July, 2016

Dear Friends:

We did it! On June 16, City Council voted in support of the Sweetened Beverages Tax, which Mayor Kenney signed into law on June 20. Thanks to your outreach and support, along with the voices of partners like the Philadelphia Parks Alliance, Philadelphia Recreation Advisory Council and volunteers, our facilities will receive the infrastructure investments they so deserve.

The Sweetened Beverage Tax will take effect January 1, 2017. A portion of the revenues from the tax will finance $300 million in bonds that will allow the City to renovate and improve existing parks, libraries and recreation centers. This initiative, called “Rebuild,” represents the largest investment in capital infrastructure in the history of our city. The investment of more than $500 million altogether—including the $300 million in bonds and $250 million from other public and private contributions—will transform our aging facilities into the great public spaces our children deserve.

We expect to move quickly on the initial phases of Rebuild. Thanks to an assessment of capital needs at our parks and recreation centers over the past nine months, we are well aware of existing infrastructure issues. Soon, we will launch a robust citywide civic engagement campaign as we prioritize projects, and our staff will once again play a crucial role in that process.

In the meantime, we have much to celebrate. Our outdoor pools have opened, thanks to collaboration among Skilled Trades, Program and Operations staff. Our parks have been activated with annual favorites like concerts and movie nights, as well as newer programming like Parks on Tap and boat rentals at FDR Park. And we’re far along in preparation for summer camps and signature event series, like the Essence of Entertainment Concert Series at the Dell Music Center and the six-week-long season at The Oval, as well as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in late July. From planting flowers along the Parkway to relighting Boathouse Row, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is integral in priming the city for its appearance in the international spotlight once the DNC arrives.

Thank you for your service and dedication toward providing safe and affordable programs, events and spaces for Philadelphia children, adults, and visitors to enjoy this summer.

Kathryn Ott Lovell

Parks on Tap

On June 29, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Avram Hornik of FCM Hospitality, launched “Parks on Tap,” a program that will bring a mobile beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks.

The beer garden will spend several days in one park location, highlighting and enhancing the offerings that Philadelphia city parks provide, before moving to the next location. It aims for a simple aesthetic: well-kept outdoor spaces where friends and families can meet up to enjoy food, drinks and fun surrounded by nature.

Learn more about the Parks on Tap program and view a list of locations

Launch of Summer Pool Season

On June 22, Mayor Jim Kenney, Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell and other City officials joined children and staff at Max Myers Recreation Center in Northeast Philadelphia to officially open the City’s pools for the 2016 season.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation operates more than seventy pools every summer in neighborhoods across the City. Residents can find listings for pools by neighborhood at www.phila.gov/pools.  The department encourages residents contact their neighborhood pools for days and times of open swim, family swim and adult swim, as well as swim lessons and swim team activities.

Summer Concerts in Parks & Playgrounds

This summer, come out and enjoy summer nights filled with live music, fresh air and the beautiful scenery of Philly’s parks. Jazz, rock, hip hop, folk, and even “kindie” musicians will be performing in various parks across the city. Bring a blanket or chair to relax, or get ready to dance the night away with neighbors and friends!

View our list of summer concerts in parks

Laura Sims Skate House Hosts Health and Resources Fair

July 23, 2016, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Laura Sims Skate House (63rd and Walnut)

Held rain or shine in an air conditioned, enclosed facility

Join Laura Sims Skate House for its 22nd Annual Health and Resources Fair, a free event that features health screenings, information on senior services, weatherization, Veterans services, legal matters and utilities, plus entertainment, children's activities, line dancing, a book giveaway (K-12), games and prizes. All families are invited to attend.  This year’s theme is "Building Stronger Communities Through Education, Prevention and Wellness," and the event includes special guest  Gregory "BO" Kimble, former basketball player with the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Loyola Marymount University, Dobbins Technical High School, and friend and on court "brother" of Hank Gathers (deceased). For more information, call 215-685-1995, visit www.laurasimsskate.org or email laurasimsskate@aol.com.

