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A Brief History of The Broad Street Run was first conducted in 1980 with less than 1,500 entrants. In 2006, over 15,300 runners were challenged by the ten mile course. In the early eighties, the first Tot Recreation Programs were created for youngsters aged 3 and 4 years. At the outset, there were approximately ten of these early morning programs, but today, there are over forty. The 1980's saw growth built on what had been accomplished before. Outdoor Soccer programs had been on the scene for years but in 1985 the Department initiated what became the world's largest indoor soccer program. The Golf Camp was added to the already impressive lineup of summer camps in 1986. In 1988, Older Adults Services were transferred from the Health Department. The next year the department opened the fifth Older Adult Center – Juniata Park. In 2006 the West Oak Lane Senior Center was transferred from MOCS to the Recreation Department. The Department's mascot, Phred the Panda joined the team in 1989. In 1990, the department played host to the U.S. Youth Games. One thousand youngsters from ten East Coast cities vied in six sports: basketball, swimming, volleyball, tennis, track & field and bowling. The Department, working with Philadelphia Green, initiated a Parks Revitalization Project in 1993 with the belief that clean, green, safe and well-used parks are fundamental to the health and vitality of urban life. In January of 1999, a Parks Coordinator was appointed. The Department started the award winning Creative Resolution Theatre in 1993. This touring interactive theater program helps children and adults move from conflict to creative resolution in a fun, safe and supportive environment. In January of 1994 the first Youth Access Center (YAC) was established at Gathers Recreation Center. A YAC provides enhanced opportunities available to the community through on-site program collaborations with other city agencies such as the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services. These are funded by grants. By 2001 there was a total of seven YACs. As an extension of the Youth Violence Reduction Initiative, the Department instituted After-School Programs in 1996. The primary purpose of this program is to provide safe, structured activities for youth during the 3:00 – 6:00 PM time frame. From a modest start of twelve programs, Recreation After-School grew to one hundred forty sites. One hundred twenty programs operate in recreation facilities; twenty are partnerships with non-profits, schools and faith-based institutions. Children work on homework, receive snacks, engage in cultural, athletic and unstructured play activities. The Mural Arts Program had been part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network since that agency's beginnings in 1984. The Department brought it in under its aegis in June of 1996. In July of 2004 it became part of the Managing Director´s Office. |
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