Parks & Rec’s summer fun made headlines this year! Thanks to everyone who enjoyed our camps, PlayStreets, and pools. Special thanks to our staff who worked hard to give young people a summer to remember.

Here are some of our favorite mentions of Parks & Rec in the press!

PlayStreets

Youth Today reported on Parks & Rec’s enhanced PlayStreets program. Check out their post that looks at the importance of bringing a “camp-like” experience to Philly neighborhoods.

WHYY celebrated those who make PlayStreets happen: 

• Read their coverage of our beloved PlayStreets volunteers.
• Check out this piece recognizing our teen play captains.

View our PlayStreets Flickr album to see all the fun.  

Literacy at play

Summer is all about fun and enrichment at Parks & Rec. Virtual school during the pandemic meant many students lost valuable learning time. Read more from WHYY about how Parks & Rec camps boosted childhood literacy by disguising lessons as play.

SCORE!

In August, we celebrated the brand-new soccer mini-pitch at FJ Myers Recreation Center.
Read this piece from Major League Soccer to learn how the revamped space will help Southwest Philly’s soccer community.

Honoring a family’s commitment to serve

In 2014, Keisha Williams and her children lost their lives in a hit-and-run accident while they were fund-raising for a new playground in their North Philadelphia neighborhood. Their memory lives on in the newly renovated Williams Moore Reed Memorial Playground, named in their honor. 

• Learn more about the family and park in this Inquirer story. 
• See photos of beautiful new playspace in this post by WHYY.

Teens in focus

Young people at Penrose Playground don’t just sign up for programs at the rec, they create them! The Penrose teen advisory council is a leadership program. It helps young people maintain a positive focus, build leadership skills, and become role models for younger kids. Check out more from CBS3.

Reimagining the Parkway

Last but not least, it’s been exciting to make headway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Redesign! In July, three design firms presented their concepts to improve Parkway. They explored making the Parkway more inclusive, pedestrian-friendly, and greener. You can read more from WHYY or view the Parkway Redesign website.