Outdoor Yoga in Philly Parks

As the weather gets warmer, many of our public green spaces are transformed into tranquil outdoor yoga studios, with classes open to yogis of all experience levels. Swap out the bare walls of your living room for the river views at the Fairmount Water Works, the floral scents at the peaceful Bartram’s Garden, and the fresh air in your local neighborhood park. With the variety of dates and locations offered, you won’t need to practice indoors all summer.

View our list of yoga classes in Philly parks

50 FREE Movie Nights in Philly Parks and Rec Centers

There’s no better place to spend a nice summer day than one of Philly’s lovely parks. This summer, many of these parks will turn into outdoor movie screening venues once dusk sets in. Some will even have refreshments, music, entertainment, raffles and activities before show time. Best of all, every movie night is FREE! So pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to your local park to catch a flick with friends, family and neighbors.

View our list of outdoor movie nights

Northern Liberties Recreation Center Wins Parks Build Community Grant

The Northern Liberties Recreation Center “Living Wall" project was selected as a winner of the national Parks Build Community campaign and will receive a $20,000 grant from the National Recreation and Park Association and The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN. Community members voted for the winning project throughout Earth Month in April.

Northern Liberties was one of 15 projects selected to receive grant funding. The $20,000 grant will allow for the creation of a living wall along the fence line bordering the pool and the basketball court, plus provide for environmental education opportunities for children such as learn how to garden in challenging spaces and learning what is required to maintain a garden.

For more information about the winning Parks Build Community projects, visit www.NRPA.org/BeInspired.

The Oval Returns!

Once again, The Oval will return for another season of fun from July 15-August 21, 2016! Presented by PNC, The Oval is a partnership of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Philadelphia’s “Park on the Parkway,” located on the southeastern end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, offers free programming, events, and activities for all ages. The Oval features interactive games, special events including live music, movie nights, performances, and workshops, as well as a rotating lineup of food trucks and a beautiful beer garden. This year, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program will create a large mural on the ground to bring more colorful summer fun to the pop-up park, and special events will take place during the Democratic National Convention in July.

Visit The Oval website for more details

Summer 2016 at the Dell Music Center

The Dell Music Center’s 2016 Essence of Entertainment Concert Season opens Thursday, July 7 with three platinum-selling music sensations: R&B singers Jaheim, Monica and Lyfe Jennings. Essence of Entertainment concerts will continue on Thursday evenings through August 25.

In addition, the Dell is once again hosting Tuesday Night at the Movies, performances by the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Divas Simply Singing” concert. For more information, visit www.mydelleast.com.

Upcoming Events in Tacony Creek Park

Our partners at Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership have an exciting batch of upcoming events, ranging from arts & crafts to environmental studies and more! Here are three highlights:

For more details and a complete list of events, visit http://ttfwatershed.org/

Philadelphia International Unity Cup Update

On June 1, Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, Miriam Enriquez, Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs, and other City officials hosted a ceremony to draw teams for the pool play rounds of the first Philadelphia International Unity Cup soccer tournament. Mayor Kenney drew balls labeled with all 32 teams each representing a different nation to determine which teams would compete against each other during the initial rounds of the tournament.

Visit www.phila.gov/unitycup for Unity Cup updates and information, and follow @PHLUnityCup on Facebook and Twitter.

Reminder: Bike and Boat at FDR Park

You can now rent bikes and boats at FDR Park, 7 days a week, between 10am and sunset.

Explore what this South Philly gem has to offer! Learn more about Wheel Fun at FDR Park.

