OCTOBER, 2014

Dear Friends:

Now that summer is officially over, many people external to the department think that the pace of life within PPR slows down to a less hectic pace but boy, are they wrong!

In addition to the myriad of after-school, athletic, cultural and environmental programs already underway, our department’s calendar is filled with exciting, fun-filled and diverse opportunities happening all over the city throughout the month. You can start off on October 3rd with a trip to an unfamiliar park to mark “National Visit a Park Day” and from there, you can party, strut, spectate, Glow and fest your way through the remainder of the month.

In addition to these site-specific opportunities, there are also some especially exciting events that clearly demonstrate the range of our services and the positive impact that our department has on the quality of life impact within the city. The first that comes to mind is the October 7 ribbon-cutting for the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center, a 250-seat, state-of-the-art theater that dramatically expands our ability to extend cultural opportunities to our constituents. And beyond that, we will further expand public access to a riverfront with the opening of the new Schuylkill River Boardwalk. We will also be taking a large step to connect the region’s bike trails when we break ground for the new connection on the Manayunk Bridge.

As you can readily see, our collective efforts have created great momentum to providing opportunities for the public to “Find Their Paths,” but we are also looking to provide opportunities and Pathways for you. We are partnering with the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute to offer a leadership development training program to further build the capacity of individual staff persons and the department as a whole. Information regarding this training was recently distributed via e-mail but there are also details in this newsletter. This opportunity is open to staff throughout the department, so please take a look at the information. And always, I am truly grateful for all of your hard work and service to our great city. Thanks.

Leadership Development Training Opportunity

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has sustained interest in further strengthening the leadership capacity of our department as a whole. In relation to this goal, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is collaborating with the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute (NELI) at Bryn Mawr College to provide a Leadership Development training opportunity for permanent, full-time Philadelphia Parks & Recreation employees. Staff members who meet this base requirement, regardless of position within the department's organizational structure, are welcomed to submit an application to be considered for inclusion in this training program.

Read an overview of the Leadership Development Training Program

TreePhilly Fall Yard Tree Giveaways

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation's TreePhilly Program is happy to offer free yard trees to Philadelphia residents for another season. In partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo, we will be giving away 1,500 yard trees to Philadelphia residents at four giveaway events all across the city. At each event there will be tree planting and care demonstrations and free mulch for you to take home with your tree. AND new this year, you get to choose your tree when you register! So head over to the registration page now, or read up on the available trees here first. Just a reminder, these trees are for Philadelphia properties only, and must be planted in the ground, not in the sidewalk or in a container.

Registration is open from September 2-30, and the giveaway events are October 11-12 and 18-19.

Star Gazing at Starr Garden

On Friday, October 3, Starr Garden Playground will be hosting our third "Star Party" where, given favorable conditions, we'll be taking our telescopes out into the night and onto the field, along with our star charts and amber filter pocket lights, to observe the celestial display up close. We'll learn about astronomy, some mythology and probably a bit about optics as well. This ongoing program named "City Skies" is sponsored by Philadelphia's own Franklin Institute and is funded in various cities nationally by NASA.

Continue reading about the Star Party at Starr Garden

Fall Pop-up Weekends at The Oval

Get into the fall spirit with two fun weekends of pop-up events at The Oval this October. Both weekends include movie screenings, food trucks, live music and local libations.

• October 3-5, Outdoorsy Weekend at The Oval: Storytelling, fire pits, face painting, sing-alongs and more!
• October 10-12, Philadelphia “County Fair”: A petting zoo, Ferris wheel, crafts, apple cider pressing, barn dancing and more.

Job Opportunities: Workshop Leaders and Mentors

Do you have teachable talents in the arts, sports, fitness, entrepreneurship, education or another unique skill? Are you great with youth and ready to share your talents? Do you want to take your skills and talents to the next level?

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is looking for Specialized Workshop Leaders and Mentors for our After School and Youth Programs.

• If you are 18-24 years old (or around there), apply to be a Workshop Leader!
• If you are 24 +, apply to be a Mentor!

