Before & After photos available for download   

PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City and State Officials, the Philadelphia Eagles, the William Penn Foundation, and Kingsessing community members celebrated the reopening of Kingsessing Recreation Center with a ribbon-cutting celebration featuring entertainment and giveaways provided by JD Sports. The completion of this $27 million Rebuild Philadelphia renovation project marks the first of nine major Rebuild projects that will be completed and celebrated citywide in 2026.

“To every member of the Kingsessing community who shows up for their local rec center, you deserve a facility that is worthy of your commitment to your community,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Kingsessing Recreation Center is now a world-class facility, and it is the first of nine major recreation center projects we will celebrate citywide in 2026.”

Kingsessing Recreation Center is a historic community anchor, distinguished by its Beaux Arts-style architecture and spanning more than 32,000 square feet across three levels. The renovation of Kingsessing Recreation Center caps a $35 million investment in the Kingsessing campus, which includes the recently renovated Kingsessing Library.

“Kingsessing Rec has always been more than a building; this is where community is built,” said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District). “These upgrades ensure that this space remains welcoming, inclusive, and functional for everyone who depends on it today and in the future.”

This project received additional funding from multiple partners, including:

  • $900,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR),
  • $500,000 from Legislative Special Appropriation (LSA) State funding,
  • $200,000 from the Philadelphia Eagles to support the construction of the new turf field,
  • $30,000 from Penn Medicine for new fitness equipment,
  • $25,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

“The reopening of the Kingsessing Recreation Center marks an exciting new chapter for Southwest Philadelphia,” said Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony H. Williams. “This historic landmark has long been a place where neighbors come together, families gather, and young people grow. Restoring it means investing in the heart of our community—its history, its people, and its future.”

“We are proud to be part of the collaborative effort to modernize the Kingsessing Recreation Center,” said Don Smolenski, President, Philadelphia Eagles. “This newly revitalized community space ensures local families have a welcoming environment to come together to learn, play, and thrive. We are grateful to work alongside community leaders and help foster connection and opportunity in our city.”

“Safe, welcoming spaces are essential for community wellness,” said Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. “Penn Medicine is proud to support initiatives that expand opportunities for young people and families to stay active and enjoy fuller, healthier lives.”

Totaling $27 million, the renovations at Kingsessing Recreation Center include:

Building Improvements:

  • Comprehensive interior renovations throughout the facility
  • New elevator and lifts to ensure accessibility throughout the building
  • Restoration and improvements to the historic building exterior, including masonry cleaning and repair, and façade restoration
  • New roofing systems
  • Replacement and restoration of windows and doors
  • Interior painting and protective coatings throughout the facility
  • New mechanical, electrical, plumbing, telecommunications, and fire protection systems
  • New sprinkler and life-safety systems
  • New security systems and infrastructure
  • Upgraded accessible restrooms

Site Improvements:

  • New exterior lighting to improve safety and visibility
  • New artificial turf sports field
  • Modern playground with safety surfacing and accessible play equipment
  • Exterior enclosures for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • New exterior stairs to improve accessibility and circulation
  • New exterior pavilion for gatherings and community events
  • Enhanced stormwater management systems
  • Improved internal pathways and site circulation
  • Site furnishings, including benches, game tables, and amenities
  • Improvements to sports courts
  • New trees, plantings, and landscaping

“We know how much this community has eagerly anticipated this transformation and what it represents for health, connection, and opportunity.’ said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “Recreation centers are essential public spaces, and the reopening of Kingsessing Recreation Center reflects strong partnerships and our shared commitment to delivering a high-quality, accessible facility for the residents who count on it every day.”

Two existing public artworks in the interior of the Kingsessing Recreation Center, originally commissioned through the City of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art program, have been fully conserved by Creative Philadelphia. The sculptures, a 1970 metal and glass work by Bernard Brenner installed on the stairway landing and a 1991 painted steel freestanding sculpture of a mother and child by Ken Clark, were carefully removed during construction, cleaned and restored offsite by professional art conservators before being reinstalled. New interpretive plaques have also been installed to provide visitors with information about the artists and the history of the works.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the Kingsessing project demonstrates the city’s commitment to providing economic opportunity for all Philadelphians. The renovation employed graduates of Rebuild’s six-week paid trade academies, which provide aspiring tradespeople with construction industry exposure, professional development training, job site visits, and hands-on restoration experience. Academy alumnus Terrence Finley worked on-site as an apprentice carpenter for general contractor Smith Construction, gaining valuable experience while helping to transform this important public space.

 

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The City of Philadelphia’s Capital Program Office (CPO) oversees the engineering, architectural, and project management functions for more than 200 active construction projects across the city. This includes upgrades to parks and recreation centers, libraries, fire and police stations, health centers, and other City-owned facilities. Through cross-departmental coordination and a commitment to continuous improvement, CPO works to improve public facilities to better serve Philadelphia residents.

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

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