Summer Event Series: Climate Change & Restoration

PPR’s Urban Forestry & Ecosystems Management division will host three plant walk and climate change monitoring workshops in Haddington Woods this summer. Novice hikers, botanists, and park lovers are encouraged to attend! The walks will begin at the Bocce Court parking lot at Daggett and Vine St. 19139 on the following days:

• Thursday, July 14, 4-6pm
• Sunday, August 7, 1-3pm
• Saturday, September 17, 10am-12pm

Rahim Thompson Honored with Sports Volunteer of the Year Award

On June 22, Rahim Thompson was honored with the Sports Volunteer of the Year Award at the PHL Sports Wanamaker Awards ceremony held at the Crystal Tearoom. This award is given by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to an individual whose volunteer efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of young people through sports.

Rahim is the founder of The Chosen League, a free summer basketball league for elite high school athletes. The league is currently in its 15th year and practices at Cherashore Playground in Olney. Over the years, the league has showcased the best of the best when it comes to athletes. They have had 172 athletes go on to play division 1 basketball at some of the country’s top colleges and universities.

Continue reading about Rahim Thompson and the Chosen League

New Water Stations along Schuylkill River Trail

On May 20, Philadelphia Water unveiled a new network of four public water stations located along Kelly Drive. Stretching from East Falls to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the bright blue-and-yellow water stations are designed to make filling reusable bottles easy, and even feature a special bowl for dogs.

Learn more about the new water stations

Philly Cup Skateboard Series Update

The second competition of the 2016 Philly Cup Skateboard Series was held at Gray's Ferry Crescent Skatepark on June 11. Approximately 50 competitors between the ages of 5 to 60 came out to compete. The next competition is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 at Rizzo Rink.

Tot Rec & After School Program Update

The 2015/16 school year officially ended for all Tot Recreation Programs and After School Programs on June 22. At this time, I would like to thank all of the facility supervisors, fee teachers, RSI’s & GSI’s, Program Coordinators and their staff, and FarmPhilly staff for a great job that everyone did this year.

Continue reading updates on PPR’s Tot Rec and After School programs

Top Social Media Report

This month, PPR’s social media followers were very interested in news about upcoming summer events and programs in our parks and playgrounds, including Parks on Tap, The Oval, farmers’ markets, movie nights, concerts, and pool openings. Aside from the announcements about ongoing and upcoming summer events, a few other posts captured the attention of our followers, like our new partnership with Google to capture imagery of Philly’s trails for Google Maps, a few job opportunities and a special appearance by Philadelphia Eagles players at Ralph Brooks Park.

Download our Top Social Media Report to learn more

Photo: Philadelphia International Cycling Classic

Occurred on June 5 through Kelly Drive, East Park and Lemon Hill

For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the world to the City of Philadelphia for a day of competition. Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is one of the highest rated one-day cycling events in the country.

Creative Minds Growing at Dorsey Playground

Dorsey Playground in PPR’s District 2 has been experiencing a flourish of creativity! First, the After School Program created a stunning butterfly as part of the Sister Cities Park Butterfly Garden, with the Outdoor Experience component of Parks & Recreation! Items such as CDs, pipe cleaners, and valance material helped create a tactile sensation! Then, the A2O program took to the indoors to create the outdoors via art, as they painted a vibrant mushroom garden mural on the interior Dorsey walls! Dorsey: the little Playground making big dreams come true!

Photo: Deer Exclosure Impact

Guess which side of the fence above (installed at Houston Meadow in the Wissahickon) is protected from deer browse?  This picture demonstrates the benefits of deer fencing and the impact of deer browse on forest regeneration: The area on the right side of the photo is protected and is loaded with tree seedlings and saplings, primarily black gum and black birch. The fence has been in place for about four years.

Learn more about PPR’s efforts to protect our forests from white-tailed deer

South Philly’s Herron Sprayground

Memorial Day brings one of the first signs of summer in South Philadelphia– the opening of Herron Sprayground in PPR’s District 7. May 31 brought a few moms with coaches who were delighted to see that the sprinklers were flowing. They quickly texted and tweeted their friends and neighbors, and soon a parade of happy children were cooling off in the flowing water. Parents could be heard giving commands in English, Spanish, Russian and various Asian dialects as everyone shared in the universal language of laughter and carefree fun.

