AUGUST, 2015

Dear Friends:

I want to congratulate you for not only surviving a hectic July but performing at such a high standard despite the heavy workload. After a series of wind and rainstorms, our Operations division received more than 600 tree emergency requests for fallen neighborhood street trees and reports of another 300 downed trees and limbs in parks and recreation centers. Since then, our tree crews have worked long shifts to clear houses, streets and public spaces for citizens. Likewise, our Skilled Trades and Program staff worked tirelessly to prepare our pools for opening and keep them running smoothly during hot summer weeks. All this while staff launched neighborhood day camps, specialty camps, the summer food program, The Oval, and more. Thank you for providing new opportunities and experiences to Philadelphians. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating another successful summer at the staff picnic on August 21 and/or the Phillies game on August 24.

PPR Staff Picnic

Had a long, busy summer? Come join us for one of PPR’s favorite events, our annual summer picnic! Join your colleagues and strike up new friendships, while also enjoying:

• Delicious food from our friends at Beka's Food Service
• Field day activities featuring cornhole, water balloon slingshot, an obstacle course, ice cream-eating contest and more!
• Another chance to dunk your boss in the dunk tank
• And a new addition: a pre-picnic softball game!

The picnic will be held on Friday, August 21, 2015, 12:30pm-3pm at the Belmont Grove (2000 Belmont Mansion Drive). Please submit the attached invitation with $5 to your supervisor by August 7. There will be no day-of food purchases allowed!

Download the picnic invitation and RSVP form

See you at the picnic!

Parks & Recreation Night at the Phillies

Monday, August 24, 7:05 p.m.

Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets

Invite your family and friends! Tickets only $13 each. Contact Barry Bessler (215-683-0202, barry.bessler@phila.gov) by August 10 to purchase.

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The Oval Is Back!

On July 15, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy opened The Oval (2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) for a third summer of free, day-to-night activities. With “Wellness Wednesdays,” “Arts & Culture Thursdays,” “Food & Flicks Fridays,” “Game Day Saturdays,” and “Family Fun Sundays,” this year’s schedule offers something for everyone.

Other highlights of the summer season (running through August 23) include:

• Live bluegrass music every Thursday evening
• “Quizzo” pub trivia game on Saturday afternoons in the beer garden
• Projection of blockbuster films like Night at the Museum and Elf
• Visit Philly happy hour every Friday at 5pm
• Kids karaoke and face painting on Sundays

Earlier this month, The Oval was designated one of the American Planning Association’s 2015 Great Places in Pennsylvania in the category of “Great Public Spaces.”

For more information, visit www.theovalphl.org

Philly Play Is Underway

For the second summer in a row, the Philly Play program, started by Councilman Bobby Henon in 2013 to get kids and families engaged in active play, is taking place at recreation facilities throughout the city. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation became the primary partner of Philly Play in 2014, when we hosted the program at ten of our facilities. The program provides an hour of physical activity each day during camp, led by trained coaches who engage campers in activities such as dance, karate, boxing, fitness and sports activities.

In 2015, the program has expanded to 15 Recreation Centers citywide to bring free health and fitness programming to our campers. In addition to daily activities, Philly Play brings partners to the camps for special programming such as the Greener Partners Farm Explorer and the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Continue reading about Philly Play

Schuylkill River Trail Wins Best Urban Trail

We are proud to share that the Schuylkill River Trail was voted Best Urban Trail in the United States by readers of USA TODAY and 10Best!

A panel of travel and outdoor recreation experts picked the initial 20 Best Urban Trail, and after four weeks of daily voting by the public, the Schuylkill River Trail was declared the winner!

Learn more about this 10 Best Reader’s Choice Award and visit the Schuylkill River Trail to see for yourself why it’s the nation’s best.

Register for the 2015 Boxers’ Trail 5K Run/Walk

Registration is open for the 2015 Boxers’ Trail 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 12. All proceeds from the event benefit East Fairmount Park and Mander Recreation Center. Early bird registration ($20 to run; $15 to walk) ends July 31. Regular registration is $25 for runners, $20 for walkers. Sign up for the Boxers’ Trail 5K.

After the run, enjoy Strawberry Mansion Day at Mander Recreation Center, an annual celebration of community with fun, food, education and entertainment.

