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DECEMBER, 2014

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Mayor Nutter Opens Applications for Performances in Public Spaces


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On October 28, Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) announced that the City is accepting applications for Performances in Public Spaces – an initiative that provides grant money for artists and art organizations to cover all costs associated with presenting performances in select parks and plazas across the city in 2015.

 

The OACCE has partnered with the following locations as participating sites: Campbell Square, Clark Park, Fairhill Square, FDR Park, Frankford Pause, Gorgas Park, Hawthorne Park, Hunting Park, Malcolm X Park, Marconi Plaza, Paine’s Skatepark, Race St. Pier, Saunders Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, The Porch at 30th Street Station and Vernon Park.

 

Learn more about the program, including how to apply for a performance grant by December 17, 2014.

 

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Charms of Fairmount Park Holiday Programming and Tours


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Each year, the Charms of Fairmount Park dress up in holiday finery for a month of joyful celebration. Decorated by various interior designers and garden clubs, the historic houses delight visitors with festive adornments and stunning interiors. Greeters at each house warmly welcome guests to see the thematic holiday décor. This is a perfect way to share the season with friends and family, and there are plenty of ways to visit these beautiful homes this holiday season:

 

  • Visit the houses at your own pace during open house hours.
  • Take a guided trolley tour on select dates.
  • Attend a special holiday event at one of the houses.
  • Reserve a group tour through the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

 

NEW FOR 2014!

  • Enjoy a day of amazing holiday programming at all six houses and FREE transportation aboard the Holly Trolley!
  • Experience A Fairmount Christmas Carol on December 12 & 13!
  • Take in gingerbread models of the houses at The Shops at Liberty Place Gingerbread House Display.
  • Each of the Charms has free parking on site and is decorated with a featured theme.

 

Learn more about holiday programming and tours at the Charms of Fairmount Park

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Bingo for the Blind


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Friday, November 21

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Carousel House (4300 Avenue of the Republic)

 

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Christmas Village Returns

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November 27-December 28, 2014


Love Park (JFK Plaza)


Christmas Village is an outside holiday market event modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. From Thanksgiving through the last Sunday in December, vendors in more than 60 wooden booths will sell traditional European food, sweets and drinks. They will also offer a great shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts.


The unique atmosphere with thousands of lights, the big holiday tree, the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine will bring you and your family into the perfect Christmas mood.

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Survey: Venice Island PARC Programming

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation wants to learn how you would like to participate in events, classes and performances at the new Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center (VIPARC). Please complete our survey to help us plan for programming in 2015. The survey closes on November 30, 2014.


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We Need Your Input: LOVE Park Redesign

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On Wednesday, December 10, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Free Library auditorium, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and our partners at the Fairmount Park Conservancy and PennPraxis will hold a public meeting to generate ideas for the redesign of JFK Plaza/LOVE Park.


Pre-register and learn more about the event.


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PPR Awarded $1 Million for Frankford Creek Greenway

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On November 10, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced 56 projects will receive $33 million in federal funds to improve transportation alternatives. Among the selected projects was the Frankford Creek Greenway Section 1 from Aramingo Avenue to Delaware Avenue, which received $1 million through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).


Last month, the same Frankford Creek Greenway project was awarded $400,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.


Learn more about the TAP awards


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Junior Farmers Update

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It is the end of the Junior Farmers 2014 season, and we are celebrating a plentiful harvest, hardworking students, creative educators and a city that we love. Each garden and every lesson given has been created from an abundance of determination and vision. We think that makes a difference, and we are proud of the kids we work with as well as the group of individuals that makes up our Farm Philly team.


Continue reading about the Junior Farmers program


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PaRC’s “Pitch Your Passion” Drawing Innovative Ideas from All Over

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Philadelphians are showing their passion and heeding the call to make a “pitch” for innovative ways to improve the city’s parks and recreation system. Since the Commission on Parks and Recreation announced the program in October (check out the Pitch Your Passion video), numerous ideas have been posted to the Pitch Your Passion Facebook page. Learn how anyone can make a pitch or vote for your favorites at www.facebook.com/PitchYourPassionPhilly


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Mural Dedication: Staircases and Mountaintops

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Mayor Michael A. Nutter and City officials dedicated a new mural, Staircases and Mountaintops: Ascending Beyond the Dream, at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center located at 22nd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. The mural depicts the critical role Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played in the civil rights movement in America, and features one of his well-known quotes on the struggle for equality.


The mural was produced through a partnership among Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Philadelphia Prisons System, the Mural Arts Program (MAP) and the PhillyRising initiative with input from local residents, recreation staffers and youth. The mural was created by MAP Restorative Justice Guild Program participants, muralist Willis Humphrey and ceramic artist Jonny Buss.


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Photo: AIDS Walk Philly


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Despite the chilly and windy day, over 5,000 participants attended the 28th Annual AIDS Walk Philly on Sunday, October 19 at the Art Museum and along MLK Drive.



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A Toymaker’s Christmas


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Saturday, December 20, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.


Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center


An original play written and directed by Bill Arthur


Presented by the Star Players of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation


Advance tickets: $10; tickets at the door: $12 adults, $8 seniors and children 12 and under


For tickets or information, call Bill Arthur at (215) 685-2891 or email billarthur1010@yahoo.com


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Film and Foliage: A Full Fall Weekend at Overington Park


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Overington Park, located on Orthodox and Lieper Street in Frankford, hosted a jam-packed weekend for its community in mid-October. The weekend kicked off with a movie night on October 17: the Parks & Recreation movie crew facilitated the screening of the new LEGO Movie. The screening got its sponsorship from State Rep. James Clay, but the Friends of Overington Park (FOOP) added to the festivities by providing popcorn and chips for all movie-goers. And there were plenty of popcorn munchers that evening, as FOOP President Diane Kunze recalls that "every bench was filled, and blankets were overflowing with families having a good time." The Friday night crowd did not have to worry about a school or work-day curfew and settled in for a crisp night of outdoor cinema!


Continue reading about Overington Park’s fall events and view more photos

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Photo: First Lady Visits Dorothy Emanuel Rec Center


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First Lady Michelle Obama poses with Tot Rec participants and leaders from Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center. Obama visited the rec center to support Tom Wolf's campaign for Pennsylvania governor.


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Power Corps Blazes a River Walk at Pleasant Hill Park


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The residents of East Torresdale, in the far northeast part of the city, had a dilemma. They cherish and utilize the Delaware riverfront Pleasant Hill Park at Linden Avenue and the Delaware River every day by walking their dogs, exercising, fishing or simply pulling out a beach chair and enjoying the park. But not the view.


Because it seems that Mother Nature had a bad hair season, and the awesome view of the Delaware River was non-existent. Trees, bushes and brush were so overgrown that park users couldn’t even see the river until they came upon the boat launch.


Enter the PowerCorpsPHL team. For two full days in October, using only hand tools like rakes, loppers and hand saws, the crew of 12 literally blazed a trail along the Delaware Riverfront at Pleasant Hill Park, giving park users a panoramic view of the water and the town of Riverton, NJ.


Continue reading about the PowerCorpsPHL Pleasant Hill Park clean up


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Performing Arts Club for Kids

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Are you ready to sing, dance, act, laugh, move, listen & learn? Join the PPR Performing Arts Club for Kids at the new state-of-the-art Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center!


Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays from December 1, 2014 to January 28, 2015, 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.


First session is free!


Download the Performing Arts Club flyer to learn more


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Proposed Multi-Sport, Entertainment and Youth Development Center in FDR Park

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In compliance with the Open Space Protection Ordinance, (Bill NO. 110002-A, signed by Mayor Michael A. Nutter on April 27, 2011) the Parks and Recreation Commission has received a formal "Alternatives Analysis" from Project 250 outlining plans to build a Multi-Sport, Entertainment and Youth Development Center in FDR Park in South Philadelphia.


The Alternatives Analysis is now available for public review and comment.


Project 250 will formally present the Alternatives Analysis at the next Commission meeting at the American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, 19145) on December 17, 2014 at 6 p.m.


Download the Project 250 Alternatives Analysis and learn more about how you can submit comments


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LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day

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Many thanks to the volunteers who spent their Saturdays cleaning up parks across the city on November 15 at the LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day!


Here’s the overall impact:


  • 89 parks participated
  • Collected 17 tons of leaves
  • Approximately 1,500 volunteers organized by Friends groups
  • 217 additional volunteers recruited by Stewardship team staff
  • 101 signed up individually
  • 116 signed up with a group
  • Planted 20,000 crocus bulbs
  • Planted 145 trees
  • Had lots of fun in the fall sun!

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Glavin Playground Haunted House


By Dan Walsh, Recreation Leader
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Glavin Playground, in partnership with the Girl Scouts, held its 2nd Annual Haunted House on October 24 and October 25. The haunted house successfully scared over 400 kids and adults each night and provided a great night of entertainment to the Port Richmond community. The haunted house was the brainchild of Fran Tessier, Girl Scout Troop Leader and longtime Advisory Council Member at Glavin Playground, as a way for the community to come together and have a very enjoyable night out at their local Parks & Recreation Facility. Through the efforts of the Glavin Advisory Council, Glavin Staff and the Girl Scouts, both nights of the haunted house were an outstanding success. The Haunted House at Glavin Playground is a great example of how multiple groups, when working together toward a common goal, can create an event that impacts the community in a positive way.


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Job Opportunities: PowerCorpsPHL

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PowerCorps PHL is hiring a Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager!


Learn more about these PowerCorpsPHL positions.


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Photo: Light the Night Walk

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Over 7,000 participants enjoyed a beautiful Sunday evening complete with fireworks at the Leukemia Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk on November 9, held at Eakins Oval and MLK Drive. There are three lantern colors that represent different reasons for walking to raise awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma-- the red lantern represents your support for a loved one, the yellow lantern represents someone that lost their battle and the white lantern represents that you are a survivor.


