By Andrew Alter, Communications Associate

This holiday season, unwrap some of Philly’s newest places to play!

Finding fun things to do as a family just got easier. In May, Parks & Rec provided a list of 18 new places to play throughout the city. Our staff and partners have been busy this year! We’ve completed renovations and reopened even more recreational facilities.

Now is a great time to explore these new parks, trails, and playgrounds. Here’s a list of the cool new things you’ll find at 11 sites.

Click on a site’s name below for detailed location information.

Carmella Playground

  • New sprayground, exercise track, and area for ground games like hopscotch and 4-square.
  • A new seating area with tables and new trees for more shade.
  • State-of-the-art inclusive play equipment for children aged 2-5 and 5-12.
Children enjoy the new play equipment at Carmella A. DiTizio Playground.

Christy Rec Center

  • Brand new plexiglass backboards for the basketball court.
  • Brand new first-of-its-kind Esports room with gaming chairs, headsets, and consoles.
  • A new Friday night youth basketball program.
Friends gaming in the new Esports Room at Albert W. Christy Recreation Center.

Columbus Square

  • Brand new trees and picnic area, as well as improved walkways and landscaping.
  • Restored natural grass athletic fields and baseball diamond.
  • New sprayground.
Families enjoy the new playground equipment and sprayground at Columbus Square.

Martin Luther King Drive Trail

  • Repaved, wider trail for safer usage and passage.
  • New safety signage and on-trail pavement markings.
  • Clearer paths and improved trail design that will avoid conflict with existing tree roots.
View of Center City from the MLK Drive Trail.

Whitby Avenue Playground

  • Recently renovated regulation-size basketball court
  • Newly installed Turf grass area.
  • ADA ramp and walkway.
Residents enjoy the brand new basketball court at Whitby Avenue Playground.

Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park

  • Two play areas with playground equipment and safety surfaces.
  • Newly planted trees, benches, and a walking and tricycle track.
  • A repaved basketball court.
Brand new playground space and equipment at Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park.

Winter Street Greenway

  • Playground equipment for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 with a safety surface.
  • A grassy area with benches and new trees.
  • Boulders to serve as a barrier between the playground and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 
A youngster enjoys new play equipment and safety surface at Winter Street Greenway.

Rebuild Revs Up Park Transformations 

In addition to these great projects, many more parks and playgrounds are getting much needed improvements  thanks to the Rebuild program. Check out even more great places to play!

8th & Diamond Playground

  • Newly renovated picnic area.
  • Renovated basketball courts.
  • Brand-new playground equipment with safety surface and sprayground area.
Children enjoy the new playground equipment at 8th & Diamond Playground.

East Poplar Playground

  • Playground equipment and new sprayground.
  • Sports fields.
  • Recently renovated basketball and tennis courts.
Practicing the Long Jump at East Poplar Playground.

F.J. Myers Recreation Center

  • A sprayground and a pool.
  • Newly renovated basketball and tennis courts as well as a brand-new mini soccer pitch. 
  • A seven-room building with a gymnasium, public computing center, and multipurpose rooms.
Newly renovated basketball courts at Francis J. Myers Recreation Center.

Miles Mack Playground

  • Recently underwent a $2 million renovation
  • Full-court basketball court.
  • Brand new playground equipment with a safety surface.
Community members cut the ribbon at the reopening of the Miles Mack Playground.
Use the Finder tool to locate a playground near you!
The map-based Finder app includes information on all Parks & Rec sites. You can search by address, look for specific attractions like playgrounds, and read about the site's history.
Check out this list of 18 other new places to play.