Before & Afters Photos Available for Download

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Today, Rebuild Philadelphia, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District), PA Representative Jason Dawkins (179th District), Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Community Ventures, and local residents officially cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Piccoli Playground located in Juniata Park. The $1.9 million project, made possible through the City’s Rebuild program and Community Ventures, delivers major upgrades that reflect the vision and needs of the North Philadelphia community.

“The Capital Program Office completed 22 public space projects in the first half of 2025, and today’s ribbon cutting is proof that we’re not slowing down,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Piccoli Playground is part of the wave of public space investment rolling out across our city, turning community vision into reality and shaping modern accessible spaces that children and families can enjoy in safety.”

Piccoli Playground has been a neighborhood hub for generations, and now, with modernized facilities, improved accessibility, and new recreational features, the playground is ready to serve the next generation of Juniata Park families.

“Piccoli Playground has been at the heart of the Juniata Park community for generations,” said Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District). “With these renovations, we are renewing our promise to ensure the next generation can create their own memories in a space built to last.”

This project, which was completed in four months, received $750,000 from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED) Local Share Account (LSA) program and $220,000 from the Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) awarded to Community Ventures.

“Piccoli Playground is a cornerstone of recreation and connection for the Juniata Park community,” said Aparna Palantino, Director, Capital Program Office. “Completing these comprehensive exterior improvements in only four months is a true testament to the dedication of everyone involved. This swift turnaround reflects the hard word of this community, our partners at Community Ventures, and our Department’s ongoing commitment to improving capital project delivery.”

Totaling $1.9 million, the renovations at Piccoli Playground include: 

  • New seating area north of the existing pool, featuring  picnic table seating, landscaping, new pedestrian-scale lighting, and an ADA-accessible path to the pool deck
  • Colorful game markings
  • Updated outdoor sport courts  – resurfaced and color-coated, including:

    • A new volleyball court

    • A new multi-sport court (soccer and volleyball)

    • Two full-sized basketball courts

    • Two half-court basketball courts

  • All-new “all wheels” track for riding bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs

“This is what Rebuild is all about – investing in spaces where kids can be kids,” said Commissioner Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “Here at Piccoli, children will be learning to ride bikes and scooters on the new all-wheels track, playing pickup games on freshly painted courts, and spending time with friends in a safe and welcoming space that truly belongs to them.”

These renovations reflect key needs identified by the community throughout the community engagement and design phase of this project.

“Working alongside Rebuild to bring new life to Piccoli Playground has been a great honor,” said Troy Hannigan, Director of Development, Community Ventures. “This project is proof of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Seeing the new picnic area and courts open and thriving is the most rewarding outcome we could hope for.”

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 access to economic opportunity for all.

Community Ventures is a Philadelphia non-profit real estate development and property management organization founded in 1987 to work in partnership with neighborhoods to improve communities and increase the supply of affordable housing.

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