Recreation Leader III Tony Tomassetti of the Rizzo Rink Cluster supervises the Herron Site and Facility Caretaker II Joseph Lutz takes very good care of the park. He is not just a caretaker, but a stakeholder for a beloved site from his own neighborhood.

Continue reading about Herron Sprayground

Reminder: Summer Memory Throwback Thursday Photo Contest

Submit a photo of your favorite summer memory in a Philly park, playground or recreation center for a chance to be featured on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Every Thursday, from June 9 to September 1, we will pick a winning photo.

Learn more about the Summer Member TBT Photo Contest

Lee Cultural Center Receives Makeover from Drexel Students

Lee Cultural Center in West Philly got an exciting makeover, thanks to the collaboration of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) staff and Drexel University’s Lindy Center for Civic Engagement and Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.

Thirty-six freshman students worked closely with a team from PPR, led by REACH Nutrition and Physical Activity Coordinator Meka Perez. The students’ participation was part of a class called “CIVC 101: Intro to Civic Engagement,” a course that gives students hands-on exposure to topics such as social justice, volunteerism, public service, and political activism.

Continue reading about the Lee Cultural Center enhancements

Wissahickon Environmental Center Partners with Philly Touch Tours

Tony Croasdale, an Environmental Education Program Planner at the Wissahickon Environmental Center, recently teamed up with Philly Touch Tours to coordinate an interactive birding experience for the visually impaired. Philly Touch Tours is a local nonprofit whose mission is to provide equal opportunities in cultural settings for people with vision loss. A Philadelphia Parks & Recreation employee, Tony is also one of the leaders of BirdPhilly, an initiative of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club that focuses on interactive bird watching walks and education in the Philadelphia area.

The collaboration with Philly Touch Tours, which occurred in May, consisted of two events. First was a site visit at the Philly Touch Tours headquarters at 3rd and Arch Streets to prepare participants for the bird-watching experience. This interactive lesson included the opportunity for participants to touch raised models of the live birds they were likely to encounter outside as well as listen to audio files of the various bird songs and calls. Following this event, the group participated in an afternoon of hands-on bird-watching, followed by a picnic dinner, on May 26.

Continue reading about this interactive birding experience for the visually impaired

Spring Visual Arts Show 2016

On June 2, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation celebrated visual arts programs at PPR facilities. Awards were presented in the following age groups: 6 and under, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, 13 to 17, and adults along with groups. Broad Street Run Poster Contest winners were also honored with 2016 Broad Street Run medals and t-shirts.

This year was the 44th year of the Spring Art Show. The show took place from May 16 to June 3 on the first and second floors or City Hall. Artwork in the City Hall Gallery in Room 116 remained on display through the month of June.

Continue reading about the Visual Arts Spring Art Show

Check out John Anderson Cultural Center’s Art Club’s pictures from the Spring Visual Art Show

District 2 PPR/Police Summer Planning Meeting

On May 10, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation District 2 hosted a meeting with Police Captains and officers from Police Districts 26, 24, and 15, to help plan for a safe and productive summer. There was a great and open exchange of ideas, and some initiatives already are under way to help all the children in our centers experience a positive summer. Kudos to District Manager Annemarie Dunne for again arranging this valuable annual conference.

K&T Trail Groundbreaking

On June 9, Mayor Kenney, PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell and other dignitaries gathered with community members to break ground on Phase 1 of the K&T Trail, which will extend from the Frankford Boat Launch to Magee Avenue and connect the Wissinoming and Tacony neighborhoods, along the Delaware River. As part of the Circuit Trails, Greater Philadelphia’s multi-use trail network, the new pathway will complete nearly 70 percent of the North Delaware Greenway Trail and is part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway. The projected 1.15 mile trail includes the section already built through Lardner’s Point Park and will assume the path of the former Kensington and Tacony Railroad, which together encompasses approximately 4.5 acres of open, green space for residents and visitors.