Share your talent by leading workshops for our after school youth and grow your talent by taking part in weekly professional development training with your coworkers. $10.88 to $15 per hour; 20 to 35 hours per week (includes evenings and Saturdays).

Please send a resume and letter of interest to maureen.maier@phila.gov by October 3, 2014. Learn more.

Grand Opening of the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Thursday, October 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Community Celebration: Sunday, October 5 from 1-3 p.m.

Locust & 25th Streets

A2O Program Returns to Dorsey Playground

The Dorsey Playground is happy to announce the return of the well-received A2O: Arts & Artists Outdoors program. This program is designed to teach environmental appreciation through the efforts of art and artists. The highlight of the 2013 program was an aerial photo taken via a camera tethered to a balloon, creating a great overview of the community, its green spaces and its water ways! Other highlights included the painting of the spray pool wall. This year's program starts October 6 and will meet Monday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is open to children ages 10 to 14. The program will run through December 6. For more information, call Dorsey Playground and supervisor Kristen Wisniewski at 215-685-8734.

Other fall 2014 A2O sites:

• Mill Creek Playground
• Wright Recreation Center
• Chew Recreation Center
• Mander Recreation Center

Senior Strut

Adults ages 60-plus are invited to join in the Second Annual Senior Strut, a one-mile walk and health event that pairs two Philadelphia icons: the Mummers and picturesque Boathouse Row. The Senior Strut will take place on Tuesday, October 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, starting at Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive. It includes a one-mile loop walk along Boathouse Row.

After the walk, participants will return to Lloyd Hall for a free health fair with health screenings, fitness activities, a healthy snack, giveaways and healthy cooking demonstrations using summer produce. Former Eagles defensive tackle and WIP host Hollis Thomas will make a special appearance.

The event is presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Free parking is available, and the event is accessible by SEPTA bus routes 32 and 38. Tickets are $3 per person and must be purchased in advance. To purchase a ticket for the Senior Strut, call the PCA events line at (215) 765-9000, ext. 5055 or email events@pcaphl.org.

Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will unveil the long-awaited, new Venice Island with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Mayor Michael Nutter and Deputy Mayor/PPR Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7. This impressive multi-purpose facility—the result of a collaboration between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Water Department—boasts a state-of-the-art, 250-seat performing arts and recreation center, a spray park, an outdoor amphitheater, new basketball courts and much more.

12th Annual Lucien Blackwell Boxing Showcase

Weigh-in and Registration: Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m.- 1p.m. (Athletic Recreation Center)

Fight Nights: October 8-10, 6 p.m.; October 11, 12 p.m. (Gustine Recreation Center)

Tickets available at all Philadelphia Parks & Recreation boxing facilities. $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under.

Learn more about the Lucien Blackwell Boxing Showcase

Free Fall Webinar: Recruiting the Next Generation of Volunteers for Community Parks and Recreation

Are you struggling to find new, younger volunteers? Are the same people doing all of the work and getting burned out? Are your numbers of volunteers dwindling? Are you confident and comfortable engaging the citizens in your community before there is a crisis or issue? How do you expand your volunteer network, build citizen leadership, and engage new partners? Join Susan E. Landes, Executive Director of the Lancaster Recreation Commission, and Kathleen T. Muller, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation on October 9 from 1-2:30 p.m. to learn how you can recruit and retain young volunteers.

Learn more or register for this webinar presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Celebrate Your Heritage through Art Contest

Recreation participants are invited develop two or three-dimensional artwork relevant to any aspect of their cultural heritages. This could include a drawing of an ancestor, relative or individual(s) engaged in an activity specific to their ethnic group, family, neighborhood, region, or country of family origin.

Artwork is due October 10 at your Visual Arts Committee member’s center.

Learn more about the Celebrate Your Heritage through Art Contest.

