DECEMBER, 2015

Dear Friends:

As we prepare for next week’s Thanksgiving holiday, let’s not forget our gratitude for the stable, fulfilling, mission-driven work we do every day. We know that the new year will bring a new mayoral administration, and I will move into a new role as Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. But before we leap into planning for the new, we would benefit by reflecting on what we’ve reaped the past eight years under the administration of Mayor Nutter.

To gather our thoughts on the merged department’s accomplishments in order to plan for our future, I invite you to join department leadership at an all-staff meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at 1 pm at the Carousel House. The meeting is not mandatory, but your ideas are important in helping us plan for the next administration, and therefore I strongly encourage you to attend.

Thank you for your service to the City of Philadelphia.

Tell Us How We’re Doing!

Please take the 2015 reader survey to let us know what you think of this newsletter! 

All-staff Meeting

Please join Deputy Mayor/Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis and PPR leadership at the Carousel House (4300 Avenue of the Republic) on Tuesday, December 15 at 1pm for a meeting to discuss our successes during Mayor Nutter’s term and to plan for the next administration.

Congrats, Commissioner!

On November 13, PPR staff members convened in the Mayor’s Reception Room at City Hall for the announcement of Deputy Mayor/Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis’s selection as Managing Director for Mayor-elect Jim Kenney. Congratulations from your Philadelphia Parks & Recreation family!

Bingo for the Blind

Friday, November 20

6:30-9:30pm

Carousel House (4200 Avenue of the Republic)

This wonderful event is a night out of playing Bingo and being with friends for over 100 participants who are visually impaired.

Also, this year marks the 40th anniversary of PPR’s Program division’s District 3 organizing the bi-yearly event.

LOVE Park Christmas Village

Beginning Thanksgiving Day and through the month of December, Philadelphia will once again transform into a European wonderland for the annual Christmas Village at LOVE Park. Join us for a special Preview Weekend on November 21 and 22 to get an early peak what Christmas Village has to offer this year!

Again we will bring an authentic and exciting selection of European food, German Christmas ornaments and other great gifts for family and friends to LOVE Park. In addition, we are setting up a new seating area for you to sit back and enjoy food in a cozy atmosphere.

This year’s opening ceremony will take place on November 28, with a tree lighting ceremony on December 4. Join us!

Lloyd Hall Scrabble Club

Want to remain social during the cooler fall and winter months? Join the Lloyd Hall Scrabble Club! Beginning November 17, participants 16 and up are invited to play each Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30pm. All supplies will be provided on site (1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130).

Job Opportunities

PPR is hiring for two 9-month, seasonal positions—a Garden Outreach Coordinator and a Field Inspector. Learn more at http://ph.ly/PPR_Jobs

PPR “How Do You Holiday?” Contest

Now through January 8, 2016

Tell us about your holiday tradition or show us how you decorate your recreation center, office, park or playground for the holidays, and you could win 4 tickets to a sports event or concert (based on availability). Download the How Do You Holiday flyer to learn more.

Art Auction to Benefit 1025 Mifflin Street

Friday, December 11 at 1025 Mifflin Street

Preview: 7:00pm; auction: 8:00pm

Featuring art in all media and price ranges. Major credit cards accepted. Event includes hors d’oeuvres from local eateries, sparkling refreshments, and dessert.

Donation: $20.00 per person payable by check made out to the EPCC Advisory Council.

For tickets or information, contact: Joseph F. Marino (joseyix@aol.com) or eastpassyunkcommunitycenter@gmail.com, or stop by 1025 Mifflin Street between 1-9 pm, Monday-Saturday, beginning November 16.

Vernon Park Ribbon Cutting

On October 28, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Councilwoman Cindy Bass and the Friends of Vernon Park gathered for the ribbon-cutting and lighting ceremony for renovations to Vernon Park. The $1.2 million renovation project included improvements to the landscape and renovated pathways, new playground equipment, new safety surfaces, new pathway lighting throughout the entire park, lighting of statues and monuments, statue restoration, and new adult fitness equipment.