READ! by 4th

This summer, 15 PPR recreation centers and playgrounds will participate in a reading program as part of READ! by 4th. A citywide effort of 50 organizations, public and private, large and small, convened and managed by the Free Library of Philadelphia, READ! by 4th aims to majorly increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the 4th grade at reading level by 2020. This is the largest effort of its kind in the city of Philadelphia.

The participating Philadelphia Parks & Recreation sites are:

• Pelbano
• Vogt
• Piccoli
• Feltonville
• Happy Hollow
• Emanuel
• Francisville
• Gathers
• Vare
• Rizzo
• Chew
• Christy
• Wright
• Tustin
• Francis Meyers

To learn more about this initiative, visit http://libwww.freelibrary.org/readby4th/index.cfm

Job Opportunity: TreePhilly Seasonal Intern

The TreePhilly Program seeks a seasonal Intern to support existing tree planting and giveaway projects and to develop new ideas to promote tree planting in Philadelphia. The position requires an energetic and organized person who can work independently as well as collaboratively with the TreePhilly Program Manager. The Intern position will begin on September 1, 2015 and end on June 3, 2016, and will have a flexible schedule that includes evening and weekend work, both in and out of the office.

Download the full internship description and application details

Literacy Training for PPR RSI’s

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with Councilman Bobby Henon’s office and the Free Library of Philadelphia, offered a literacy training for 22 Philly Play Recreation Specialty Instructors. The training focused on how to get children to have fun with reading. Each RSI received a large book bag filled with teaching and reading tools to bring back to their facilities to implement what they learned. The training was not only a great experience for our young RSI's but also for the campers who will be involved at their camps!

After the training, Councilman Henon treated everyone to lunch at City Tap House.

Jazz Age on the Delaware

August 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Glen Foerd on the Delaware

Step back in time for the day at Philadelphia's last remaining Gilded Age mansion along the Delaware River. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of 1920s era music and dancing, lawn games, vintage-inspired food and cocktails and even an old-fashioned pie baking contest. A soirée like no other, plan to step out in your best period attire and celebrate the elegance of the era.

Proceeds support Glen Foerd's mission to preserve the estate for the community and future generations. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.jazzageonthedelaware.com. Use the discount code ILOVEPARKS to save $5 on tickets.  

Pop-up Pool Project Update

Haven’t visited the Pop-up Pool at Francisville Recreation Center yet? There’s still time. Now through August 21, head to 1737 Francis Street to experience a new kind of pool experience. The Pop-Up Pool project uses low-cost/high-design interventions, such as custom built-in seating and planter components, moveable furniture, shade umbrellas, planters and fun programming, to transform existing yet underutilized public spaces into catalytic, multi-purpose civic open spaces at a fraction of the cost of traditional capital improvement projects. Follow “popuppools” on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates.

Also, be sure to visit www.phila.gov/pools to find the closest PPR pool near you.

Summer Fun at Rivera Rec Center

Summer has been busy at Rivera Rec Center. Check out pictures of the kids having fun, and learn more about Rivera’s ongoing Basketball Skills Camp and Summer Soccer Program.

Find Your Path Story: Curtis Shiver, TreeKeepers

I grew up in North Philadelphia, at the intersection of 23rd & Diamond, in what most would call the projects. Growing up, I was more excited about drug dealing, money, and cars than finding a positive path for my life to follow. Fighting, stealing, and illegal activity took over my life, and I quickly found myself in prison. After my release in 2009, I knew I had to make a change for the positive, not only for myself but also my family, and refocused my goals to that of success.

In 2013, a friend from the neighborhood asked if I would be interested in working in tree care services. I initially said “no” because I didn’t know anything about taking care of trees or the skills required to work in the field, but my friend encouraged me to take advantage of an open opportunity to gain steady employment while learning new skills at the same time. The next thing you know, I’m in a tool training class with the crew, and I’ve been here ever since.

Continue reading Curtis Shiver’s story

Video: Bridesburg Summer Day Camp Update

Get a glimpse of summer camp at Bridesburg Recreation Center by watching the Week 1, Week 2 and Week 3 video recaps.

Staff Contest: What’s Your Favorite Summer Activity?