Fall Events at the Pumptrack

• On September 20,Philly Pumptrack hosted its first bike swap with more than twenty vendors, plus lots of patrons, riders and first-time swappers. Read a firsthand account of this unique event’s sharing spirit by Jim Dellavalle of Dellavalle Designs.
• Sunday, October 12, 8:30 a.m. Poker Run (Pachella Pavilion): A poker run to benefit mountain bike trails in the Fairmount Park system. Sponsored by Friends of the Wissahickon, Belmont Plateau Trails Alliance and Friends of Philly Pumptrack. SEE FLYER
• Saturday, October 25, 2-6 p.m. Pump-kin Jam (Pumptrack): Enjoy music, treats and prizes for best costume and decorated bike

Read this September 2014 Grid Magazine article to learn more about the Philadelphia Pumptrack.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation 2015 Calendar Contest

Have a great photo of a PPR park or rec center event, program or scenic setting? Submit it to our 2015 Calendar Contest by October 10

Learn more about the 2015 Calendar Contest

6th Annual Woodford Orchard Apple Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 18, 12 to 2 p.m.

Woodford Mansion

Join us for cider making, heirloom apple tasting, pumpkin painting, refreshments, children's activities and more! Sponsored by East Park Revitalization Alliance, the Naomi Wood Trust at Woodford and the Philadelphia Orchard Project.

5 Words Contest

This month, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation kicked off a 5 Words Contest on social media. Each week, we ask followers to share the 5 words they associate with a specific PPR event, location or experience. The first five participants to respond receive PPR swag and re-posting fame. The contest ends in early October, so visit us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and share your 5 words today!

Outdoor Soccer

PPR’s outdoor soccer season kicked off on September 6. This year, the league includes 100 teams and 25 clubs, for a total around 900-1200 children participating. The All-star Games will take place October 14-15 at the Torresdale Boys Club fields, and all are welcome to watch.

Visit www.pprsoccer.com for updates, schedules, by-laws, standings and more, or follow @pprsoccer on Twitter!

Scarecrow Festival at Sister Cities Park

For the third year, After School programs in Philadelphia Parks & Recreation turn the children’s garden at Sister Cities Park into a festive collection of scarecrows. Beginning October 1 and continuing until October 31, stop by and see the creative work done by our participants at our facilities. Sister Cities Park is located at 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Participating PPR After School program sites:

• District 1: Mayfair, Jardel and Special Population from Picariello/Chalfont
• District 2: American Legion & Bridesburg
• District 3: McVeigh, Rivera & Olney
• District 4: Hillside & Water Tower
• District 6: Clemente & Francisville
• District 7: Guerin & Anderson
• District 8: Eastwick & Tustin

Thank you to all of these sites for participating!

The Passing of Joe Callan

On August 27, longtime Fairmount Park and PPR employee Joseph Callan died suddenly. He had recently turned 60 years old and retired from PPR in January 2014 after nearly 40 years in City government.

Joe began his career as a lifeguard, then a Recreation Leader in Fairmount Park, and evolved into the department's Special Events Manager, with responsibility for the smallest charity walks up to the largest public events produced in the City, such as Welcome America and the Broad Street Run. Over the years, he became the preeminent authority on special event management and logistics not only for PPR but for the entire City government. His favorite event was the Mummer's Parade because he wasn't working; he was strutting with his beloved Froggy Carr NYB.

Joe's retirement from PPR left a huge void in our department, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as we cope with the loss of this extraordinary friend and co-worker.

Waterview Recreation Center Updates

Establishing a New Garden at Waterview: In late April 2014, Waterview Recreation Center received a $200 grant from Weaver’s Way Co-op in Mt. Airy to develop a small garden. We developed a three raised-bed garden, primarily for vegetables. We also replanted an existing small raised-bed with a pollinator-attracting flower mix to help beautify the Center and attract beneficial insects to the garden. Continue reading about Waterview’s new garden

Basketball News: Waterview’s 2nd Annual Basketball Camp was held from August 18 to August 22. Over 20 children, ages 5 to 12, participated. The low-cost Camp was an affordable option for most families. It was led by Mr. Calvin Lewis, a Waterview Advisory Council member and a long-time basketball coach in the area. The camp emphasized skills and drills. The children had a great week on the court! Continue reading about Waterview Basketball News

Waterview Art Club News: Waterview Art Club is open to all children 6 years and above. We engage in a wide range of activities and media. We also compete in many Department competitions: Last year, we won Best Student Participation in the Fall Decorations contest; we had two winners in the Holiday Card Competition; two winners in Black History Month Competition; and one in the Spring Art Show. Continue reading about the Waterview Art Club

Reminder: We Want Your Ideas for LOVE Park!