Learn more about the improvements and partnerships at Vernon Park

Christmas at the Fairmount Park Historic Houses

Each year, the Charms of Fairmount Park dress up in holiday finery for a month of joyful celebration. Especially for 2015, the historic houses will delight visitors with festive adornments and stunning interiors inspired by the whimsical Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas," decorated by local interior designers and garden clubs.

guests to see the holiday décor.  This is a perfect way to share the season with friends and family.  There are plenty of ways to visit these beautiful homes this holiday season, including:

• Christmas Open House
• Holiday Candelight Tour
• Trolley Tours
• Group Tours 

Visit www.parkcharms.com to learn more.

Photos: LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day

THANK YOU to the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time and talent to cleaning and greening parks across Philadelphia as part of the LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day. View a few of our favorite LOVE Your Park photos from November 14.

KEYSPOTS Win Digital Inclusion Leadership Award

At the National League of Cities Congress of Cities event in Nashville, TN, Philadelphia was selected as one of six winners of the inaugural Digital Inclusion Leadership Awards, presented by Next Century Cities, the National League of Cities, and Google Fiber. These awards celebrate city governments that are leading programs or empowering community-based organizations to tackle barriers to Internet adoption. Philadelphia’s KEYSPOTS Program was recognized as one of two national Leader in Digital Inclusion Best Practices recipients.

The City of Philadelphia recognizes that Internet access is a key part of anti-poverty initiatives. Through the KEYSPOT program, the city provides 50 free open-access computing centers to residents throughout Philadelphia. In just four years, public computers at these centers have been used more than 750,000 times to help youth, low-income and homeless individuals, and senior residents do schoolwork, apply for government benefits, file taxes, and apply for jobs, as well as learning a broad range of computing skills and digital citizenship attitudes. PPR’s 19 KEYSPOTS have been responsible for over 331,000 of those uses, and over 85,000 this year alone!

Continue reading about the Digital Inclusion Leadership Awards

Manayunk Bridge Opens to Pedestrians and Cyclists After 30 Years

On October 30, federal, state and local representatives gathered with members of the community to celebrate the opening of a new trail over the historic Manayunk Bridge that connects the Cynwyd Heritage Trail with the Schuylkill River Trail. The 0.6-mile trail unlocks an important connection in the Circuit, Greater Philadelphia’s multi-use trail network, and restores a vital link between Lower Merion Township and the City of Philadelphia that has been closed for nearly 30 years. 

The project, which cost $5.76 million and began in the fall of 2014, is the first pedestrian and cyclist-only bridge over the Schuylkill River. In addition to connecting communities, the project opens an inactive railroad asset for public use, provides spectacular views of the Schuylkill River valley and opens new transportation and recreation routes for residents of both Lower Merion and Manayunk.

Ice Rink News

The bare concrete floor at Rizzo Rink in PPR’s District 7 (pictured above) is a clear sign that ice season is about to begin with fun and exciting winter programs available throughout the city at many Parks & Recreation facilities. Rizzo Rink in District 7 is a covered outdoor rink with an ice season that runs from Thanksgiving until early March. Some of our facilities, such as Tarken, Scanlon and Simons are open almost all year round.

There are five rinks located throughout the city for your enjoyment. All of the rinks offer skating lessons, instructional ice hockey, ice hockey leagues and more, for kids of all ages. Ice time is available for group skating, hockey practice, hockey games and adult open hockey. Some even offer family stick time. All of the PPR rinks offer free admission at the direction of Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis so that all Philadelphia citizens may enjoy our winter activities. Skate rentals are available at all sites; prices may vary.

Please contact your rink of choice for operating hours and special programs:

• Tarken (6205 Frontenac St., 19111; call 215-685-1226)
• Scanlon (1099 E. Tioga St., 19134; call 215-685-9893)
• Simons (7200 Woolston Ave., 19138; call 215-685-3551)
• Rizzo Rink (1001 S. Front St., 19147; call 215-685-1593)
• Laura Sims (200 S. 63rd St., 19139; call 215-685-1995)   

Check Out Tarken Ice Rink!

