PHILADELPHIA – Today, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy Rick Magder, and Ashton Seiwell of Wheel Fun Rentals were joined by community members to launch the 2017 Wheel Fun season at the FDR Boat House.
“We are overjoyed about the reopening of Wheel Fun Rentals at FDR Park,” said Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Wheel Fun makes a regular day at the park more exciting by offering safe and unique opportunities to embrace the park’s beautiful surroundings.”
The season will kick-off this Saturday April 15, at the FDR Boathouse with the inaugural FDR Festival. The festival will feature children’s activities, including a Claymobile for on-site crafts, a petting zoo and an egg hunt with a special appearance by the Easter bunny. There will also be live music from Philadelphia’s own Andorra, and local food trucks, including Cow and the Curd, Nic’s roast Beef, and the Farm Truck. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.
The first 100 guests at the festival will receive a Wheel Fun Rentals Annual Pass providing half-price rentals at both Lloyd Hall and FDR Park. Guests can also look forward to opening-day rates of 20% off all rentals; proceeds will support improvements in Philadelphia parks.
Located conveniently at the north side of FDR Park, Wheel Fun Rentals encourages park exploration with a range of vehicles, from Surreys to cruiser bikes, kayaks to pedal boats. Specializing in unique bikes and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to more than 2.5 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories.
“We’re so excited to kick off our 2017 season with the FDR Festival,” said Ashton Seiwell. “We love being part of the South Philly community, and it’s a great way to celebrate safe, healthy, outdoor fun.”
“I’m happy to be a part of FDR Park’s opening activities,” said Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. “This park is a gem for South Philadelphia residents, giving them access to green space, sports courts and activities available in other parts of the city without having to travel out of their neighborhood.”
FDR Fest is the first of many community events taking place at the park this upcoming season. Other partner events include: Love Your Park Week, Parks on Tap, and monthly Friday night movies starting in June.
“The Friends of FDR Park are excited about the return and expansion of Wheels of Fun at the park. FDR Park accommodates residents from all over the city with a diversity of recreation spaces and we’re appreciative of the leadership of Parks and Recreation and Councilman Johnson for helping to expand these opportunities with Wheels of Fun,” said Todd Pride, President of the Board of Directors.
Guests will have their choice of tandem bikes, cruiser bikes, pedal boats, kayaks, and the family-friendly Surrey seating three and six people (with additional space for two small children in the front basket). Surrey prices start at $25.00 per hour, specialty cycles start at $12.00 per hour, and cruiser bike rental prices are $10.00 per hour. Pedal boats start at $20 an hour and kayaks start at $15 an hour. Annual Pass memberships are available free at the event (normally $12 in addition to full priced rental) and gives members 50% off all future rentals for one year. The pass is valid at over 60 rental locations nationwide.
Full-day and half-day rental options are also available. Safety equipment is included for free with every rental. For hours of operation, pricing, and more information, visit www.wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/Philadelphia-7.