The $2.9 million project, expected to be completed by 2017 and under the direction of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Delaware River City Corp., will feature 20 interpretive signs on the history and natural environment of the area as well as extensive plantings to include 80 trees, 1,000 shrubs, 5,700 grass and perennial plants and a few acres of native meadows. 

Special Friends on the Go

In Northeast Philadelphia, there is a small group of special population ladies who, along with a couple of PPR recreation leaders, go on trips every Thursday from September through June. The ladies range in age from 30-60. This group was started over 15 years ago by Cathy Carchidi at Lawncrest Rec Center. As recreation leaders have retired, others have become a part of it (e.g., Donna McKinney, Diane Daly, and me).

Some of the trips that we have embarked on include the Philadelphia Zoo, Pennypack Environmental Center, bowling and downtown Philly. Our downtown trips have included many of the museums (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin, Academy of Natural Sciences, etc.), historical sites (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Constitution Center, etc.) and parks (Franklin Square, Rittenhouse Square, Sister Cities Park, etc.). As a matter of fact, the ladies have participated in many of the events at Sister Cities Park. They have made a scarecrow, dressed a snowman, and currently their decorated butterfly is on display.

Continue reading about this group of friends from the Northeast

PPR Receives Preservation Achievement Awards

On June 8 at the 23rd Annual Preservation Alliance Achievement Awards, held at the Union League, PPR, our partner governmental agencies, our nonprofit partners and our consultants were honored with three separate awards for projects located within the PPR system. The awards were for the following projects:

Learn more about these three PPR preservation projects

AEC Cares Renovates Athletic Recreation Center

On May 18, AEC Cares led a much-needed revitalization project at Athletic Recreation Center (1401-55 N. 26th Street). During the build, nearly 150 volunteers including architects, engineers and contractors tackled projects across the recreation center to make it more welcoming and functional.

The renovation project, valued at over $330,000, included numerous donated materials and time. Volunteers painted four rooms, gutted and renovated the kitchen and arts and crafts room and replaced 3,000 square feet of vinyl. In addition, the team did extensive repairs and refinishing to the auditorium.

Learn more about the AEC Cares project at Athletic

Photo: Girls on the Run

Occurred on June 11 on the Memorial Hall course

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based on a positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. They teach life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. This program is currently available at 21 sites within the City Of Philadelphia.

Photo: It's All in the Wrist!

Hey, remember this guy? Former PPR Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Mike DiBerardinis showed his disc golf skills during a City Hall Courtyard "Pop Up" Rec Center that PPR staff created on June 7. He's joined by Jason Mifflin, Nic Gonzalez and AeLin Compton of the Stewardship Unit. Want to try your hand at disc golf? You can play at The Oval or visit our Friends at Sedgley Woods. You might just run into Mike D! 

Tarken Playground Visits Philadelphia Union

On May 11, Tarken Playground Supervisor Walt Mulholland took children from his site’s After School program to a Philadelphia Union game. Walt secured one of PPR’s newly purchased vans to take the group to a terrific soccer venue and event--something some of them had never experienced before in their short lives.

PPR Participates in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

On April 28, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, hosted a group of foster children for the 23rd Annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day encourages girls and boys across the country to dream without gender limitations and to think imaginatively about their family, work and community lives. This national, public education program connects what children learn at school with the actual working world.

Continue reading about Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at PPR

MLK Older Adult Center Groundbreaking

On June 14, City Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Commissioner of Parks & Recreation Kathryn Ott Lovell and other City officials joined community leaders and senior citizens to break ground on a new facility for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Older Adult Center in central North Philadelphia. The 10,000 square foot building will be located at the corner of 21st Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue on the same block as the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center, which currently houses the Older Adult Center.

The new facility will feature a large lunchroom and commercial kitchen, a billiards room, a multipurpose room, and classrooms for art, fitness and computers. The construction and finished building will utilize sustainable practices and materials including an energy-efficient HVAC system and lighting.

