Having trouble reading this? View it in your browser.

 
space
 
space

NOVEMBER, 2014

space
space

Philly Parks Future Forum


space
space phillyparksforum space
space

Thursday, October 23, 6:15-7:45 p.m.

 

Stewart Auditorium at Moore College of Art & Design

 

In preparation for the upcoming mayoral election, what lessons can Philadelphians and future city leaders learn from other city park systems to sustain and improve our parks?

 

Join a discussion with urban parks leaders from around the country, moderated by Philadelphia Daily News’ Sandra Shea, to learn how other cities are positioning their parks for the future.

 

Register for the FREE Philly Parks Future Forum

 

TOP

space
space
space

Photos: Sister Cities Scarecrow Festival


space
space Scare Crows space
space

For the third year, After School programs in Philadelphia Parks & Recreation have turned the children’s garden at Sister Cities Park into a festive collection of scarecrows. Now through 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.

 

View a sampling of the scarecrows online.

 

TOP

space
space
space

Trail Update – Building and Planning the Network in Philadelphia


space
space Trail Update space
space

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Reception 5:30-6:00 p.m. (light refreshments will be provided)

Program 6-7:30 p.m.

Free

 


Join the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Philadelphia Planning Committee to hear what the next big trail projects are in Philadelphia. What is in store for trails near your house? Hear the answers directly from City and non-profit development organizations that plan and build Philadelphia’s trail network. Staff from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation, and other trail development entities will share updates on how trail projects are envisioned, prioritized, and developed; which segments will be constructed next; and the vision for the citywide trail network.

 

Register for the free Trail Update event

TOP

space
space
space

Job Opportunity: Website and Graphic Designer

space
space

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation seeks a web and graphic designer to create the look, layout and features of an intranet for the department, as well as to provide creative services like designing flyers, posters and other promotional materials. The person in this position will work closely with members of the PPR website and communications teams to extend our reach both internally and externally and expand our brand identity.


Learn more about this job opportunity

TOP

space
space
space

Commission on Parks and Recreation Launches “Pitch Your Passion”

space
space Pitch Your Passion space
space

The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commission (PaRC) is launching a citywide initiative inviting you to make a “pitch” for innovative ideas to improve Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. All ideas will receive public recognition and the best ones will get help from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation staff to turn your passion into reality.


This is your opportunity to let the Commission, Parks & Recreation Department leaders and fellow Philadelphians know about a new project, program, or policy you feel passionate about that will make our parks and recreation system even better.


To learn more about “Pitch Your Passion” and submit an idea, visit www.facebook.com/PitchYourPassionPhilly


TOP

space
space
space

2014 DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants

space
space DCNR Grants space
space

On October 17, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation announced the 2014 Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grant recipients.


Approximately $33 million was allotted via 219 grants to communities and non-profit organizations for a wide variety of recreation and conservation projects across the Commonwealth. 8 grants were awarded to parks and recreation projects in Philadelphia, including more than $1 million to the City of Philadelphia.


Read about the grant recipient projects, ranging from 37th and Mount Vernon Playground to the Frankford Creek Greenway


TOP

space
space
space

Photo: Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk Opening

space
space Schuylkill Banks space
space

Mayor Michael Nutter and other dignitaries explore the new Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk on surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals. The boardwalk, stretching from Locust Street to the South Street Bridge, was the result of a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation and funding provided through federal and state grants. Explained Mayor Nutter, “Now that the boardwalk is complete, it will go from being a Streets Department project to part of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation."


TOP

space
space
space

Video: Anthony Washington, Nelson Playground

space
space anthony washington space
space

In this video, Recreation Leader Anthony Washington reflects on his 23 years working at Nelson Playground, including his efforts to reopen the playground in the early 1990s after watching a young friend get killed. "We wanted to get Nelson Playground open so that the children in this community had a place to go play--a safe haven." Since joining the department, Washington has positively influenced the lives of many children in the surrounding neighborhoods. “I'm now working on my third generation of children that I impacted. I have over 47 college graduates who we've help get into college and graduated. And we have 7 of them with their masters."