Tarken Ice Rink has been a fixture in Northeast Philadelphia since 1965. For the past year, the rink has been overseen by Recreation Leader Walt Mulholland, as well as 11 highly dedicated and friendly staff members. Being a hockey fan, Walt, who has worked with PPR since his youth, has been making the most of his time at Tarken. He enjoys refereeing and coaching games, as well as watching the kids enjoy themselves and learn to skate.

Transformed from a seasonal to a year-round facility in 2012, Tarken is one of seven sites where kids can participate in programming sponsored by the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. The program is separated into four leagues; all run by Mullholland, for children ages 5 through 18. The foundation also hosts the Snider Hockey After School Excellence Program from September through June and Snider Hockey camps during the summer months. In addition to Snider Foundation programming, the rink offers a Learn to Skate program, figure skating classes, birthday party rentals, and public skating during the week.

For more information, visit Tarken’s Facebook page or call (215) 685-1226.

Stewardship Unit Welcomes New Staff

The PPR Stewardship Unit welcomes AeLin Compton and Meghan Geiser as Community Initiative Specialists (CIS) to work with park community groups throughout the city. Our favorite Temple Owl, Meghan is no stranger to PPR as she first started as a VISTA through the Mayor’s Office of Volunteer Services and then was hired as an RSI. AeLin is a Rutgers grad and hails from North Jersey, but don’t hold that against her--she’s already jumped into park cleanups and has been traveling all over the park system meeting with Friends Groups to collaborate and engage. Welcome to PPR, girls! Now, get to work!

John McBride Recognized with Award

Congratulations are extended to Recreation Leader III John McBride of the Bridesburg Recreation Center who received the prestigious President's Award from the Bridesburg Cougars during their annual awards banquet. The award was symbol of appreciation for John’s guidance and help with gym time, permits, special event scheduling, and helping the growth of Cougar programs in the capacity of facility supervisor. While McBride was quick to point out that the many volunteer coaches for the Cougars are the foundation of a strong organization, as a District we are proud of the positive image John creates for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Congratulations, John, and thank you!

A Busy Month at McPherson Square

McPherson Square Park in Kensington just keeps getting better and better. On October 17, dozens of AmeriCorps service members joined PPR’s Stewardship Team in completing three improvement projects at the park. Graffiti removal, bench repair and painting, and rose garden weeding and raking were tackled with gusto and dedication by the volunteers, and the end result is outstanding.

“We love the new bright colors of the playground benches,” exclaimed Awilda Ocasio, President of the Friends of McPherson Square. “We love and use our playground every day, and we thank you for your hard work. You can come back anytime to help us!”

Continue reading about McPherson Square

Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center: A Unique Space for the Arts

Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center, located in Manayunk, opened in October 2014. A park, recreation and performance center, Venice Island functions as both a community space and a green stormwater infrastructure hub between the Manayunk Canal and Schuylkill River.

Built on the site of an existing recreation center, the idea for the current Venice Island was established over a decade ago as a collaborative effort between several city departments (chief among them Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Philadelphia Water) and nonprofit organizations, like the Manayunk Development Corporation. Its transformation was recently awarded a Groundbreaker Award from the Delaware Valley Green Building Council for its excellence and leadership in the green building community and industry. Earlier this year, Venice Island was named a 2015 “Best of Philly” winner for Best Urban Space Transformation, as well as Environmental Project of the Year by The Construction Management Association of America’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

Continue reading about Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center

Win a PPR Sweatshirt!

How many functional computers do you think are in the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation inventory, including administrative offices, recreation centers and KEYSPOTS? The first person to email a correct guess to parksandrecreation@phila.gov wins a pullover or zip-up hooded sweatshirt (based on availability)!

