Having trouble reading this? View it in your browser.

 
space
 
space

SEPTEMBER, 2014

space
space

Dear Friends:


After taking a deep breath of satisfaction over your summer accomplishments, give yourselves a well-deserved pat on the back for all of the good things that our department contributed to Philadelphia this summer. Working together, we provided thousands of positive and enriching experiences to city residents and visitors alike. With very few exceptions, if there was something positive and exciting happening in the city this summer, big or small, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation had a role in it.


One of our stated core values is “We Are Open and Willing Partners. We can’t do this essential work alone, nor can we do it apart. We are all at our best when we work together.” This shared value was clearly evident in the daily collective efforts invested in keeping pools operating safely, maintaining parks to be clean and welcoming, engaging and educating citizens in forest stewardship, providing first class entertainment opportunities at the Dell, in neighborhood parks and at The Oval as well as other PPR-generated opportunities and experiences that are way too numerous to list. But please know that while all of your personal contributions are not individually listed, they are deeply appreciated.


So while we head into fall season that presents opportunities such as new Out-of-School Time programs, the opening of Venice Island Performance Center and the start of the LOVE Park redesign planning process, take some time to brag about what you do because it is special. Thank you all.

 


TOP

space
space
space

Congrats to the Taney Dragons!


space
space TANEY DRAGONS space
space

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is proud to call the Taney Dragons its own. The first Philadelphia team to reach the Little League World Series, the Dragons includes many players with PPR roots, mainly through athletics at Marian Anderson Recreation Center.

 


Read more about the Taney Dragons and the team’s links to PPR:

Or listen to the WHYY Radio Times episode with Coach Steve Bandura and Taney Dragons team members.

TOP

space
space
space

2014 Philly Fun Fishing Fest

space
space PHILLY FISHING FEST space
space

Enjoy a morning of free catch and release fishing and friendly competition on the Schuylkill Banks! The Fishing Fest is perfect for anglers of all ages and level of experience. No fishing license is required during the fishing competition and fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. The fishing portion of the event will be held on Saturday, September 6 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the Schuylkill Banks by Walnut Street, with an awards ceremony at 11:30. Prizes will be awarded in various categories (must be present to claim prize).


Registration and Release of Liability are required to fish at the Fishing Fest. The registration must be completed ahead of time and the release form must be brought on the day of the event in order to participate. Register and learn more.


Rain Date: September 13, 2014

TOP

space
space
space

Hit the Trails!

space
space Cobbs Creek Run space
space

Explore two of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s beautiful parks this September through a walk or run!


On Saturday, September 13, experience the wooded trails where heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier trained at the Boxers’ Trail 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds benefit East Fairmount Park and Mander Recreation Center.


Immediately following the Boxers’ Trail 5K, enjoy a day of fun food, and entertainment at the annual Strawberry Mansion Day celebration from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information.


On Saturday, September 20, enjoy the beauties of Cobbs Creek Park while jogging or walking its trails. All funds raised from the event are dedicated to outdoor recreational activities for children and youth within Cobbs Creek Park. Register

TOP

space
space
space

Love Park Redesign: Send Us Your Ideas!

space
space The New Love Park space
space

LOVE Park is being redesigned, and we want your ideas!


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. You can also join us in the park on Wednesday, September 17 or Saturday, September 20 to share your thoughts and ideas in person.


For more information


TOP

space
space
space

Provide Input on The Oval

space
space Oval Survey space
space

Between now and Friday, September 12, complete a visitor survey about The Oval, and you could win a $50 gift card.


Or, choose which movies will be played at upcoming movie nights in October.


Once you're finished, take a look at our Show Us Your Mug photo booth at The Oval's final beer garden of the summer.


TOP

space
space
space

The Star Players Present: Once on This Island


space
space Once on This Island space
space

October 17, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m.


Venice Island, Manayunk

Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at door

Call (215) 685-2891 for tickets or with questions.


