As Philadelphians look for ways to safely recreate during the pandemic, neighborhood parks and playgrounds are more popular than ever before. Rebuild is making big improvements at a number of sites this year. Despite the State’s COVID-related suspension of non-emergency construction this spring, work has not slowed down on Rebuild projects. 

With active projects at 65 Rebuild sites across the City, there are lots of big improvements to look forward to in Philadelphia public spaces this year. 

Open for Play

Four Rebuild projects that started construction last year have reopened this summer with new amenities for residents.  

• Disston Recreation Center features a new playground, tree plantings, walkways, and site landscaping.
• At Gifford Playground, Rebuild expanded the size and variety of its play equipment, replaced the safety surface, added new seating, planted new trees, and built the site’s first ever sprayground, which will open later this summer.
• At Hayes Recreation Center, a new sprayground and playground are giving campers plenty of ways to stay cool and have socially distanced fun this summer.
• Moss Playground was one of the first Rebuild projects to break ground in 2019. Today, the site features a new playground, refurbished basketball courts, a new adult fitness area, and a cheer pad for the Moss Eagles. Interior and exterior painting will be completed at the building on site this summer.

In Construction

Following an eight-week halt on all non-emergency construction this spring, Rebuild’s planned construction projects have begun, with important COVID-19 safety plans in place.

• 8th & Diamond Playground – A new playground and building improvements; funded in partnership with Council President Darrell Clarke, the Division of Housing and Community Development, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development began construction in May. 
• Capitolo Playground – A new sprayground is being installed at the site this month. Design of a new natural grass field and soccer mini-pitch is also underway.
• Fishtown Lederer Pool – A modern, redesigned pool, pergola, and sprayground entered construction this month.
• Hancock Playground  – In May, Rebuild broke ground on a new playground and perimeter fencing at the popular site. 

Construction Coming Soon

• Miles Mack Playground– Rebuild is investing in a $2.1 million renovation of the playground and recreation building at this popular Mantua site. 
• East Poplar Playground – Rebuild will break ground on a new playground and sprayground in late summer. 
• Rebuild is funding ongoing improvements at the Waterloo Playground, including new play equipment, site furniture, and pool and recreation center building improvements. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
• Nicetown Tioga Library will receive a long awaited new roof in the coming months.
• West Oak Lane Library will also enter construction for a roof replacement this year.