PPR Staff, what do you love to do in the summer? Go swimming? Take a hike? Escape to the shore? We want to hear about it and see your pictures! Send parksandrecreation@phila.gov an email with a description of how you have fun in the summer, as well as a picture of where you go or what you do, and we’ll send you a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation-themed prize (while supplies last). Your photo and description could appear in our next newsletter!

Amazing Job!

Congratulations and thank you on the amazing work done by the PPR Electricians, Grounds Maintenance Workers, Plumbers, Rangers, Streets Department and all City employees during the 2015 Wawa Welcome America celebration held on July 4 at Eakins Oval and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  Not only is the actual event significant, but the pre-event preparations and the post-event cleanup are extraordinary. 

Congrats on the outstanding team work that allows this major event to happen. 

Pictured above: What the event area looked like at midnight.

Pictured below: What the area looked like less than 8 hours later! 

Waterview Cleans Up!

With the assistance of Boy Scout Troop 358, community members and staff, Waterview Recreation Center conducted a multi-part cleanup of the Waterview Recreation Center grounds on June 6.

The day’s focus was a general cleanup of the block-encompassing grounds. Volunteers worked very hard, collecting over 50 bags of leaves, trash and dirt. Six trees were mulched in the tot playground, and a garden box was rebuilt. Everyone was rewarded for their hard work with soft pretzels, hot dogs and water.

Continue reading about the Waterview cleanup

Connecting Kids to Nature

PPR’s six-week long Be Outside Teen Program began on June 22. Participating youth go on three outdoor adventure trips a week. For example, during the week of July 6, adventures included biking along the Schuylkill River and visiting the fish hatcheries at Pleasant Hill Park. The next week, participants went horseback riding at Courtesy Stables, hiked the Wissahickon, and went whitewater rafting in Weatherly, PA. The one day a week that Be Outside isn’t on an adventure trip, participants practice archery, martial arts, or another type of physical activity.

View snapshots of the Be Outside Teen Program

Tree House Adventure Camp

The Wissahickon Environmental Center held its week-long Tree House Adventure Camps in late June. The camp for children ages 6-10 focuses on nature discovery, games and adventures.

One happy parent of a camper wrote, “I wanted to thank you for 2 great weeks with my kids. Both of them had a wonderful time, but [child’s name] was especially enthusiastic about his camp experience at the Tree House. He came home Wednesday, and I asked him if he had a nice day. His reply was, "It wasn't nice-- it was great." This is a rare response from him. And yesterday he was so proud and tired about his bike ride. Before his bath, he told me he felt like a puddle! He was so tired! Well done!!!”

Other programs connecting Philadelphia children with nature this summer include: Grow Up Green; Pennypack Environmental Center’s Nature Camp and Teen Adventures; Junior Farmers; and the Wissahickon Environmental Center’s Out-N-About Camp.

Find Your Path: Peg Fredlund, Water Safety Instructor

The first time I took the lifeguard test, I failed. I failed miserably! But I had tried, and I knew I had to try again. That’s something that I tell every potential lifeguard that comes in to take the lifeguard screening. Even if you fail, you have to come back and try again. Failure simply isn’t an option with me. Perhaps that’s why I’ve stayed with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation so long. From my first summer at Feltonville Recreation Center in 1992, I knew this was the path for me. I joined the department as a Lifeguard I and found myself loving the water, interacting with the kids, and becoming an integral part of not only the recreation center, but also the community as a whole. As I settled into my first summer, it didn’t take me long to realize the significant role a lifeguard plays in the pool setting: lifesavers, coaches, role models, the list could go on. It was this sense of responsibility and my desire to learn that pushed me to continue my training in the Aquatics program and led me to where I am today.

Continue reading Peg Fredlund’s “Find Your Path” story

Roosevelt Summer Camp Trip: Fish Hatcheries

On a hot summer day, the Roosevelt Summer Camp braved the heat and took its annual camp trip to the fish hatcheries at Pleasant Hill Park.

The children enjoyed trying their hands at being fishermen and enjoyed the arts and crafts activities provided by the great staff at the hatcheries. Whatever happened to that cool breeze that is supposed to come off the water?

Thanks to our staff for also braving the hottest day of camp (so far) and to the team at the hatcheries for making this a memorable camp trip.

