SEPTEMBER 2018

Dear Staff:

It’s a safe bet to say that Parks & Recreation has one of the hardest working staffs in Philadelphia. Look at what you accomplished just over the past few months:

- You helped clear downed trees after storms, removed invasives, and maintained our sites during peak usage.

- You kept our pools filled and spraygrounds running

- You created FUN for people of all ages at our day camps, movie nights, Parks on Tap, The Oval+, and the new LOVE Park.

- You worked to complete renovations and improvements at our facilities– from Von Colln Field to C.B. Moore and many sites in between.

- You’re busy setting up After School programs and fall athletics.

- You are truly amazing, and I’m grateful for your ongoing dedication and commitment to the department.

So what do you have to do now? Celebrate at the PPR Staff BBQ!

This annual appreciation event takes place on Friday, September 7 at the Belmont Grove in West Fairmount Park. Please join us for some of Philly’s best BBQ, lawn games & activities, pickup basketball, a softball game, and music by PPR's own DJ John McBride. We’ve also brought the field day back by popular demand! Come meet new colleagues and engage in friendly competition. Winner takes all – including the trophy!

Thank you, as always, for your dedicated service.

Kathryn Ott Lovell

Best of Philly Awards

PPR was well-represented in the 2018 “Best of Philly” list compiled by Philadelphia Magazine. From beer gardens to farmers’ markets, workout options to tourist attractions, here are our sites that received “best of” recognition:

Editors’ Choice

- Best Zip-Lining: Treetop Quest

- Best Reliable Farmer’s Market: Clark Park Farmers’ Market

- Best Outdoor Workout: Art Museum steps

- Reason to Spend Your Next Friday Night at a Museum: The Philadelphia Museum of Art

- Underrated Tourist Attraction: Fort Mifflin

Reader Poll Winners:

- Reader Poll: Best Philly Event: Parks on Tap

- Reader Poll: Best Road Race: Broad Street Run

Celebrating the End of a Super Summer

It was a hot, humid, and wet summer, but PPR kept the fun flowing throughout it all. Across the city, we hosted day camps, movie nights, Parks on Tap pop-ups, and extended pool hours to help folks beat the heat. The debut of LOVE Park and The Oval+ added to the fun. As summer winds down, we hosted annual events that mark the end of our busiest season, including:  

- Performing arts camp productions

- City-wide swim meets

- Fire Prevention Drama Festival

- 5th Annual Play Philly Summer Challenge

- Summer WorkReady closing ceremony

- Northern Liberties T-shirt contest party

Learn more about Parks & Rec’s end-of-summer activities.

Fall in LOVE

It’s easy to fall in love with LOVE Park. Especially with the return of our food trucks! We’ve got a full roster of events and programs planned through October that promise fun for all.  Oh, and did we mention the food trucks return in September?! The Fall fun includes:

- Dine at our weekday food trucks.

- Center yourself at Mindfulness Mondays.

- Try line or salsa dancing at Shake It Off Fridays.

- Bring tissues to Wedding Wednesdays.

- Enjoy free music and cultural performances at Live at LOVE.

See the full list of LOVE Park events.

Learn how you can get married in LOVE.

A Fish Tale

The dedicated seasonal staff of Pleasant Hill Park have worked tremendously to support the annual catch-and-release Summer Fishing Program. The park’s ponds, known as the Fish Hatchery, are a beloved haven for young children learning how to fish, and those for whom fishing is a lifelong hobby. From now until November, all children under the ages of 16 are invited to appreciate the joys of fishing every Saturday between 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  All equipment and bait are provided free of charge, all we ask is that you come prepared to have fun!

Learn more about the Fish Hatchery at Pleasant Hill Park.

See vintage 1965 footage of children fishing at the park.

In the Media

Parks & Rec programs and sites received positive coverage in the media this month. Some highlights:

- WHYY featured the Work to Ride program at Chamounix Equestrian Center.

- Philly.com praised “Eight Gems of Fairmount Park” including the Dell Music Center.

- Wissahickon Valley Park was hailed as a community treasure in Northwest Philly.

- Heitzman Recreation Center was lauded as the first of 64 Rebuild projects.

- PPR’s WorkReady program received press for its successful fundraising efforts.

- Our Playstreets program, and the efforts of Regina Hinto, were credited with keeping kids safe and nourished.

Read about these media highlights and more.

JEVS TechServ Scholars Celebration

Over the past year, JEVS TechServ Scholars provided STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) training at many of Parks & Rec’s public computing centers. They helped at after-school and summer camp programs. Parks & Rec computer instructors acted as mentors to the Scholars.

On August 4, a celebration honoring the Scholars was held at Christy Recreation Center. Speakers included Pennsylvania Senator Anthony Williams and Parks & Rec Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell.