Watch Anthony Washington’s story in his own words


TOP

space
space
space

Baxter Trail Breaks Ground at Pleasant Hill Park

space
space Baxter Trail space
space

On October 14, the shovels hit the dirt at Pleasant Hill Park in the East Torresdale section of the city for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Baxter Trail.


The Baxter Trail is a 1.8-mile section of the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Trail that will link Pennypack Park, Pleasant Hill Park and other areas, such as along the Delaware River, to bicyclists, walkers, joggers and other recreational users.


Deputy Mayor Mike DiBerardinis joined several other dignitaries to break ground on the construction, as well as local residents of East Torresdale and Pleasant Hill Park users who all welcome the trail to connect Northeast Philadelphia with the Delaware Riverfront.


“When it is complete, 750 miles of the circuit will give the Philadelphia region a trail network unlike any other in the United States of America,” said Mayor Michael Nutter.


The Baxter Trail is a part of the 2,900-mile, East Coast Greenway planned from Maine to Florida.


TOP

space
space
space

Philly Pumptrack by the Numbers


space
space pumptruck numbers space
space

Since opening in May 2014, the Philly Pumptrack has accomplished the following:


  • Served around 1,450 unique youth, including around 300 regulars and 50 new youth per week
  • Generated 2,400 volunteer hours (and 3,000 hours pre-opening, for a total of 5,400 volunteer hours invested at the pumptrack!)
  • Hosted 6 special events for the community, with two more (including Pumpkin Jam) planned before the end of fall

Congratulations to the Philly Pumptrack volunteers, board and staff for such a successful start!


TOP

space
space
space

Photo: Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting


space
space Venice Island space
space

On October 7, Mayor Michael Nutter and Deputy Mayor/PPR Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis cut the ribbon on the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center. The 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. Stay tuned for more updates on Venice Island!


TOP

space
space
space

Video: Bridesburg After School Report


space
space Bridesburg report space
space

Watch a video recap of Bridesburg Recreation Center’s September After School program.


TOP

space
space
space

Selection of JFK Plaza/LOVE Park Project Team


space
space JFK Love Park space
space

InterPark and the City of Philadelphia have selected a project team led by Hargreaves Associates to design the new JFK Plaza/LOVE Park. The Hargreaves’ team was selected through a rigorous RFP and interview process. InterPark and the City thank the firms who submitted proposals and the individuals who served on the selection committee.


Hargreaves Associates is a landscape architecture and planning firm with offices in New York City, San Francisco and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Their work includes a wide range of urban design, waterfronts, public parks, academic, corporate, institutional, and residential planning and design projects, has earned dozens of national and international awards and has been published and exhibited worldwide. Their extensive project experience has addressed many issues similar to those of JFK Plaza/LOVE Park and its environs; including reimaging urban public space, creating iconic and memorable places in the context of complex and challenging technical constraints, working with existing site assets, extensive civic/stakeholder/agency engagement, successful project delivery within a tight time constraint, integration of public art and fostering sustainability.


TOP

space
space
space

PPR Summer Programs by the Numbers


space
space ppr summer numbers space
space

In Summer 2014:


  • 75 PPR pools saw 782,551 visits
  • 6,922 youth registered in the Department's 129 Neighborhood Day Camps, increasing by 1,283 participants from 2013
  • 1,274 campers from 41 summer camps were engaged in fishing and other fun activities at the Fish Hatchery.
  • The Department hired 1,105 teens between the ages of 14 and 18 through the Philadelphia Youth Network, a 22% increase from last year (909)

Continue reading our numbers for 2014 Summer Programs


TOP

space
space
space

TreePhilly Updates: Fall Giveaway and Story Contest


space
space Tree Philly Updates space
space

Fall 2014 Yard Tree Giveaways


So far we have given away 1,100 trees at 8 events during our fall Yard Tree Giveaway season! We have two more Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grant events that are being run by community partners (Urban Tree Connection, New Kensington CDC and East Kensington Neighbors Association), and we will be giving away some of the left over trees during the November 15 Love Your Park event at Carroll Park (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)!


Trees of Philly Contest


Do you have a favorite tree that you like to read under in the park? Did you plant a tree in your backyard to commemorate a special occasion? TreePhilly is pleased to announce the commencement of the “Trees of Philly” contest giving you the opportunity to share your special Philadelphia tree story!