Watch a promotional video for the performance


TOP

space
space
space

TreePhilly Wins Philly Geek Award


space
space Tree Philly space
space

On August 16, TreePhilly was awarded the 2014 Philly Geek Award for Social Media Campaign of the Year. The award recognized the PPR and Fairmount Park Conservancy’s spring “Arborly Love” campaign, including playful signs placed throughout parks with the #TreePhilly hashtag.


In addition, the opening of Paine’s Park won “Story of the Year.”


TOP

space
space
space

Photos: 2014 PPR Summer Camp Experiences


space
space PPR Summer Camp space
space

View photo highlights from:


  • Jardel Summer Camp
  • Pennypack Environmental Center
  • PPR District 7 Summer Camp Fun Day
  • Miles Mack Playground
  • Sister Cities Park
  • Simpson Rec Center Summer Camp
  • Roosevelt Park
  • Lifeguard Competition at Vogt Pool

TOP

space
space
space

Find Your Path Stories


We Help People Grow, That’s What We Do.
space
space Find Your Path space
space

This month, Lauryn Hauler, Danielle Vasquez and Sadie Tettemer shared stories about how their involvement with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has been a positive influence on their lives.



TOP

space
space
space

The Chosen League at Cherashore Playground


space
space chosen league space
space

The 13th Annual Chosen League, founded by Rahim Thompson and based at Cherashore Playground, has received notable press coverage this summer. A free summer league composed of Philadelphia's best high school basketball players, the Chosen League consists of 16 teams and culminates with August playoffs.


Since its inception, over 1,000 players have participated and 81 players have gone on to play NCAA Division I basketball. This year, the Chosen League will have 22 players at major basketball camps like the LeBron James Skills Academy, Reebok University, Ty Lawson/Victor Oladipo Camp and Hoop Group Elite, and 8 AAU teams participating in The National Tourneys.


Writes Philadelphia Neighborhoods, "The Cherashore Recreation Center has become the focal point of positive programs aimed towards helping North Philadelphia youth."


Read more about the Chosen League:


TOP

space
space
space

PPR Assists with Bassmaster Elite


By Doug Robinson, PPR Special Events Office
space
space Bass Master space
space

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation had the unique opportunity to a part of a first time ever Bassmaster Elite event on the Delaware River. What many didn't realize is that PPR was the backbone of the staging area and launch for all 105 anglers and their sleek bass boats. The pro anglers came from all over the country and entered into the Delaware River via the newly acquired Frankford Arsenal Boat Ramp. They were greeted by PPR employees, park rangers and Philadelphia Police which provided security, and a top-notch boat launch area that gave them space to prepare for each of the four tournament days. Although the spotlight was on Penn's Landing, which is where the televised weigh-in was happening, our staff provided our own spotlight with only a week to prepare the site for this event and to provide what was needed by the anglers, the public and the organizers.


Each day brought a slightly new challenge to the staff. The first day was simply to overcome the challenge of never experiencing an event like this and not knowing what to expect. The second day was to adapt our set up to compensate for the amount of public which arrived, at sunrise, to watch the anglers take off at high speeds from the launch. The third day was to change the traffic patterns inside the park, to alleviate the complications that we were met with the previous day, and an increase of public attendance. The final day was a showcase of the best anglers, and PPR showed them who was the best by maintaining the highest level of service to the anglers, the public and the organizers possible.


Continue reading about PPR’s involvement with the Bassmaster Elite


TOP

space
space
space

Featured Path Finder: Bill Salvatore

space
space Path Finder: Bill Salvatore space
space

Find out how Recreation Leader Bill Salvatore helped six young men find their paths to the many athletic opportunities at Houston Playground.


TOP

space
space
space

Nature Camp at Pennypack Environmental Center


space
space Nature Camp space
space

Pennypack Environmental Center held its weeklong Nature Camp for 8-12 year olds the week of July 7. The theme for this year’s nature camp was Hunger Games. 22 campers from across the city had the opportunity to learn about Wilderness Survival Skills, which included fire building, wilderness first aid, learning about poisonous and edible plants, creating a shelter, fishing, campfire cooking, and hiking.