Continue reading about the new MLK, Jr. Older Adult Center

Towey Recreation Center Cleanup

On May 7, 40 Fulbright Foreign Students from around the world, in conjunction with Art Sphere Inc., descended on Towey Recreation Center to transform it from the inside out. A new backdrop for the gym and a bright forest mural were painted in its hallway to make Towey a happier place to be.

Gardening Trainings for Rec Leaders

As youth begin to harvest snap peas and strawberries from Junior Farmers gardens at recreation centers across the city, rec leaders are also getting involved in the gardens and enjoying the harvest! 

FarmPhilly staff just finished our first series of gardening trainings for recreation center staff whose sites host youth gardens. The hands-on trainings, held in different PPR districts, brought rec leaders and recreation specialty instructors (RSIs) out into Junior Farmers gardens to learn about garden planning, planting, maintenance, watering and harvesting. Many Program staff who participated brought with them a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm about gardens in their own backyards, and shared ideas for easy, nutritious recipes to cook with the kids during after school and summer camp programs. 

Continue reading about gardening trainings for recreation leaders

PowerCorpsPHL Street Sweepers

On May 26, the Street Sweepers crew of PowerCorpsPHL visited and served at various gardens in PPR District 2 alongside FarmPhilly’s Emma-Kate Martin. The Street Sweepers participated in weeding, painting and mulching at three different sites, including Lower Mayfair Playground (6300 Hawthorne St.), Roosevelt Playground (6455 Walker St.), and American Legion Playground (6201 Torresdale Ave.).

All garden areas at the three locations were cleaned of litter, garden beds were painted to add some color and improve the aesthetic of the gardens, and fresh mulch was spread around the beds. While at American Legion Playground, PowerCorps was joined by "Veterans Coming Home," a media campaign that bridges America’s military-civilian divide by telling stories, challenging stereotypes and exploring how the values of service and citizenship are powerful connectors for all Americans. Since PowerCorps is a program that serves in a different way than the military, the "Veterans Coming Home" program compared serving in the community with serving in the military. 

Update: Rec Leader Selected as Classic Rock Fan of the Year

As an update to our June newsletter story about John McBride’s selection as Classic Rock 102.9 MGK's Fan of the Year, John’s show ("A rocking ride with John McBride") will air on Sunday, July 10, from 8pm to 10pm.

Staff Profile: Mubarak “Rock” Levere

Mubarak “Rock” Levere is an Equipment Operator 2 based out of Tarken Ice Rink & Playground in Northeast Philadelphia. He has been employed with the City of Philadelphia for 20 years. He started as a maintenance worker in the City’s parks and then acquired a commercial driver’s license in 2000, which allowed him to operate various pieces of equipment.

Rock began his career out of pure interest. He attended W.B. Saul High School and has always taken a liking to the outdoors. As a teenager, Rock mowed lawns and did other landscaping jobs around his neighborhood, so when the opportunity came for him to take the test to do this type of work for the City of Philadelphia, he jumped at the opportunity.

Continue reading about Tarken Ice Rink’s Rock Levere

Dedication of New Fields in FDR Park

On June 18, PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Councilman Mark Squilla, Taney Youth Baseball Association players and families, and members of the South Philadelphia community dedicated three new baseball fields used by Taney Baseball in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park.

To meet the needs of the growing league, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Office of Councilman Johnson committed to renovating three fields in FDR Park at a total cost of nearly $300,000.  Improvements include new backstop fences with padding and asphalt paths; grading of new infield grass, pitchers mounds and batting areas; new home plates and bases; and 12 new benches and 3 trash cans.

Continue reading about the new baseball fields in FDR Park

By the Numbers: TreePhilly

In Spring 2016, the TreePhilly program distributed over 1,700 trees to Philadelphia residents through its city-wide yard tree giveaways, community yard tree giveaways, and Arbrew Day events! Registration for Fall 2016 will open in late September. 