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Photo: Halloween at Simpson Rec Center

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On October 31, Simpson Recreation Center hosted its 2nd Annual Halloween Event. Pictured are children from various center programs enjoying themselves, including:


Kneeling: Nancy Doan, Ariana Stewart


Standing: Cire Ross, Marianna Turner, Malikah Childs, Andrya Welch, Taylor Sigler, Eva Resto


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New Play Spaces Coming to Cramp School and Collazo Park


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On October 30, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. William Hite, City Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and The Trust for Public Land unveiled design plans for new green playgrounds at William Cramp School and Jose Manuel Collazo Park, two sites in the Fairhill neighborhood of North Philadelphia. The project plans are part of the City of Philadelphia’s Green2015 initiative, Mayor Nutter’s comprehensive plan to significantly increase outdoor recreational opportunities and green infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods throughout the city.


Learn more about the plans for both the William Cramp School and Jose Manuel Collazo Park


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Video: Tom Dougherty, Parks Project Technician

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Staff member Tom Dougherty talks about how he made a career change at age 45 and found his path to a job with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation through volunteerism. Watch Tom’s Find Your Path video.


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Photo: Piccoli Soccer

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Piccoli Playground soccer players pose with coach John


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Rec Centers to Host Commission on Parks and Recreation Public Meetings


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Continuing the community outreach initiative of the Commission on Parks and Recreation, the next series of public meetings at city recreation centers have been announced through April. The Commission will meet at American Swedish Historical Museum on December 17; Feltonville Recreation Center on February 18; and Belfield Recreation Center on April 15. All meetings start at 6 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. The meetings are open to all and are designed for the Commission to gather valuable input and share important information with the community. Mark your calendar and check the Commission Facebook page for updates and more information.


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Photo: Canoemobile in Philly


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On October 14, children from James Wright Recreation Center, Mander Playground, Northern Liberties Recreation Center and Capitolo Playground went on a canoe adventure led by Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile from Minnesota, departing from the East Park boat dock. Back on land, PPR staff conducted activities addressing the importance of clean water and its connection to the health of our city.


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Friends of McPherson Square Host Hundreds


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While the Friends of McPherson Square is a fairly newly formed Parks Friends Group, they found their niche with Halloween festivities that have multiplied every year at their park, located at Kensington and Indiana Avenues.


For the third year in a row, close to 300 kids were treated to a Halloween party complete with candy, snacks, spooky music and games as the Friends of McPherson Square transformed the basement of the McPherson Square Library into a Halloween Havoc.


Once again, Julien Carrasquillo‎ of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Stewardship Team dressed up as a ghoul and gave out candy to all the kids. A complaint was lodged that he ate all the Kit Kat bars.


Due to their Halloween success, the Friends group hopes to expand their Halloween event outside into the park next year... and we're sure Julien Carrasquillo will be there with Kit Kat wrappers all around him.


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Photo: Halloween at Picariello Playground


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This October, Mrs. Kolesnik and Mrs. Szelagowski along with the other Tot Rec teachers at Picariello Playground created fun and entertaining Halloween activities for the children in the program.


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Photo: Manayunk Bridge Trail Groundbreaking


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"VIDEO: Manayunk Bridge Trail makes serious connections," Roxborough Review, October 29, 2014


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Photo: Celebrate Your Heritage Contest

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This fall, recreation participants developed two or three-dimensional artwork relevant to any aspect of their cultural heritage as part of PPR’s Visual Arts program. This could include a drawing of an ancestor, relative or individuals engaged in an activity specific to their ethnic group, family, neighborhood, region, or country of family origin (e.g., dancing, creating music, craft work, athletic activity). Artwork ranges from drawings, paintings and collage, to constructions, prints and sculpture, and top creations came from recreation centers throughout the city, including Starr Garden, Hawthorne Cultural Center, Feltonville Recreation Center and Guerin Rec.


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Video: October at Bridesburg Rec Center

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Watch a wrap-up video to find out what went on at Bridesburg Recreation Center’s After School Program this October!


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Energy-saving Tip of the Month


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Create a "charging station" connected to a power strip that includes power cords for laptops, cell phones and digital cameras. Turn the strip off when nothing is being charged.


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Cluster Expansion and Training

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation continues to expand its “cluster” approach to programming. A cluster is a group of three to six recreation centers, playgrounds and parks that are in close proximity to one another, have complementary amenities and have a diversity of programming reflective of PPR’s mission and community needs. By making better use of staff and facilities, developing the skills and ethic of connecting to partners and investing in the capacity-building of staff and communities, the cluster approach provides more and better high-quality programming and opportunities for youth and families to remain engaged in PPR programming.


A few examples of cluster groupings are:


  • Rizzo, Sacks, Shot Tower, Herron and Jefferson Square
  • Vare, Smith, Finnegan, Stinger Square, Wharton Square
  • Wright, Miles Mack, 39th & Olive, 37th & Mt. Vernon, 33rd & Wallace
  • Mander, Gathers, East Park

Read about a recent Clusters Training with 50 staff members from 11 clusters.


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