Just submit your story along with an image of you and your tree, and you can be entered to win a prize worth $300 as well as being featured on the new TreePhilly.org website being launched in December. Honorable mentions will be selected as well and receive a prize pack. You can submit online through www.treesofphillystories.com until November 10.


TOP

space
space
space

Innovative Community Health and Literacy Center Planned for South Philly


space
space

On September 18, the City of Philadelphia and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to announce the start of construction on the Community Health and Literacy Center, an innovative new facility that will provide healthcare, literacy and recreational services in one location for children and families in South Philadelphia. This “first of its kind” project will serve as a national model for public-private collaboration on how cities and institutions provide holistic healthcare.


When completed in late 2015, the Community Health and Literacy Center will have four fully integrated components:


  • The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network, Primary Care, South Philadelphia
  • The City of Philadelphia’s Health Center 2
  • Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s DiSilvestro Recreation Center
  • The Free Library of Philadelphia’s South Philadelphia Neighborhood Library

Built in 1961, the DiSilvestro Playground and Recreation Center was a small 1600-square-foot center with outdated equipment and a hard surface play area. The Recreation Center offered 11 youth-oriented programs throughout the year such as computer science, art, and music. With the new construction, the playground area will be renovated utilizing state-of-the-art construction materials to create a soft, smooth surface. The playground will feature substantial green space and a rain garden. The Recreation Center will double in size, greatly expanding existing programming in both offerings and frequency. New programming will take advantage of the renovated outdoor space by offering story time in the green space in partnership with the Library, and other outdoor events such as community movie nights.

TOP

space
space
space

Save the Date: LOVE Your Park Day


space
space Love Your Park space
space

This year’s LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day will take place on Saturday, November 15, and we’re actively seeking volunteers! Find out where you can volunteer and help rake leaves, plant bulbs and new trees, and prepare parks for winter. Visit www.loveyourpark.org for more information.


TOP

space
space
space

500 Seniors Strut along Boathouse Row


space
space senior strut space
space

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation helped over 500 senior citizens find their paths along Boathouse Row on October 8 for the annual Senior Strut.


PPR joined the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging in organizing the event in hopes that the Senior Strut might spur older adults to join or form walking groups. The benefits of walking include increased blood flow to the heart, lungs and brain, which can improve moods, and lower stress.


Seniors warmed up by dancing to oldies-but-goodies played by PPR's own DJ Patty-Pat and then were led by the Philadelphia Mummers string band through a one-mile loop walk along Kelly Drive. “You know, if you live long enough, you get to be a senior,” Mayor Michael Nutter told the crowd, all decked out in their bright blue Senior Strut t-shirts. “Just got to hang around and take care of yourselves.”


TOP

space
space
space

Photos: 14th Annual 2014 Battle of the Badges Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament


space
space battle badges space
space

From October 3-5, Gustine Recreation Center played host to a 9-team, double elimination basketball tournament with law enforcement officers hailing from Philadelphia, New York City, Maryland and the District of Columbia. In the end, the New York Department of Corrections Rikers Island Gunners took the trophy.


The October tournament honored Moses Walker, Jr., the Philadelphia police officer who was shot and killed off-duty in August 2012. Tournament funds were donated to a foundation created in Walker’s name that awards scholarships to children of single parents.


View more photos from the Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament


TOP

space
space
space

Junior Farmers Update


space
space Junior Farmers space
space

Our Junior Farmers team feels honored to have weekly opportunities to engage the youth involved in our program in games, stories, activities and lessons that revolve around valuable issues and ideas. These kids are consistently curious and incredibly smart, a combination that results in wonderful dialogue on topics including nutrition, healthy communities, neighborhood beautification and so much more.


The month of October hosts World Food Day, and we are starting conversations about this great day while working in the gardens with young men and women throughout Philadelphia. In addition to discussions with students, we had a wonderful time partnering with Rivera Recreation Center and Mann Older Adult Center in early October doing some intergenerational gardening and getting the beautiful gardens ready for the end of this season. We couldn’t think of a better way to usher this month where food, hunger and caring for Philadelphia’s land are at the forefront of our minds.