Lackman Rec Center Recital

On April 29, George Washington High School hosted the annual Lackman Playground Gymnastics and Dance Recital.  With a total of 12 spectacular acts, Lackman's finest and brightest show stoppers wowed the crowd of over 200 people in attendance. Coaches, teachers, staff, friends and family were very proud and astonished by the performances that the children displayed that night! They truly represented their recreation center well.

Operations Employee Assists with Police Capture

At first, June 9 was just an ordinary work day for Albert Fieghalstaler, a Grounds Maintenance Worker 2 in Operations District 5. He was hard at work on his Gator Utility Vehicle on the Schuylkill River Trail, when a police officer dressed in plain clothes jumped into the passenger seat. The police officer instructed Albert to turn the gator and speed down the trail. As it turns out, the officer was in hot pursuit of a suspect who was eventually arrested and charged with slashing the face of a woman on or near the Walnut Street steps.

Continue reading about Albert’s role in assisting the police officer

Mayfair Cluster "Athletic-thon"

In the second year of the Mayfair Cluster "Athletic-thon," athletes were pushed to the limit after the first event's grueling swim meet at Lincoln Pool and the second event's no-holds-barred Dodgeball tournament at Mayfair Playground.

Then on May 10 at Ramp Playground, we had a 1 o'clock showdown between the fastest runners hailing from Mayfair Playground, Russo Park, Fitzpatrick Playground, Jardel Recreation Center, Pelbano Recreation Center and Tarken Playground. With 200 runners in attendance, these sprinters battled in a 100, 200 and a 4x100 relay, with over 20 athletes bringing home the gold! The event was spearheaded by Eric Kurtz of Ramp Playground, Joe Camm of Mayfair Playground and Jimmy Lynch, Father Judge Athletic Director.

Shofuso Gives Visitors a Peek into Japanese Culture

West Fairmount Park’s Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden that facilitates programming related to Japanese history and culture. This summer, Shofuso staff has planned a variety of diverse activities that will give visitors a chance to experience Japanese culture and history, right in the middle of Philadelphia.

Check out programming highlights from the upcoming summer season at Shofuso

After School Program Profile: Diane Scott, Athletic Recreation Center

Diane Scott of Athletic Recreation Center first joined the After School Program in the year of its inception, nearly 18 years ago. Having been diagnosed with Lupus, Diane’s journey into after-school care and creating a sustainable program has been one based on recovery of the body and mind. She credits much of her work, especially with the children involved in the After School Program, with helping her get back on her feet after enduring numerous surgeries and treatments. “They keep me on my feet, both mentally and physically.”

It’s the children that keep Diane coming back after nearly 18 years. Running her After School Program much like a family, built on mutual respect and love, Diane takes pride in being able to provide a safe environment for the youth of the surrounding neighborhood.

Continue reading about Diane Scott of Athletic Recreation Center

Tot Rec Graduation at Max Myers

The members of the high school graduating class of 2029 took their first steps toward walking down that “rite of passage” aisle from the Max Myers Tot Rec program on May 26. The graduation ceremony started at 7 PM, with as many as 75 overjoyed family and friends looking on.

In her 19th year at the helm, After School RSI and Tot Rec teacher Patricia Sellers, alongside fellow Tot Rec teacher Jennifer Sorrento, had the children recite the Pledge of Allegiance, alphabet and songs. Many more arts and special day projects from the year were also on display for all to see.

Continue reading about Tot Rec graduation at Max Myers Playground

Butterflies at Sister Cities Park

In the spring of 2016, programs at 16 Philadelphia Parks & Recreation sites participated in the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Outdoor Experiences’ “Butterflies at Sister Cities Park” project. The groups researched a particular butterfly or moth species and created a 3D replica on a wooden board displayed at Sister Cities Park. This project inspired over 250 inner-city youth and adults to learn about nature.