Read more about the celebration and the accomplishments of the TechServ Scholars.

Enrollment in the TechServ Scholars program is closed for the 2018-2019 year, but you may send an inquiry for consideration for 2019-2020.

Job Opportunities

Parks & Rec currently has two job openings - one seasonal opportunity and a three-year grant-funded position:

- Program Specialist (Full-time, 3-year position): Oversee all operational aspects and staff of the Yard Tree Giveaway program, other public programs, and marketing efforts related to those programs.

- Recreation Specialty Instructor (September 2018 - April 2019):  Assist PPR’s After School Program in various recreation centers and playgrounds throughout the city of Philadelphia.

Be sure to check our Employment page regularly for new positions as they become available.

Unity Cup News

The Philadelphia International Unity Cup, presented by Goya, is underway! Soccer games began in early August, and the tournament will conclude on October 13 with championship day at Talen Energy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Union.

Haven’t checked out the Unity Cup yet? Here’s what you need to know about this special tournament:

- There are 52 teams representing countries around the world competing in 2018.

- Results from the group stage were mixed, with some known powerhouses dominating games and other new teams making surprise debuts.

- The tournament is about to head into the exciting play-in and round of 16 games. Check out the schedule of upcoming matches.

- Volunteers are still needed to help the event run smoothly.

Stay updated on the Unity Cup at unitycup.phila.gov.

Register for the Boxers’ Trail 5K

There’s still time to register for the Boxers’ Trail 5K on Saturday, September 8. Walk or run along 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 East Fairmount Park and Mander Playground.

If you’d like practice with others to prepare for the Boxers’ 5K Trail Walk/Run, join Philly Powered’s Boxers’ Trail 5K Training. This FREE 8-week interval training program will help build up your mind and your muscles.

Register for the Boxers’ Trail 5K.

Philly Wildlife: From Cute Pet to Invasive Species

If you’re walking along a creek, river, or pond in Philadelphia this fall and spot a turtle sunning itself on a rock, there’s a good chance you’re seeing a Red-eared Slider. You’ll know them by the red stripes on the side of their neck. As much as these turtles look at home in Pennsylvania, they don’t belong here. Unfortunately, they’re an invasive species, one that’s competing with our native turtles for food and habitat.

Find out where the Red-eared sliders came from and what you can do to help protect our native turtles in this month’s Philly Wildlife Profile.

CHOP Nurses Teach Campers Summer Safety

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) partnered with PPR this summer to teach camp-goers summer safety tips, like water safety, the importance of sunscreen, and how to properly use a bike helmet. Trauma nurses from CHOP visited several camps each Monday to meet with kids and explain how they can avoid ending up in the hospital.

The Nature PHL project is another innovative partnership between PPR, CHOP, and others. Read more about Nature PHL.

Tree Philly Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants

Pssst. Can we let you in on a secret? You can get FREE trees for your yard! And your neighbors’ yard!

Tree cover in Philadelphia ranges from 2.6% to 48% in different neighborhoods. Parks & Rec has a goal. We want every single neighborhood in Philadelphia to have 30% tree cover. We need your help to make this happen.

Learn how to become a community partner and bring free yard trees to your neighborhood.

Junior Baseball Federation's Camp Day

On July 25, the Junior Baseball Federation (JBF) sent 42 buses of PPR summer campers from all over the city to the Phillies - Dodgers game. The campers enjoyed the game and were also allowed to "run the bases" after the game was completed. 

As part of JBF's Camp Day, one lucky camper was selected to throw out the ceremonial "first pitch". In addition to having the the opportunity to throw a pitch to the Phillie Phanatic, Xavier DePena from Torresdale Playground, accompanied by his family, was treated to an escorted tour of Citizens Bank Park and VIP seating.   

The JBF supports Philadelphia Parks & Recreation baseball and softball activities. You can support these activities too by purchasing a voucher for a Philadelphia Phillies game. The last Junior Baseball Federation benefit game this season is Wednesday, September 12.

We Walk PHL

We Walk PHL is a free walking group that meets several times per week at various public parks throughout the city. The program, started in 2017, is a partnership among PPR, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Philly Powered.

After a successful eight-week spring session, the six-week fall session resumes September 3.

For walk schedules and meeting locations, please visit the We Walk PHL public group page on Facebook, or email wewalkPHL@gmail.com for more information.

Recent Dedications and Ribbon Cuttings

Summer is a busy season at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation sites – but not just at our pools and camps! We’ve recently hosted a number of events across the city to celebrate new or renovated parks, playgrounds, and public spaces, including Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center, Malcolm X. Park, Von Colln Playground, and more.