LOVE Park is being redesigned, and we want your ideas. Please draw or write your ideas on this image. Then, take a photo and share it on social media using #newlovepark or email your ideas to praxis@design.upenn.edu.

Video: Path Finder Fay Greene

Watch Fay Greene, Operations Manager of the Dell Music Center, talk about transforming the Dell into a popular venue through teamwork and finding her path through PPR.

Energy-saving Tip of the Month

Install gaskets around exterior wall switches and outlets to prevent air loss and infiltration.

Philly Fun Fishing Fest

A great time was had by all at the 10th Annual Philly Fun Fishing Fest. Conducted as a cooperative event by the Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation and supported by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Dick's Sporting Goods, this great family event attracted 133 participants, with 46 fish caught representing 8 different species! Face painting was available, there was music and a crazy hat contest, and awards were given in a dozen different categories. Thanks to all who attended!

A Walk through Houston Meadow Reveals a Rare Plant

On a warm, sunny day in July, a group of plant enthusiasts gathered outside of Houston Playground. Field guides in hand, the group set out to explore the botanical treasures of Houston Meadow, one of a few naturally existing meadows in Philadelphia. Houston Meadow was the recent site of a PPR meadow reclamation project that expanded the meadow from a shrinking 15 acres back to a robust 30 acres.

Led by Janet Novak, president of the Philadelphia Botanical Club, and with individuals from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Friends of the Wissahickon and others, the group made their way along the meadow trail, stopping to observe the various flowering plants in bloom. While many beautiful specimens were noted, one plant was of particular interest. It was an unfamiliar eupatorium, intriguing enough for Novak to make a return trip to identify as white thoroughwort (Eupatorium album). Once considered extirpated from Pennsylvania, this would represent the third known population of this plant’s comeback in the state. With an abundance of small white flowers and growing only 2-3 feet tall, this eupatorium thrives in dry, poor soils with full sun, which makes Houston Meadow an ideal habitat. It takes careful inspection to distinguish this species from other eupatorium in the meadow but if the identification is correct, this is big botanical news.

Continue reading about this Houston Meadow discovery

Cobbs Creek Recreation Center Update

Cobbs Creek Recreation Center (CCRC) is a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation facility with an extremely friendly atmosphere that embodies the importance of health, fitness and wellness.

Overall, CCRC provides an awesome health and wellness experience. Its classes are exciting, and its smoothie bar offers delicious treats. There are classes in adult basic hip hop & fitness, flip fitness, boot camp/circuit training, line dance, tumbling, Praise dance and aqua fitness (seasonal). Train solo or use the services of personal trainers Ken Crawford & Da’Lia Starkey to guarantee the best total body workout. Ken and Da’Lia will assist you with reaching your goals via personalizing a workout routine specific for your health and wellness aspirations. Upon registering, the staff will administer a fit test, body fat analysis and a consultation to document your goals. Thereafter, they will devise an exercise regimen especially for you.

Continue reading about Cobbs Creek Recreation Center’s programming

PPR Night at the Phillies

On August 18, over 60 PPR employees, family and friends attended the annual PPR Night at the Phillies. This is always a great social event for our employees to get together at the ballpark. All had a great time on a beautiful summer evening, and the Phillies defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-1.

Find Your Path Story: Alain Joinville

As a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation employee, I sometimes forget the impact we have on Philadelphia and its citizens. However, my eye-opening experience in the Wissahickon Gorge a few weeks ago gave me a brand new perspective on the department that I’ve been working for since January 2008.