A highlight of the week was when Officer Daniel Lynch and Officer Jerry Czech of the Pennsylvania Game Commission joined the camp for two days. Campers learned about hunting, trapping, bow safety and wildlife conversation. They then had the opportunity to try their hand at archery-- the first time many of our campers and counselors had a chance to use a bow. This is a National Archery Program that is taught in schools across Pennsylvania (NASP). Visit www.naspschools.org for more information about this program.


TOP

space
space
space

What’s New at Martin Luther King Recreation Center


space
space MLK Recreation Center
space
space

Learn about what’s new at MLK Recreation Center, including summer enrichment camp field trips, Philadelphia Youth Network accomplishments and a new Performing Arts Room


Watch a video in which Meka Perez and Leroy Moses talk about their work at M.L. King Recreation Center


TOP

space
space
space

Gardening at 8th and Diamond


By Danielle Vasquez, Farm Philly
space
space 8th and Diamond space
space

It was on a hot day last week, just as the evening cool began to take hold of the city, that I had the pleasure of meeting some of Philadelphia’s finest young gardeners. Sincere, Brianna, Jarrell and Jada live near 8th and Diamond Recreation Center and are some of the heart and brains behind the gardens that grow there today. Our Junior Farmers Garden Educator Sarah Morris met this crew while teaching gardening during the after school program, and was so inspired by their determination and vision that she had to share their story with our team. This group of four has devoted time and energy, not only to the gardens growing at their local rec center, but have now turned their attention to their own backyard, and it doesn’t stop there. Brianna and Sincere shared their vision with us, and we cannot wait to see what comes from their dream.


Continue reading about the 8th & Diamond Junior Farmers


TOP

space
space
space

PPR Swim Meets and Lifeguard Competition

space
space Swim Meets space
space

View photos and learn more about the following PPR Aquatics events:


  • Little Quaker Swim Meet
  • Youth Swim Meet
  • Lifeguard Competition
  • North Wildwood Ocean Challenge

TOP

space
space
space

Energy-saving Tip of the Month

space
space

Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. It senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.


TOP

space
space
space

KEYSPOT Update: Internet For All

space
space

In July 2013, the 19 PPR KEYSPOTS, public access computer labs in recreation centers staffed by trained Computer Instructors, transitioned from being funded by a federal grant to funded by the City, and spent the year serving thousands of kids and adults fifteen hours a week. They were busy all year long, but really hummed in the summer with lots of campers playing and learning. And KEYSPOT staff helped set up 20 additional labs with computers donated by Kevin Hart in October.


Continue reading about KEYSPOT news


TOP

space
space
space

TreePhilly Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grant Winners

space treephilly space
space

On August 18, TreePhilly announced the winners of its Fall 2014 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants. Together with TreePhilly, these dedicated community groups are helping to restore Philly’s urban forest, starting in their own backyards.


  • Berachah Baptist Church and the Philadelphia Urban Roots Collective (PURC) in West Oak Lane (19138)
  • Esperanza in Hunting Park (19140)
  • Fleisher Art Memorial in Bella Vista (19147, 19148)
  • New Kensington Community Development Corp (NKCDC) and East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) in Kensington (19125, 19134)
  • Urban Tree Connection in Haddington (19139)

Thanks to generous support and funding from the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo, TreePhilly will provide each of these community groups with 50 trees and $500 – a $2000 value – to host yard tree giveaways in their neighborhoods this fall. Giveaways dates and details, including for TreePhilly’s own giveaways, will be announced shortly.


Learn more about the winning organizations


TOP

space
space
space

Recognition for Rittenhouse Centennial Restoration Project

space
space

Congrats to everyone involved with the Rittenhouse Centennial Restoration Project, which won one of this year's prestigious statewide Historic Preservation awards from Preservation Pennsylvania!


TOP

space
space
space

Find Your Path Selfies

space
space Selfies space
space

This month’s featured PPR staff member selfie comes from Nora Dougherty, Geospatial Analyst. Nora found her path at the new Poquessing Creek Trail.


