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PHILADELPHIA – Today Rebuild Philadelphia, City Officials, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, joined community members to celebrate the grand reopening of the Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center in South Philadelphia. Eagles’ legend Ron Jaworski served as emcee for the event, which culminated in a special “Tush Push” and touchdown ribbon cutting featuring local youth sports teams. The $7.5 million renovation project was funded through the City’s Rebuild Program and supported by a $750,000 contribution from Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, transforming this beloved community space into a modern recreational facility.
“Murphy Rec has always been a cornerstone for youth and families in South Philly—and now, with this $7.5 million investment, this community has the top-tier fields and facilities they deserve,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Whether it’s soccer, football, baseball, or a pick-up game on a summer night, this investment is about keeping our young people active, safe, and supported. And today, we’re celebrating in signature Philly style – with a Tush Push and a touchdown in South Philadelphia.”
The Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center, named after a dedicated recreation department employee who served for 37 years, now features synthetic turf athletic fields for multiple sports, new basketball courts, improved lighting, and numerous other amenities designed to meet the needs of the community.
“I am thrilled to finally cut the ribbon for the new and improved Murphy Rec! I spent my childhood playing on this field and basketball court with my friends, as did my four children and their friends.” said Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District). “I am so pleased my grandchildren and their friends will be able to play in a state-of-the-art facility. ”
“This project was made possible by an incredible partnership between the City, Live! Casino & Hotel, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, the William Penn Foundation, and most importantly, the South Philadelphia community,” said Aparna Palantino, Deputy Managing Director, Capital Program Office. “Our extensive community engagement process guided every aspect of this renovation. We listened to residents who emphasized their love for outdoor sports and the need for modernized facilities. The result is a recreation center that truly reflects the identity and aspirations of this neighborhood.”
“At Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, we believe in the power of investing in our community’s future,” said Craig Clark, General Manager, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. “These important renovations will provide a safe and enriching space for South Philly’s children to thrive, learn, and grow. We’re excited about the positive impact Murphy Rec will continue to have on our neighbors for generations to come.”
The comprehensive improvements to Murphy Recreation Center include:
- Synthetic turf athletic fields for baseball, softball, football, and soccer
- New baseball and softball backstops and ball control netting
- New site lighting, team benches, and spectator bleachers
- Prefabricated storage building with electrical connection
- Combination soccer/football goalposts
- New chain link fencing and concrete sidewalks
- New outdoor basketball courts with new standards
- Replacement of below-grade areaway drains and associated piping
- New exterior steps from the sidewalk
- New louvered steel door and frame
- Masonry repairs
The renovation also included sidewalk reconstruction around the perimeter of the site, expanded tree pits, and replacement of select trees. Additionally, the center received a maintenance vehicle for servicing and maintaining the synthetic turf field.
“Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is dedicated to creating and maintaining high-quality spaces where our residents can stay active and build community,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “The renovated Murphy Recreation Center highlights our commitment to this mission. The new synthetic turf fields and upgraded basketball courts will provide much-needed space for youth sports programs, while other amenities will serve residents of all ages.”
In addition to a full size soccer field, the facility now has line-stripping and goals for a soccer mini-pitch, supported by EPYSA – providing more opportunity for future soccer stars of all ages.
“It’s our mission to grow the game of soccer, and it’s our privilege to work with the City of Philadelphia to build these mini-pitches and create new safe spaces to play,” said Chris Branscome, CEO, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association. “All children deserve to have well maintained and safe fields to play on. These fields will provide for great fun, fitness, and friendships.”
Murphy Recreation Center is the 2nd Rebuild-renovated recreation center to reopen this spring. Rivera Recreation Center and the Mann Older Adult Center, a $16.8 million project located in Fairhill, reopened on April 4, 2025.
Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity for all.