McVeigh Recreation Center’s case, we get our help from COMHAR, the behavioral health corporation that works with our summer camp.


Learn more about how COMHAR supports campers and staff at McVeigh Recreation Center.

 


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C.B. Moore and Mander Recreation Centers’ After School Programs Visit Broadway

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After School Program children from C.B. Moore Recreation Center and Mander Recreation Center recently had the opportunity to see a production of Aladdin on Broadway!

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