View more staff members in Find Your Path gear and email your own pictures to parksandrecreation@phila.gov

TOP

space
space
space

Take the PPR Intranet Survey!

space
space

The Department is currently planning the design of a new intranet. An intranet is “an internal website that helps employees get stuff done.” We want to build something to help you get your work done! To make sure we do that effectively, we are asking that you complete this survey by Friday, September 5. As an added bonus, every person who completes it can be entered into a drawing to win an item emblazoned with the PPR logo!


Please download, print and complete the PDF version of the survey or visit http://ph.ly/PPR-Intranet-Survey to share your thoughts.


TOP

space
space
space

Video: Final Week of Bridesburg Summer Day Camp

space
space Bridesburg summer camp space
space

Find out what happened during Week 8 at the Bridesburg Rec Center summer day camp.


TOP

space
space
space

Outdoor Recreation Experiences

space
space Outdoor Experiences space
space

Want a glimpse of the outdoor experiences enjoyed by children through Philadelphia Parks & Recreation programs this spring and summer? Download the Outdoor Recreation Experiences report to learn more about everything from maple sugaring to disc golf!


TOP

space
space
space

Have News to Share?

space

Did you mean to submit a photo or story for the newsletter but forgot because of your busy summer work schedule? Fall offers another opportunity for sharing. Please reach out to your unit’s Communications Working Team member with any pictures, story ideas or tips for the newsletter:


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

TOP

space
space
space

Find Your Path Activity Sheets

space

Download our Find Your Path worksheets for fun 5 Words and story-based activities to complete with children in your programs and then return them to One Parkway Building, 10th Floor, Attn: Communications Team.


TOP

space
space
space

Photos: Annual Picnic

space
space Annual Picnic space
space

Thank you to everyone who attended the PPR staff picnic and field day competition on August 15 at The Oval, and congratulations to the maroon team—this year’s winners of the inaugural Golden Arms trophy—Bill Klineburger (Administration), Leroy “Chuck” Fisher (Hunting Park), Annie Preston (Urban Agriculture), John Holback (Environmental Education) and Emma Schad (Stewardship).


Special thanks to our dunk tank volunteers (Barry Bessler, Michael DiBerardinis, Terri Kerwawich and Chris Palmer), judges (Leo Dignam, Cynthia Douglas and Kathi Muller), TreeKeeper shuttle drivers and PowerCorps assistants.


View photos of the PPR Annual Picnic


TOP

space
space
space

Standards Unit Update

space
space

The Standards Unit has partnered with PowerCorpsPHL to move resources to facilities that fell below 70% Operational Standards inspection compliance to improve conditions. Facilities were selected from each district based on overall compliance ratings and achievable workloads by PowerCorps.


TOP

space
space
space

Staff Changes

space
space

New Hires

Carlton Smith, Assistant Recreation Leader
Daniel DiBerardinis, Assistant Recreation Leader
Robert Fleming, Assistant Recreation Leader

Promotions
Romesha Wilson, Human Resource Professional
Nora Dougherty, Park Manager 2
Erica Smith Fichman, Park Manager 2
John Kirchenbauer, Recreation Leader 2
Alex Hughes-Taylor,Recreation Leader 2
Joseph Ranis, HVAC Mechanic 2
Matthew Comey, Recreation Leader 1
Anthony DiFlorio, Recreation Leader 1
Carmen Butler, Recreation Leader 1

Departures
Jackie Olson, Community Initiative Specialist
Willie Brown, RFC 2
Thomas Hamilton, Recreation Leader 1

TOP

space
space
space

Energy-saving Field Light Initiative

space
space

As a reminder, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is piloting a field lighting energy conservation initiative. PPR is using field lights only Monday to Friday, dusk to 10:30 p.m., mid-March through December. Field lights will be turned off at all other times, reducing energy usage by lowering the amount of time fields are lit while not in use. If you see field lights on at a PPR facility at non-designated times, please email PPR.EnergySaver@phila.gov.


TOP

space
space
 
space