Lardner's Point Park Composting Restroom

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with the Delaware River City Corporation and a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Coastal Zone Management Program, installed and opened a composting restroom at Lardner’s Point Park in the spring of 2015. The restroom contains a proprietary composting system designed and built in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The restroom building contains three toilet stalls and a storage area for restroom supplies and tools to support work days at the park. The factory-built, 41-ton building was brought to the site in three pieces, set and assembled with a crane in one day. The restroom building enhances Lardner’s Point Park as a trailhead along the K & T Trail/East Coast Greenway. The meadows impacted by the restroom construction are currently undergoing restoration.

District 4 Summer Camp Basketball League

This summer, Lisa Ruffin at Pleasant Playground developed a basketball league for District 4 day camps. 7 sites will participate, playing six games (3 home, 3 away) each, plus semifinals and a championship game.

Download the District 4 Summer Camp Basketball League schedule.

Bill Rouse Day of Caring at Marian Anderson Rec Center

On June 19, staff members from Liberty Property Trust visited Marian Anderson Recreation Center to beautify the inside and exterior of the building. Liberty's team painted several walls inside and outside the center; removed invasive growth and planted the flower beds; built new benches; replaced exterior tiling; completely gutted and refurbished a classroom space (including the installation of a large whiteboard surface); cleaned and polished all of the floors; painted and reinstalled an artistic sculpture at the entrance; refurbished the bathrooms; repaired all overhead lighting; painted/fixed playground equipment; and MORE.

Each year, Liberty Property Trust closes its offices and spends the 19th of June serving its community as a way to honor founder Bill Rouse, who died in 2003.

Staff Changes

New Hires
Derrick Hopkins, Grounds Maintenance Worker
Jamal Isley, Welder

Promotions
Ben Stanko, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Daniel Walsh, Recreation Leader 2
Maureen Maier, Recreation Programming Director
Kirk Foster, Recreation Leader 2
Stephen Schmidt, Recreation Leader 2

Rehires
Gregory Bettis, Grounds Maintenance Worker 1
Johnel Simmons, Recreation Leader Trainee
Joseph Crouch, Grounds Maintenance Worker 1

Retirees
Michael DiFelciantoni, Assistant Recreation Leader
Charles Dougherty, Executive Assistant
John Clarkson, Painter

Nature Activities & Education at Glavin Playground

With the goal to “connect children with nature,” work has begun at Glavin Playground, the recipient of a “Parks Build Community” grant, sponsored by Disney, ABC and ESPN and managed by the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA). Since having been awarded the grant in May, over 125 participants in the tot recreation program, After School program, tot camp and summer camp have all gotten a chance to participant in gardening and beautification activities and nature lessons.

These activities and lessons, created by the Grow Up Green staff, have been geared toward connecting the children to nature on a sensory level-- exploring nature through sight, sound, taste, touch and smell, all in a creative way.

Continue reading about nature activities at Glavin Playground

2015 Greenworks Philadelphia Progress Report

On June 30, Mayor Michael A. Nutter released the 2015 Greenworks Philadelphia Progress Report, the sixth and final summary of the work completed under the City of Philadelphia’s comprehensive sustainability plan during the Nutter Administration.

Of the 164 initiatives outlined in the plan, 160 are already underway or complete. Of the 15 target areas, the City has exceeded, met or nearly met 7 of its goals and is trending in the right direction on 4 others. The report includes Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s contributions, from employee energy conservation and sustainability training, to trails, urban agriculture, tree plantings and maintenance, and more.

The full report is available online at www.phila.gov/green.

Video: The Star Players Present The Producers

Watch a promotional video for the Star Players of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s production of The Producers, taking place October 9, 10 and 11 at the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center.

Photo: Skateboard Clinic

This summer, 40 PPR Summer Day Camps will host skateboard clinics for campers at their sites. Each session is 1.5 hours, one day per week for three weeks.

Pictured above is the PPR skateboard clinic at Lawncrest Recreation Center on July 10.

PowerCorps PHL Meets President Obama

On July 14, the PowerCorps PHL Assistant Crew Leaders had the pleasure of attending President Barack Obama's press conference.  Assistant Crew Leader Juan Matos of the Water Department’s PowerCorps GSI Maintenance Program had the opportunity to sit down and speak with President Obama about himself, his work and his family. Juan was even referenced in the president’s speech at the NAACP convention regarding the impact of green jobs!

