It’s been a long summer. When the world came to a halt in the face of COVID-19, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation got to work. Our dedicated staff:

  • Kept our parks and trails open.
  • Provided critical safety information to residents.
  • Gave Philly kids a summer to remember. 

Check out these recent media reports to see how Parks & Rec has continued serving residents throughout the pandemic.

May

  • While the Stay at Home order was in effect, our staff brought programming to residents—in their homes. KYW’s Justin Udo shared the story of how “Parks & Rec @ Home” came to be.
  • The TreePhilly team didn’t let COVID-19 stop its efforts to restore Philadelphia’s tree canopy. The Inquirer’s Frank Kummer, and Yong Kim gave us an inside look at how TreePhilly adapted to offer a safe, social distanced spring yard tree giveaway. 

June

  • With park visitorship at an all-time high, Parks & Rec worked to keep visitors safe. Philly Voice’s Allie Miller shared the story of our new Social Distance Ambassadors. Ambassadors visit crowded parks to distribute free masks and COVID safety information. This summer we have distributed over 6,000 masks to park visitors. 

July

  • Our 50-year old Playstreets program brings summer fun to city blocks every year. This year, with new partnerships, we brought free meals and safe play to 310 streets across the city. NBC 10, CBS 3, WHYY, and The Inquirer shared the news. 
  • Philadelphia’s youth faced an exceptional challenge this summer. Parks & Rec provided employment opportunities to young adults at Playstreets and summer camps. Philly Metro’s Jack Tomczuk shared the story.
  • Parks & Rec’s 90+ spraygrounds were on seven-days-a-week this summer to keep kids cool and having fun. CBS 3, 6 ABC, Fox 29, The Inquirer, and KYW all helped spread the word.
  • Over 2,000 campers joined us for a modified summer camp experience at over 100 Parks & Rec sites across the city. Fox 29’s Bob Kelly visited Bridesburg to show off his dance skills and give us a look at this year’s camp experience.
  • 6 ABC’s Katherine Scott interviewed the parent of a camper at Kendrick Recreation Center. He shared what camp meant to his family this year.
  • Nothing that happens at Parks & Rec would be possible without our amazing staff. Philly said thank you by lighting Boathouse Row and Love Park green. This lighting celebrated the efforts of those who maintain our green spaces. CBS 3 spread the word.

August

  • Park visitorship skyrocketed as a result of the pandemic, and unfortunately, that meant litter did as well. The Inquirer’s Gary Miles shared how the Love Your Park program adapted to help volunteers safely support park clean up efforts. 
  • The Mann Center’s parking lot has transformed into a drive-in movie theater! Residents can reserve FREE tickets and enjoy a movie from the safety of their own vehicle. Billy Penn’s Michaela Winberg shared the news.