Remembering Joe Cook

Every year on the first weekend of May, thousands of Philadelphians and visitors alike stream down the main vein of the city to partake in the largest 10-miler in the country, the Broad Street Run. Swelling to accommodate over 40,000 participants, the Broad Street Run is widely considered to be one of best endurance races in the country, and much of this fanfare can be attributed to the meticulous work and dedication of one man, Joe Cook.

A longtime staff member of the former Department of Recreation (now Philadelphia Parks & Recreation), Joe acted as the Broad Street Run Race Director from 1982 to 1995, taking a small fledgling race proposed to highlight the City of Philadelphia, and turning it into one of the most desirable races in the country. It was Joe’s organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail that catapulted the race into the spotlight, and affectionately gained the name of “Joe’s Race” amongst staff.

Continue reading about Joe Cook

Public Art Commission at Redesigned JFK Plaza/LOVE Park

On November 13, the City of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Program through the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE), in collaboration with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and InterPark, LLC announced the approval of a new site-specific public art commission by the artist team of Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan (Haddad | Drugan) at JFK Plaza / LOVE Park.

Chromoscope is an artwork integrated into Philadelphia’s Welcome Center at JFK Plaza/LOVE Park. The art reinstates the pavilion’s original lighting concept of a lantern, but will be visually dynamic and compelling at all times, day and night. The primary media for the art is a ceiling mural made with aluminum panels printed with archival ink in saturated colors. The mural image is composed of distinct patterns in separate colors, layered and blended to create an abstract pattern. In daylight, or white light, all of the layered images are visible at once, resulting in a vibrant abstract pattern. At night the pattern becomes animated and kaleidoscopic with the projection of colored light onto the ceiling.

Continue reading about Chromoscope

3rd Annual Holiday Food Drive

One in five children suffer from insufficient food in America today, but donating one can of food can make a difference tomorrow. PPR, in partnership with Philabundance, is collecting nonperishable food items now through November 25, 2015. Boxes are located at both entrances on the 10th floor of 1515 Arch Street.

After School Program Training Day

On October 24, Recreation Leaders and staff from all of the 82 After School programs joined nine Program Coordinators and instructors to learn specialty lessons to integrate into their after-school curriculum.

Each After School program chose one or two staff members to represent their center at the training. These staff members attended a class from each of the Program Coordinators to learn a lesson that they could bring back to their center. Staff learned how to make paper butterflies with Visual Arts and Mural Arts, using supplies that should be available at most, if not all, centers. In the Sports and Athletics class, they learned how to create a makeshift agility ladder to get their students active, even in small indoor spaces. In the Performing Arts class, they were given “Anti-Bored Boards,” a large bingo card paired with a list of detailed performing arts activities. In the Health and Fitness class, all of the staff members got on their feet and learned some new dance moves in a lively session of Zumba. In the Nutrition class, the participants learned about an upcoming partnership with Urban Agriculture to add more gardens at new sites. In Environmental Education and Outdoor Awareness, staff learned about new resources they can access for nature activities. And in Urban Agriculture, they were able to see and smell plants from actual recreation center gardens. Additionally, the staff members received a binder with a collection of example lesson plans and list of resources and tools compiled by each Program Coordinator to bring back to their center.

Continue reading about the After School Program Training Day

Happenings at Roosevelt Playground

Download an update on Roosevelt Playground, including pictures and details on recent events like:

• A visit from Meka Perez, REACH Coordinator of Nutrition and Physical Activity
• The playground’s annual Halloween party
• Roosevelt’s second Star Gazing Party
• Recent After School Students of the Week

Launch of Philly Powered Campaign

On October 28, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, the Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation launched PhillyPowered, a multi-media campaign designed to encourage Philadelphians to become more physically active in an effort to reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease among residents. Of the nation’s ten largest cities, Philadelphia has the highest rates for these chronic diseases.