It seems appropriate, as the gardens begin to slow down and the weather cools, to take a moment and think about why what we are doing is not just fun but also important. Every green bean, bell pepper, watermelon and squash that grows at Lee Culture Center, Columbus Square, Max Myers Recreation Center and every other participating recreation center is making our city a bit healthier, and that is something the kids in our garden clubs are proud to be a part of!


TOP

space
space
space

Featured Path Finders: Brittaney Foreman, Volunteer

space
space AlbertaGibson space
space

While volunteering one’s time is often considered a noble deed, it is rare to hear about the extensive, positive impact that volunteering can have on a community. However Brittaney Foreman, a volunteer at John Anderson Cultural Center in Wynnefield, learned just how vital volunteers are in helping people “find their paths” and encourages more people to get involved.


Read Brittaney’s “Find Your Path” story


TOP

space
space
space

What Is a Rain Garden?


By Robin Klink and Curtis Helm
space
space Rain Garden space
space

A rain garden is a shallow planted depression that takes advantage of rainfall and stormwater runoff in its design and plant selections.


Rainwater that runs off of impervious surfaces, such as roofs, roads, driveways and sidewalks, carries pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, oil/grease and sediments into the nearest storm drain and then directly to the nearest stream or river. This excess stormwater contributes to pollution, flooding and erosion.


Continue learning about rain gardens and view more pictures


TOP

space
space
space

Cosmic Café Customer Satisfaction Survey

space
space Cosmic Cafe space
space

Have you dined at Cosmic Café on Boathouse Row? If so, the café wants to hear about your experience! Complete the Cosmic Café Customer Satisfaction Survey.


TOP

space
space
space

Bicycle Polo

space
space

Do you enjoy riding your bike? Do you have a competitive spirit? Are you interested in trying something different? If you said yes to these three questions then BICYCLE POLO is the new activity for you! Every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., come to the hockey rink at the Cione Playground (Aramingo & Lehigh Avenues) in Port Richmond to join in the fun.


Official equipment is made available, just bring your bike! There is no charge to participate. Any skill level is welcome, and as you learn and grow you can find out about tournaments up and down the east coast. This is a 12-month-a-year program, with only extended precipitation halting play. For more info, call Cione at 215-685-9880.


TOP

space
space
space

American Swedish Historical Museum Pop-up Wedding Open House

space
space weddingopenhouse space
space

Friday, October 24


5:30 - 8:00 PM


The newly renovated American Swedish Historical Museum is now open and booking weddings for 2015 and beyond! We invite engaged couples to enjoy an evening out on us. Bring friends looking for a spectacular new venue to come see the beautiful galleries, city views and expansive outdoor space while enjoying food and drink.


RSVP is required. Register today!


TOP

space
space
space

Photos: 12th Annual Lucien Blackwell Boxing Showcase


space
space blackwellboxing
space
space

Gustine Recreation Center hosted the Lucien Blackwell Boxing Showcase from October 8-11.


View photos from the Lucien Blackwell Boxing Showcase


TOP

space
space
space

Energy-saving Tip of the Month


space
space

Paint interior walls a lighter color. This will reflect light throughout your house and limit the need for additional lighting.


TOP

space
space
space

Youth Anti-violence Program Grants


space
space

On September 29, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the City of Philadelphia has won three competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as part of the City’s on-going efforts to reduce youth violence and provide productive pathways to adulthood.


The grants are the following:


  • $600,000 for the School Justice Collaboration Program: Keeping Kids in School and Out of Courts for the School Diversion Program;
  • $227,430 from the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) Collaboration on the Youth Opportunity Corps for expansion of PowerCorpsPHL;
  • And $100,000 for the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention (Forum) for expansion of Philadelphia’s Youth Violence Prevention Collaborative.

PowerCorpsPHL is an innovative AmeriCorps program designed to address the Mayor’s sustainability initiatives as well as the City’s youth workforce development and violence prevention priorities. Partnering with EducationWorks and the Philadelphia Youth Network, PowerCorpsPHL annually enrolls 100 individuals, ages 18-26, in a 9-month program: 6 months of full-time service as AmeriCorps members with City departments followed by 3 months of intensive job placement support. This award will enable the program to serve annually 136 youth who will work in Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Philadelphia Water Department.


