Written by Joe O’Connor, edited by Alina Spezio

School is back in session, the air is cooling down, and we already miss the summer! With that in mind, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is taking a look back at the ten things we will miss the most about the summer of 2019.

1. Summer camps

When school is out, Parks & Rec is here to make sure kids stay safe and active all summer long. Over 7,000 Philadelphia youths participated in free or low-cost summer camp programs at our rec centers and playgrounds throughout the city this year.

Children enjoying summer camp.

2. Summer meals

Without school lunches, many children would go hungry in the summertime if not for the federally funded Summer Meals Program, which provides free meals and snacks to kids and teens ages 18 and under. This summer, 1.6 million meals were enjoyed by Philadelphia youth at 570 different meal sites across the city!

Play Streets and meal hand outs.

3. Swimming in public pools

This summer, Philadelphia’s pools welcomed 785,328 visitors and ran free swim lessons at 63 of our public pools. Outdoor pools are now closed for the season, but aquatically inclined residents can visit Parks & Rec’s indoor pools year-round.

Children playing in a pool.

4. Lifeguard certification

We encourage teens, seniors, and anyone with an interest in keeping our pools safe to become a Red Cross-certified lifeguard. So far this year, Parks & Rec’s water safety instructors have certified 221 new lifeguards!

Child and lifeguard at the pool.

5. Summer jobs

Having a summer job helps teens foster a sense of responsibility, stay active, and start saving. Parks & Rec employed 1,225 Philadelphia teens this summer as lifeguards, camp counselors, and mentors to younger children in sports, arts & crafts, drama, and more through the Philadelphia Youth Network.

PYN participants at work event.

6. Picnics in the parks

Philadelphia’s pavilions and picnic sites are a popular, low-cost way for residents to bring family and friends together and make their own summer fun. Parks & Rec approved 1,832 picnic permits this summer. We can only imagine how many burgers were eaten! Interested in hosting your next social event in a Philadelphia park? Apply for a picnic permit. 

Picnics at the park.

7. Performances at the Dell Music Center

Summer is concert season! Parks & Rec’s Dell Music Center hosted over 40 sold-out events this summer. The shows ranged from musical performances to movie nights.

Performances at the Dell Music Center.

8. Urban farming

Philadelphia has a rich history of urban farming and gardening. The city plays host to over 60 community gardens and orchards, offering residents opportunities to grow their own produce. Check out Parks & Rec’s garden programs for more information on urban farming.

Urban farming.

9. Learning at our environmental centers

Philadelphia is proud of its green spaces, and we’re happy to provide opportunities to learn about the environment and conservation. This summer, thousands of kids and families learned about nature and the environment through educational programs at Parks & Rec’s environmental centers.

Learning at an environmental center.

10. Getting away from it all with Camp Philly

Philadelphia is our home, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Still, everyone needs a break now and again. Through Camp Philly, 160 Philadelphia kids escaped the hustle and bustle of city life for a week-long stay at Camp Speers in the Pocono Mountains. 

Camp Philly campers with canoes.

We’ve had an amazing summer at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and hope you have as well! For more information on upcoming programs and activities in your community, follow @PhilaParkandRec on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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