Continue reading how Alain found his path to a new perspective on PPR

Standards Unit Update

Congratulations to District 1 for its stellar inspection performance—District 1 had the highest rating for a district (81.38% compliant), as well as the highest rating for a facility (Tarken Ice Rink at 92.77% compliant)!

Hazard and Ash Tree Removal Contract

Urban Forestry and Ecosystem Management recently initiated a hazard and ash tree removal contract, which is currently being performed by Independence Constructors, Corp. Independence has been contracted to remove 200+ large, dangerous trees that are lurking in our parks. Both ash trees and hazard trees of other species have been identified for removal based on their proximity to a target (pedestrians, vehicles, structures, etc.) and their structural condition. It is nearly impossible to predict what a tree will do; however, it is certain that all trees will eventually succumb to gravity, and that this will occur sooner rather than later for some. These trees were selected by PPR arborists Mike Helsen, Dan Dolan and Rich Sunday as some of their least favorite standing threats. The ash trees were included in an effort to begin preparation for the arrival of the emerald ash borer (EAB). The EAB is predicted to kill all ash trees in our parks in the next 10-15 years. These dead ash trees will rapidly become standing threats. The implementation of this contract will support PPR’s ongoing initiatives to keep the parks safe.

Farm Philly Update

June, July, and August were so full of goodness, it’s difficult to highlight only a few of our many Junior Farmers moments! We wish every person in Philadelphia could have had the opportunity to smell the pollinator gardens that our students were caring for over the summer months, and watch as Monarch caterpillars, butterflies and even hummingbirds arrived. The garden club members worked diligently and grew a lot of beautiful produce, including a 2.5-pound and 17-inch-long zucchini at Palmer Playground!

Yes, it has been an incredible summer, and we are expecting a spectacular autumn ahead! Soon our Garden Educators will be talking to the kids about seed saving and the potential within each seed, as well as taking students on leaf picking walks as they teach lessons on the wonderful world of chlorophyll and photosynthesis.

Perhaps you have a favorite memory of gardens in the fall? Picking pumpkins, eating apples, or watching as the leaves burst with vibrant colors? We love knowing that the kids we are working with will learn about the many wonders of fall from a gardener’s perspective while participating in our garden clubs throughout our beautiful city.

Introducing: Chao Li

Greetings! My name is Chao, and I am the new Out-of-School Time Activities Coordinator/AmeriCorp VISTA. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Kinesiology. My predominant role will be to foster the relationship between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation staff and our volunteers. I will be maintaining the volunteer background check system, as well as developing a manual that details background check protocols, policies and procedures. Working in conjunction with facility staff will be a significant duty as we work to expand their advisory council and volunteer outreach plans.

As far as my personal life, I am a huge sports fanatic. I played club tennis in college and was able to go to the US Open this year! Hailing from Minnesota, I will always cheer for my Timberwolves and Vikings, but I am slowly branching out to the idea of the 76ers and Eagles. Thank you all for welcoming me and I hope that I can be helpful, so please do not hesitate to ask!

Stewardship Unit Hosts Bus Tour of Five Northwest Parks

Ride the Ducks and the Big Red Bus better watch their back in the Philly tour bus business because Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Stewardship Unit just finished up their second successful annual bus tour of parks throughout the city on Saturday September 6, 2014.

In 2013, Stewardship organized their inaugural bus tour of the Cobbs Creek Park area, and it was so well received by both PPR staff and Park Friends groups that a second tour was organized for 2014 in the northwest part of town.

Continue reading about the Stewardship Unit’s Northwest Parks Bus Tour

Summer Volleyball a Great Success at Bridesburg

The Bridesburg Recreation Center again held an instructional volleyball program for girls this past summer, and once again it was a big success! The program grew from 24 participants to 42, and used both indoor and outdoor facilities this year to accommodate that growth. ARL Heather Garvin did a great job leading the program, using many innovative ideas that both taught the girls well and kept the fun level high. We look forward to the Summer 2015 program!

Photo: Staff Swag

Barry Bessler, Chief of Staff to the 1st Deputy Commissioner of Parks & Facilities, tastefully pairs his new PPR hat with a Broad Street Run shirt. Have your own PPR swag photo? Email it to parksandrecreation@phila.gov!