Here’s a summary of the celebrations and renovations.

Venice Island Wins Classic Towns People’s Choice Award!

Congratulations to Parks & Rec’s Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center, voted “Best Theatre” in the 2018 Classic Towns People’s Choice Contest. Learn more about Venice lsland’s ‘classic town,’ Manayunk.

Staff Shout Outs

A Letter of Appreciation: Brandon Gales

Brandon Gales at work on Lemon Hill.

Brandon Gales is a Seasonal Maintenance Attendant working in District 5 under Jim Mako's supervision. His work cleaning up the Lemon Hill area in East Fairmount Park prompted one citizen to write a very positive letter of appreciation. “I wanted to tell you about a dedicated worker who works for your department,” the letter began. “I walk the area of Lemon Hill 3 to 4 days a week, and I frequently observe him collecting all the trash that the people left on the ground from the previous day…[his] first name is Brandon, a very nice young man.”

After describing some of the clean-up work she’d seen Brandon undertake, the writer continued, “Brandon works hard and he should be proud of his work. I commend him and thank him for keeping the park beautiful. I hope he continues to work the Lemon Hill area because the area is always busy and he helps make it a great place to enjoy the beauty of our park system. I hope you can let Brandon know how much his work is appreciated.” So noted! Keep up the great work, Brandon!

Mayor’s Interns Assist PPR with Special Projects

Commissioner Ott Lovell (2nd from left) with Sabrina, Yaniel, and Victoria.

Parks & Rec hosted three young professionals from the Mayor’s Internship Program this summer:

- Sabrina Aponte completed multiple research projects related to PPR’s strategic plan implementation and advertisement policies for public land. She also worked on GIS mapping projects.




- Yaniel Perez Nieves assisted with Unity Cup-related projects, including creating a plan for recruiting volunteers for this year’s event.




- Victoria Reeser helped the Operations division with purchase orders, contracts, and construction permits. She also conducted research on equipment and trees for Urban Forestry Division, among other projects. Victoria received an award for her outstanding engagement, dedication, and service. She was one of five recipients among the fifty program participants.

Top Social Media Report

As the hot and humid summer of 2018 wore on, PPR pool and sprayground posts continued to be our most popular social media topics in August.

Download the August 2018 Top Social Media Report.

Program Round-Up

Campers from Gustine Recreation Center enjoy kayaking at the Giving Pond Recreation Area as part of the Be Outside Teen Adventure Camp. Together with the camp at Chalfont Playground, over 50 participants took part in fishing, boating, hiking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and many other great adventures. While whitewater rafting, campers even spotted a bear crossing the Lehigh River! These terrific trips are organized by PPR’s Outdoor Experience Program.

The Saved by Skateboarding Philly Giveback took place at Hank Gathers Recreation Center on July 29. The event was hosted by DGK founder and professional skateboarder Stevie Williams.

PPR’s Grow Up Green program visited several recreation centers this summer to discuss the basics of hiking and camping. In this photo, participants at Jerome Brown Playground set up a tent with Recreation Specialty Instructor (RSI) Jean Murray.

Miles Mack Playground hosted the Bicycle Coalition’s Youth Cycling Program (BCYC) for six weeks this summer. Youth ages 12 to 18 engaged in teamwork, made new friends, and learned how to get around town via bicycle. BCYC provided free bikes, helmets, water bottles, and bike clothing. After completing the program, invited youth advance to the All Stars and attend an overnight camping trip.

WorkReady youth worker Michael Klause helps a participant at Nelson Playground balance on her skateboard at one of the Outdoor Experience Skateboard Clinics. PPR staff traveled to sixteen summer camps this summer to teach skateboard skills.

Recreation Specialty Instructor (RSI) Christine Marie preps the participants in the Outdoor Experience Skateboard Camp at Rizzo Rink so they can learn their next trick. PPR hosted two Skateboard Camps this summer.

On August 7, Drug Enforcement Administration’s Frank McCartney and Bob Niczyporowicz spoke to campers at Roosevelt Playground. They discussed the dangers of experimenting with drugs, peer pressure, and more. Hip-Hop Fundamentals, led by Mark “Metal” Wong and Steve “Believe” Lunger also presented. Their program included an anti- drug message mixed with teaching the campers several hip hop moves. The campers learned the moves quickly, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Schmidt Playground’s summer camp, led by Recreation Leader Tammy Harrity, are the winners of a two-month challenge held by PPR and Recyclebank to compete for the most logins and digital earns on Recyclebank’s online education platform. Read more about their recycling efforts and award here.

Mid-Range Morris Adult Basketball League (MMBL) game action at Shuler Playground. Now in its 5th year, the league has become a summer staple at Shuler.