Continue reading about Butterflies at Sister Cities Park and see a list of participating sites

Red Bull Reign at Cherashore Playground

Red Bull Reign is the ultimate 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the country. On June 11, the tournament held one of six qualifiers at Cherashore Playground. There are six playgrounds in six different cities chosen to hold these qualifiers. This year’s qualifiers are being held in New Orleans, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Twenty-four teams came to 10th and Olney to compete for two spots in the National Championship and $50,000 in Chicago on July 16. Teams came from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Philly.

Continue reading about Red Bull Reign at Cherashore Playground

PPR Is Building Gardens and Garden Education through the ATSDR Grant

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) Community Health Projects grant to the City of Philadelphia has served as a vehicle to support urban agriculture projects in the city. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Office of Sustainability, the Philadelphia Land Bank and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation all partnered on this grant, which has supported the restoration and revitalization of community gardens in need of infrastructure and supplies, and the development and facilitation of educational workshops on soil safety, best gardening practices, and gaining legal access to land for gardening purposes. There are many concerns when growing in urban soils due to our city’s industrial past. Through education and materials, this grant aims to work with communities across Philadelphia to address these concerns and give them the tools to build successful, healthy gardens.

Continue reading about the ATSDR grant’s impact at PPR

Video: Bridesburg After School Program Report

Find out what happened in Bridesburg Recreation Center’s After School program this spring and summer.

Community Propagation Program at the Horticulture Center

On a typical morning at PPR’s Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park, a back section of the greenhouse is bustling with gardeners from across the city, sowing seeds, sharing plants, and cultivating connections with each other. This spring and summer, the Horticulture Center has worked with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s FarmPhilly Program and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to rent greenhouse space to Philadelphia gardeners so they can get a jump start on the growing season.

Last summer, members of Soil Generation, a coalition of Philadelphia gardeners and farmers, asked for some key resources from the City, including greenhouse space for gardeners. The Community Propagation Program kicked off in February, with a spring session from February through May, and a summer session June through September. During the spring session, 45 gardeners participated, growing thousands of plants that made their way to over 25 community gardens, three small businesses, and numerous backyard gardens across the city. 

Continue reading about the Community Propagation Program

Welcome, Carolina!

Carolina Torres joined PPR on June 20 as the new Data Entry Specialist in the Performance Management Unit of the Program Division. As a seasonal employee, she will be helping manage and modernize our data management systems.

Carolina lives in South Philly and group up playing basketball at McDevitt and Kendrick.

Staff Changes

Retirements
Martin Jackson, Assistant Recreation Leader
Melvin Fortune, Equipment Operator 2  
Dwight Drewery, Labor Crew Chief 1
Susan Slawson, First Deputy Commissioner
Michael McKeown, Recreation Leader 3
Cynthia Douglas, Chief of Staff

Transfers
Malcolm Newton, Human Resources Professional
Tamara Harrity, Recreation Leader 2

New Hires
Matthew Hartley, Urban Park Ranger
Eliezer Rodriguez, Urban Park Ranger

Promotions
John Conover, Building Maintenance Mechanics
Barbara Gillette, Older Adult Services Director
Stephen Bandura, Recreation Leader 2
Jamal Coleman, Recreation Leader 2
Elizabeth Henninger, Recreation Leader 2
Jacqulyn Duaime, Recreation Leader 2
Joseph Pospiech, Recreation Leader 2
Colleen Bednarek, Recreation Leader 1
Tara Bowman, Recreation Leader 1
Matthew McMorrow, Recreation Leader 1
Michael McDevitt, Recreation Leader 1
Bryant Paden, Recreation Leader 1
Jeffrey Wimsey, Recreation Leader 1

Resignations
Matthew Zampirri, HVAC
Yadira Curet, Recreation Leader 1
Johnel Simmons, Recreation Leader Trainee
Kareen Wise-Townsend Urban Park Ranger
Wilbert Odom, Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Worker