TOP

space
space
space

People Making a Difference in South Philly


space
space

On October 9, the South Philly Review posted its fifth annual Difference Makers list. Among the 25 honorees were many parks, playground and recreation center volunteers and staff. Congratulations and thank you to the following South Philadelphia Difference Makers!



TOP

space
space
space

Find Your Path to a KEYSPOT


space
space RiveraPic
space
space

On September 9, the City of Philadelphia released a new widget, the KEYSPOT Finder widget, which enables users to locate and learn more about nearby KEYSPOT public computer centers. The KEYSPOT Finder widget is available for all iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices through the Philly311 Mobile App.


Across the city, there are 51 KEYSPOT locations, including 19 in PPR Recreation Centers; four sites staffed by the Free Library of Philadelphia; and 28 in neighborhood-based organizations. Each KEYSPOT location offers a computer lab, trained technical support and free internet access.


The free Philly311 Mobile App provides residents with 24-hour access to city services, municipal information, and seasonal resources. For access to the KEYSPOT Finder widget, download the Philly311 Mobile App from the app store on your mobile device or visit: www.phila.gov/311/mobileapp

TOP

space
space
space

Nominate an Outstanding Philadelphia Employee for the Richardson Dilworth Award!


space
space dilworth
space
space

Mayor Michael A. Nutter established the Richardson Dilworth Award for Distinguished Public Service in Philadelphia in 2011 to recognize the contributions of outstanding public employees whose work performance embodies excellence in public service.


This year, the award program has expanded and includes two new award categories, honoring Innovation in Government and Excellence in Public Service. Together with the original award for Distinguished Public Service, the City of Philadelphia seeks to recognize the full depth and breadth of its many outstanding employees.


Anyone can nominate! If you know someone who has helped make your city a better place to live, work or play, please submit a nomination at www.dilworthaward.org. Nominations are accepted through November 14.


TOP

space
space
space

James Robb Receives Temple University Gallery of Success Award

space
space

The Career Center's Gallery of Success portrays successful alumni/ae from Temple University. The goal of the Gallery is to have the Temple community, especially undergraduates, see successful graduates in an effort to honor our distinguished and accomplished alumni/ae; to instill a sense of pride in students in the University and their future Alma Mater; to see where successful alumni/ae work in varied occupations around the world; and to affirm that a Temple University degree is competitive in the 21st Century global workplace.


This year, the Boyer College of Music and Dance recognizes James R. Robb, BMus ‘70, MMus ‘82. The former manager of the Dell Music Center's career spanned the concert and dance worlds both locally and internationally.


Philadelphia Parks & Recreation congratulates Jim and encourages you to learn more about his accomplishments!


Read about all of the 2014 Gallery of Success Award recipients


TOP

space
space
space

Spread the Word: ACCESS Admission

space
space accesscard space
space

Beginning this fall, ACCESS Cardholders (those Pennsylvania residents who monitor their government issued cash and food benefits with an EBT card), are invited to visit participating museums, science centers, gardens and historic sites at a deeply discounted rate. Similar to the reduced admission offered to students, senior citizens and military professionals when showing proper identification, ACCESS cardholders will be able to do the same, and enter participating venues for just $2. Seventeen local cultural venues are on board, and excitedly awaiting your visit this fall.


Learn more about ACCESS Admission


TOP

space
space
space

Your Input Is Needed! State Outdoor Recreation Plan Survey

space
space

Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan (2014-2018) is nearly complete, but it needs your voice. If you think outdoor recreation plays a vital role in the health and well-being of our citizens and communities, then please provide us your feedback on the plan’s draft recommendations and action steps by taking an online survey. Are we addressing what is important to you? The plan helps determine recreation funding and planning priorities for the next five years.


The survey asks what you think is most important in five identified priorities: health and wellness; local parks and recreation; tourism and economic development; resource management and stewardship; and funding. Background on those priorities is found at http://paoutdoorrecplan.com/priorities/index.htm


You may take the survey until Oct. 31 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/draftpaoutdoorplan


TOP

space
space
 
space