Dining & Dancing Under the Stars

The Friends of Bainbridge Green, South Street Headhouse District, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Queen Village Neighbors Association are proud to present Dining and Dancing Under the Stars: A Fundraiser and Kickoff Event for Bainbridge Green.

On October 21, Bainbridge Green will be transformed into a magical outdoor dining, dancing and food truck festival experience. To help beautify the area, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will be creating a beautiful garden space.

Learn more about this event and purchase tickets

Shepard Boys 16 & Under Basketball Team

Congratulations to the 16 & Under Boys Basketball Team from Shepard Rec Center who won four tournaments this summer! They won the 3-on-3 tournament at Shepard, tournaments in Myrtle Beach, SC and Wildwood, NJ, as well as the Invitational Challenge. Good work!

New Additions to the Parks & Recreation Family

Stephanie and Doug Robinson welcomed a son, Andrew Douglas, on September 3, 2014. Stephanie is the Environmental Education Planner at Pennypack, and Doug is the Special Events Coordinator for major events in the parks system.

Mary Grace Gorman and Howie Briskin welcomed a baby girl, Lola Grace Lourdes Briskin, on September 12, 2014. Mary Grace is a Recreation Leader 2 working on Environmental and Outdoor Programming, and Howie is an Assistant Recreation Leader at Murphy RC.

Charles Growells and Tamika Beyah are excited to announce the birth of Charlize Mackenzie Growells to their family. Charlize made her appearance on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Charles is one of our PPR Payroll Clerks, and Tamika is a Clerk Typist I in the Law Department.

Congratulations and much joy to all of you!

Have some good news you’d like to share? Submit newsletter stories to your unit’s Communications Working Team member:

• Administration: Joi-marie Beaver
• Stewardship: Patty-Pat Kozlowski
• Environmental Education: Debbie Carr
• Planning, Preservation & Property Management: Archell Bowman-Fulton
• Programs District 1: Katie Wimsey
• Programs District 2: Joe Fricker and John McBride
• Programs District 3: Mike McGovern
• Programs District 3: Cynthia Young
• Programs District 4: Bill Salvatore
• Programs District 6: Alex Hughes-Taylor
• Programs District 7: Tony Tomassetti
• Programs District 8: Nick Dobkowski
• Urban Forestry & Ecosystem Management: Robin Klink

Hikvision Ensures “Fun Safe Philly Summer” for City of Philadelphia

This summer, Hikvision USA, a leading North American provider of video surveillance products, teamed up with the City of Philadelphia to ensure the success of the “Fun Safe Philly Summer” initiative. The program connects youth and their families to free and low-cost summer activities, including many events at recreation centers spread throughout the city. With the safety of the community in mind, City Council has pledged significant budget investment to outfit all 140 centers with CCTV by 2016. After careful evaluation of all the products on the market, Hikvision’s high-performance cameras, network video recorders and video management software technology were selected as a cost-effective solution to protect the city with cutting-edge video surveillance.

Continue reading about video surveillance added to PPR properties

2014 (Park)ing Day

On September 19, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy participated in Park(ing) Day for the second time. This year’s parking spots near LOVE Park demonstrated the differences between what happens when parks are neglected and what happens when they are stewarded by organizations and volunteers. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.

Reminder: 100% Smoke-Free Parks and Rec Centers

All City-owned parks, recreation centers and playgrounds in Philadelphia are 100% smoke-free by Mayor’s executive order and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation regulation. Visit SmokeFree Philly to learn more.

Industry News & Developments: Park Rx

Read an August 2014 Recreation Management magazine article about Park Rx, a program whose short-term goal is “to prescribe nature to patients and families to encourage outside time” with the long-term goal “to decrease the impact of non-communicable chronic disease like obesity, asthma and mental health disorders, and create the next generation of environmental stewards.”

Final Photo: Vare Swim Team

Enjoy a flashback to summer with this picture of the Vare Swim Team, which placed at the city-wide youth meet in August.