“Our city is loaded with places and opportunities that can be taken advantage of by people who want to get into shape,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental & Community Resources and Commissioner of Parks & Recreation. “If you don’t belong to a gym, the entire city – with all of its parks, rec centers and trails that are maintained by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation – is now open for business as your personal gym.”

The campaign features a website, www.PhillyPowered.org, which includes a database that lists hundreds of free or low-cost places to get fit in the city.

Visual Arts Updates

• Celebrate Your Heritage Contest: The Visual Arts Celebrate Your Heritage exhibit will remain on display at 1515 Arch on the 10th floor through the end of November.  Over 120 entries were entered from every district and 21 winning pieces were selected. Download the list of contest winners.


• Calendar of Upcoming Events: Download the Visual Arts calendar for November and December to learn about upcoming contest deadlines and A2O community workshops.

Only 1 Day Left to Vote!

We’ve posted photos of one top participating recreation or playground per PPR district from the Visual Arts office’s Fall Decorations Contest to our Facebook page. Take a look at the seven photos in the running for a “People’s Choice Award” and “Like” your favorite!

Haddington Woods Restoration

The PPR Urban Forestry & Ecosystem Management (UFEM) team is completing the restoration of the 23-acre Haddington Woods site, a valuable component of our Cobbs Creek watershed park. This site had been long neglected and was badly in need of attention as it included impenetrable expanses of degraded forest, a sea of invasives overrun with vines, illegal encampments, and mountains of trash. During winter 2014/2015, the degraded forest was cleared of invasives and trash was removed. Tree trunks were left onsite to provide wildlife habitat, and tops were fly-chipped to maintain organic matter onsite. Immediately following the clearing effort, the site was seeded with a variety of warm and cool season grasses to stabilize soil, and deer fencing was installed to prevent future browse and buck rub. In October, approximately 5,000 trees and shrubs were planted as needed to restore the lost forest canopy and increase plant diversity.

The Haddington Woods site has also been the focus of a community outreach effort in order to include citizens and local scientists in the restoration project design, as well as post-project monitoring and maintenance. As a result of these outreach efforts, two experiments, termed “southern species” and “planting density” have been included in the project. The southern species experiment includes 10 species that typically grow in warmer climes, south of Philadelphia. The prospect of climate change initiated this experiment since it may help inform future planting recommendations. The density experiment has been designed to help us understand the ideal planting density that will maximize growth and minimize competition, which should improve planting efficiency. The experimental plots include randomization, replicates, and controls so that statistically relevant data may be collected. UFEM staff and local citizens are excited to follow the progress, growth and restoration within this magnificent park.

Video: Find Your Path Anthem Tribute

Charles A. Christman III, recreational supervisor at Max Myers Playground, was so inspired by PPR's brand anthem that he created his own “Find Your Path” video. Writes Charles, "This video is intended to inspire adults and leaders to become more active in recreation activities and challenge the youth of Philadelphia to find their paths." View Charles A. Chistman III’s “Find Your Path” video.

Photo: Philly Cup Skateboard Series Finale

The PPR Philly Cup Skateboard Series held its 2015 finale at Grays Ferry Skatepark on October 24. Pictured here are the winners with Program Director Terri Kerwawich.

Staff Changes

Promotions
Roger Tenant, Jr., Park Manager I
Joshua Bell, Park Manager I

Transfers
Larry McNeil, Recreation Leader Trainee

Resignations
Patrice Patton, Fiscal Fin. Record Spec.

Retirements
Robert McDowell, Building Superintendent 2
Lynn Spiro, Older Adult Center Services Director

Water Filling Stations on Schuylkill River Trail

On October 23, the City of Philadelphia and several partners announced a new network of water bottle filling stations that will stretch along Kelly Drive from East Falls to Boathouse Row, providing convenient access to free drinking water on one of the region’s most popular recreational trails.

The specially designed and highly visible stations will include traditional drinking fountains and a ground-level water bowl for dog-walkers. Four kiosks are scheduled to be installed by this spring, and more are planned for Center City and other parks locations.