Free Aqua String Band Concert at Bridesburg

On July 14, the Aqua String Band held its annual Free Community Concert on the south front lawn of the Bridesburg Recreation Center. Over 200 people attended, with refreshments available, as well as the unique sounds of The Mummers that helps make Philadelphia the great city it is! The entire community is looking forward to New Year's Day and the 2016 Community Concert!

Remaining 2015 Commission on Parks and Recreation Meeting Dates

The final 2015 Commission on Parks and Recreation meetings will take place on September 16 at Pelbano Recreation Center (8101 Bustleton Avenue) and November 18 at Shepard Recreation Center (5700 Haverford Avenue). The Commission invites and encourages anyone interested in learning about what’s going on with the Commission and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to attend. Members of the public are encouraged sign up and speak directly to the Commission and Parks & Recreation staff on matters that interest them. All meetings begin at 6 p.m.

Zipcar Rate for City Employees

Did you know that under the City of Philadelphia Zipcar for Business account, employees have the option to sign up Zipcar for personal use with discounted driving rates? City employee membership is $35/year, compared with regular membership at $70/year plus $25 application fee ($95 total). And that’s just the beginning of the discounts!

If you are interested and don’t have a work Zipcar account:

1. Go to www.zipcar.com
2. Click on “For Business”
3. Type in “City of Philadelphia”
4. Look for “City of Philadelphia- Personal Driving”
5. Fill out the application from there.

If you are interested and already have a Zipcar work account:

1. Go to www.zipcar.com
2. Sign in as if you are driving for work
3. Go to “My Stuff”
4. Click on “My Account”
5. Find “Create Personal Account” and go from there

With the same Zipcard, you have access to both personal and work use (just make sure you pick the right account when making your reservation).

Find Your Path Story: Kennedy McCabe, Scanlon Recreation Center/Ice Rink

I have called Scanlon Recreation Center home since the age of two. I was first enrolled in figure skating lessons as a fun weekend activity, but soon began spending more and more time at the rink as I became interested in competing and furthering my skills as a competitive skater. Scanlon provided a solid platform to embark on my skating career, but as my skills developed, I was encouraged by the Scanlon staff to seek lessons with a private coach. It was with this simple encouragement that my skating was taken to a whole new level.

Under the guidance of my new coach and the enthusiastic encouragement of my Scanlon family, I started performing in a multitude of shows and competitions. By the time I was in sixth grade, with increased skill level and growing rank in the “skating world,” I qualified for the Junior Olympics. It was an honor to compete against other highly ranked skaters, and I walked out a stronger competitor, as well as a three-time silver medalist. I continue to compete to this day, and am training towards an opportunity with Disney On Ice. If it weren’t for the figure skating program at Scanlon Rink, and the support of the staff, I never would have reached my full potential in such a thrilling and rewarding sport.

Continue reading Kennedy’s story

Vogt Cluster Volleyball

Dorsey Playground, Roosevelt Playground and Vogt Recreation Center have all formed the 10-to-14 year-old Girls Vogt Cluster Volleyball League. The girls are learning the sport of volleyball as well as team work, fair play, sportsmanship and physical conditioning. As the league has progressed, there has been a noticeable difference in many of the girl’s confidence and self-esteem.

The Vogt Cluster Volleyball League consists of six neighborhood teams from the Vogt Cluster. The intensive league schedule started in June and will end in August. The championship team will receive Phillies tickets courtesy of Vogt Recreation Center.

Parents of the players volunteer as coaches, score keepers and mentors to the girls. The competition is intense but very friendly. The young ladies have formed many friendships on and off the court. The young ladies and parents are already looking forward to next year.

Storm Damage/Tree Requests

Following three severe wind and rainstorms within the span of ten days, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation received more than 600 tree emergency requests for fallen neighborhood street trees. In addition to fallen and/or damaged street trees, another 300 trees and limbs fell in PPR parks and recreation centers.

Download a storm damage report (PDF) to learn how PPR is prioritizing and managing this surge of downed and damaged trees, and how to report tree damage in Philadelphia.

One Example of Tree Cleanup Praise

A Lawncrest resident emailed PPR following the storm with praise for the tree crew:

“I want to thank the team that removed the tree from my lawn. They were professional, courteous and caring in performing their duties. It was quite impressive watching them work as a team, while respecting the property of residents.

