Mission Statement

The Philadelphia Department of Recreation manages and operates all City recreation facilities, including 100 public parks and squares to encourage and enhance the development of the physical, cultural, artistic, and life skills of the residents of the City.  The Department strives to maintain safe, clean, fully functional and professionally staffed facilities to provide for effective delivery of programs, activities, and services.  The Department strives to make programs relevant and accessible to underserved communities, including minorities, women, the economically disadvantaged and those with special needs.  The Department endeavors to provide a positive alternative to drugs, violence, and crime and to instill the values of individual pride and giving to the community.  In addition, the Department seeks to promote a spirit of cooperation, build self-esteem, encourage healthy competition, and develop lifelong recreational interests among all program participants.

The Department of Recreation recognizes the vital role of its employees in the delivery of recreational services.  To that end, a team approach has been implemented that encourages employee involvement in problem solving, program and project planning, and training opportunities.

The Department of Recreation seeks to expand the role of its facilities as a focus of neighborhood strengthening activities.  The Department encourages the building of advisory councils and, with the assistance of these councils, works to improve the quality and diversity of programs available at recreation facilities to better meet community needs.  The Department also serves as a resource to train community leadership, provide information and classes on important topics or issues, and host various community programs.

The Department of Recreation works closely with the Capital Program Office to plan for the renovation of existing facilities in compliance with appropriate codes and standards to provide long term cost savings, energy conservation, and safety and security of staff, program participants, and recreation sites.