The water bottle filling stations/fountains will help fight pervasive single-use water bottle litter found along the Schuylkill River by making it easy to use refillable bottles. Follow Philadelphia Water’s reusable bottle giveaway and future drinking water advocacy campaigns on social media using #DrinkTapPHL.

Video: Bridesburg After School Report

This month’s Bridesburg After School Program Slideshow Report is presented by two of our young participants. Watch the October report now.

Arts & Artists Outdoors Has Begun!

Arts & Artists Outdoors (A2O) has started its Fall 2015-Spring 2016 program at five recreation centers-- Chew Playground, Dorsey Playground, Francisville Playground, Mander Playground and Wright Recreation Center.

A cutting-edge partnership with Mural Arts, A2O pairs middle school-aged youth with a professional artist-in-residence at their local recreation center to create artwork that highlights a nearby green space. Thus far this year, participants have taken field trips to the Fairmount Water Works, the Schuylkill Center and Bartram's Garden.

Remaining Community Days (free and open to all ages) at the sites are listed below:

• Wright Recreation Center: December 2, 3pm-6pm
• Dorsey Playground: December 5, 12-3pm; April 2, 12-3pm; May 7, 12-3pm
• Francisville Playground: December 12, 2-5pm
• Chew Playground: December 2, 3-6pm

Youth at James Wright Recreation Center Improve Their Community

Young people enrolled in the Arts & Artists Outdoors (A2O) program at James Wright Recreation Center have made a positive impact in their Mantua community. Across the street from the recreation center is a corner store that has been designated as a crime hot spot in the Promise Zone. One reason is that there is an unsightly dumpster, and an electrical box. The area is a known drug corner. The blight, along with advertisements covering the store windows and door, has been an ongoing problem. With a modest grant and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens, these issues are being addressed. When the A2O program was looking for a community improvement project, the corner was a natural choice. Youth designed a beautiful nature scene that was installed on the dumpster surround and electrical box. This project has made a positive impact in the community and instilled a sense of pride in the young people involved in the program. James Wright Recreation Center and Miles Mack Playground are important partners in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone Safety Committee.

Overington Park Fall Festival

On October 17, the Friends of Overington Park (FOOP) held its Fall Festival in the park. More than 100 neighbors came out to enjoy the crisp fall day and enjoy activities like selfie stations, games, a pumpkin patch, a craft table, pretzels, and a treat bag to take home. The little ones searched under the straw to find their pumpkin, with parents looking on snapping pictures.

Thanks goes out to FOOP members and the Frankford Friends for their hard work in pulling off the event, Frankford High’s JR ROTC, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, State Representative Jason Dawkins, and the Frankford community for supporting our efforts to make Overington Park a positive place!

Photo: Capitolo Skateboard Clinic

Pictured above is the After School Skateboard Clinic held at Capitolo Playground this fall. These clinics have been very popular, reaching up to 30 kids at each clinic at all four sites (Rizzo, Capitolo, Markward, and Guerin).

Did You Know?: Recycling Center

Did you know that all Philadelphia residents are able to obtain up to 30 gallons of compost, mulch, and manure for free from the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center? Much of this organic material comes from the Streets Department's fall leaf collection and recycling program! Through December 19, leaves can be dropped off at 23 locations (including some of our recreation centers) to be recycled and turned into compost for the city.

After School Program Story: Todd Colistro, McVeigh Recreation Center

Todd Colistro, Recreation Leader at McVeigh Recreation Center, first became involved with the After School program nine years ago and plans to continue for as long as he can. “I enjoy being a rec leader and as long as I am at a center that has an After School program, I’ll stay involved with it,” he said. According to Todd, the highlight of working with children at the recreation center is witnessing their improvement and growth in whatever they’re doing, be it academics, cultural activities, or sports.