Not only did they remove the tree, they even cleaned stray branches off lawns and in the street!

This team worked expeditiously, and safely. This was quite amazing to watch. They even advised those watching to cover their faces prior to using the blower.

This experience made me proud to be a resident of this city. That entire team needs to be commended and should know their efforts were greatly appreciated!

Again, thanks for a job well done.”

STEM: Sunspotter and Telescope Building

During the last week of the After School program, the children at Roosevelt Playground built telescopes and looked at the sun with special glasses provided by the Franklin Institute as part of the Vogt Cluster Star Gazing program.

Thanks to help from the Villanova environmental science team, Franklin Institute and activities developed by the After School staff, the children were exposed and participated in a broad array of STEM activities during the 2014-2015 school year. With the help from our valued partners, we hope to continue our STEM program during the 2015/2016 school year.

Philadelphia Free Summer Meal Sites

This summer, about 800 sites across the City of Philadelphia are distributing free, nutritious meals to thousands of youth as part of the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option. These USDA programs provide meals and snacks served at a variety of locations throughout the city, including Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Playstreets, summer camps and recreation centers.

Between now and labor day, youth 18 and under, as well as individuals with disabilities 19 and older who are enrolled in a school program, can access free meals at meal sites throughout Philadelphia. To find an open summer meal location, individuals can text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877877, call the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger at 1-855-252-6325, or visit www.phillysummermeals.org.

Photo: Samuel Rec at Pennypack Environmental Center

On July 17, Samuel Rec Center's Day Camp took a field trip to the Pennypack Environmental Center. After a guided hike in the park, Peter Kurtz facilitated a storytelling session in the park (pictured above).

Energy-saving Tip

Ensure windows with window mounted A/C units have weather-stripping between the middle of the top and bottom panel

Benny McLaughlin Inducted into Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame

PPR staff members Brian (Water Tower) and Andy (Disston) McLaughlin recently attended a press event for their father’s induction into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame with the likes of Dick Vermeil, Garry Maddux, Dave Zincoff, Rick McLeish and Lou Nolan. Benny McLaughlin played soccer in the 1948 Olympics, was a member of the 1950 World Cup team, and played and starred in the ASL (named MVP in 1952). Benny McLaughlin is also in the Temple Hall of Fame, the US Hall of Fame, and numerous others.

Bridesburg Swim-A-Thon

The Bridesburg Pool recently held its annual Swim-A-Thon. Under the guidance of Lifeguard II Amanda Eldridge, Swim-A-Thon is a fundraising effort by the Bridesburg Swim teams where the children raise money by swimming laps for sponsorships they've solicited. The more laps they swim, the more money they earn to support the aquatics programs. As a reward, when children pass certain lap criteria, they earn different "swag" (towels, swim team shirts, bathing suits, etc.) And the most laps swam? Doug Devlin swam 100 laps-- in under an hour! A GREAT time was had by all!

Heat Stress Safety Tips

The PPR Safety Unit wants to remind you about the hazards to employees working in extremely hot environments, and the steps that should be taken to prevent our employees from getting a heat-related illness.

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

Please download information on the signs, symptoms and prevention of heat stress , and stay safe this summer!

Find Your Path Story: Chef Peg Botto & Cosmic Cafe

When Cosmic Café opened in 2011, it was a much-needed addition to Lloyd Hall and Boathouse Row. Situated in a prime location at #1 Boathouse Row, Cosmic Café offers fresh and healthy choices to rowers, runners, cyclists, and strollers alike, and has played a large role in turning Boathouse Row from something you see, into something you experience.

Although Chef & Owner Peg Botto started her professional career in human services, she always kept a hand in the restaurant industry, holding part-time jobs and cooking for fun. Peg returned to the kitchen permanently in 1990 after graduating from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, and quickly established herself in the farm-to-table movement. Disappointed by the lack of healthy fare at numerous outdoor festivals, Peg was inspired to create a company in early 2000 that served healthy and delicious food using seasonal, local and organic ingredients. It was at one of these outdoor events that Peg and Cosmic Catering happened to catch the eye of a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation employee who suggested they throw their hat in the ring for the space they now occupy at Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row.

Continue reading about Cosmic Café