The After School Program at McVeigh Rec Center has been around for over two decades, and currently serves 30 kids each year. Activities include athletics; special trips off-site, such as canoeing and swim lessons; participation in citywide art competitions; and a specialized gardening program with PPR’s Junior Farmers. However, homework comes first in the program.

Continue reading about McVeigh’s After School program

Congrats, Cosmic Café!

On November 9, Cosmic Café owner Peg Botto and General Manager Adam Howell were recognized as Employer of the Year at the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR) conference in Harrisburg. The PPR concessionaire employs several staff members with disabilities. SPIN Employment Services, the nominating organization, cited Cosmic’s commitment to “giving people a chance to prove their capabilities and enjoy meaningful employment” in its nomination text.

Learn more about Cosmic Café’s approach to food and community

TOP

Dragons Sighted at Parkside-Evans

On October 24, Drexel University Alumni volunteered at Parkside-Evans Playground for a much-needed clean and green project at the site. Sure, there were plenty of leaves and debris for the Dragons to clean up, but they also cleared out the tunnel on Parkside Ave and painted the inner walls! Way to go, Dragons! Thanks in part to the Fairmount Park Conservancy for organizing the day with Drexel University.

Photo: Pennypack Environmental Center Halloween Campfire

On October 23, Pennypack Environmental Center hosted a Halloween Campfire, complete with stories, songs and skits; marshmallow toasting; and cider making.

James Finnegan Rec Center Updates

It's a beautiful fall season at James Finnegan Recreation Center in SW Philly!

We're enjoying it with Get Fit Class on Monday and Wednesday, Philly Bop Class on Wednesday, and the SHARE free food pantry every other Thursday! For more information on these programs, call 215-685-4191.

2015 PPR Scarecrow Festival

For the fourth year, children from 16 After School programs throughout the city created scarecrows to be displayed in Center City’s Sister Cities Park throughout the entire month of October.

Download the list of participating sites and view pictures of all 16 PPR scarecrows

Vare Summer Basketball League Championship

On October 7, the Vare Recreation Center Summer Basketball League Game 2 Championship and Awards Presentation took place. Even though both teams have been in the league for several years, this is the first time two teams from West Philadelphia, Team Ben and Team Rev, played for the championship. Team Ben came out on top. 

PPR Unique Sports: Rugby

Rugby, a forerunner of American football, has found footing on fields throughout the Philadelphia park system. This full-contact sport, often mistaken for a game of violence to a first-time viewer, can be better described as a free-flowing game of passion that features a combination of strength, speed, and strategy to best your opponent. Origin of the sport is credited to Rugby School, a public preparatory school in England, in the early 1800s with a soccer game gone awry. Since this earliest version of the game, it has evolved into one of the largest worldwide sports and is currently considered the fastest growing game in America, particularly on the collegiate level.

Continue reading about the rules of Rugby

Summer Meals Program

In the summer of 2015, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Summer Meals Program served over 2.7 million meals to children 18 years or younger. Found at 842 sites throughout the city, this longstanding program provides year-round access to free, healthy meals to youth who rely on free or reduced meals during the school year.

Continue reading about PPR’s Summer Meals Program

Top Social Media Posts

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s social media platforms have had quite a monumental month! We surpassed 3,000 Likes of Facebook, reached 15,000 Followers on Twitter, and clocked in 2,000+ Followers on Instagram. With such a surge in followers, we’ve been better able to connect with Philadelphia Citizens on events and every day happenings of the department.

Continue reading about our Top Social Media Posts this month

PPR Lifeguard Is a Winner

Caitlin Hammerstein, a junior at Franklin Towne Charter High School, scored the winning goal during the Girls’ Soccer Public League Championship, which took place on November 2 at Northeast High School. Hammerstein, who is a lifeguard at Bridesburg Recreation Center during the summer, helped lead The Franklin Towne Coyotes to a 2-1 victory against the Central Lancers. This is the team’s fifth straight title.

PPR is proud of Caitlin for this accomplishment! Read a Philadelphia Inquirer article about the game.