Announcement
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Providing information and updates about COVID-19 in Philadelphia.
Announcements
Announcement
PPP Application Deadline Extended to May 31
The deadline for the federal Paycheck Protection Program has been extended from March 31 to May 31, 2021. Businesses that did not receive funding from the program last year are given first priority, but all businesses that employ 0-300 people, including sole-proprietors, are eligible to apply; this includes businesses that received PPP loans in 2020. Learn more about how to apply.
Announcement
Parks & Rec Permits Update
Parks & Rec is now accepting permits for more activities in our parks, fields, and recreation facilities.
Effective March 16, 2021, Parks & Rec will issue permits for the following activities:
OUTDOORS
Picnics
Parks & Rec offers a wide variety of sites for picnics.
- Picnic sites serve 20-30 people.
- Pavilions can hold up to 100 people.
- Current Health guidelines limit social gatherings to 100 people.
Friends and community group events
Parks & Rec issues permits to Park Friends groups and community groups for events at neighborhood parks.
Outdoor recreation and athletics
Parks & Rec fields and courts offer space for group activities. You need a permit to reserve a recreation facility or field.
- All sports are allowed outdoors.
- Fields are available for permitted use.
- Masks must be worn at all times when a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained.
- Maximum participation (includes players, coaches, and spectators):
- 100 people on fields.
- 50 people on courts.
Special events
- Parks & Rec Special Events Office will review applications for any event over 100 people.
- Special event permit applicants must also submit a COVID-19 Operating Plan to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for approval.
➡️ Get a permit for a large event for festival.
Weddings
Media projects including videos, photos, and film
➡️ Use this form to apply for a permit to film or take still photos on Parks & Rec property.
INDOORS
Indoor recreation and athletics.
Parks & Rec facilities are open for group recreation and athletics. You need a permit to reserve a recreation facility or field for group activity.
- All sports are allowed indoors.
- Maximum participation (includes players, coaches, and spectators):
- Gymnasiums: Up to 50 people per gym, 35 for smaller gyms.
- Other rooms: permitted to allow at least 40 square feet per person.
- No more than two indoor programs can be held at the same time in each facility.
- Indoor permit holders must attend and be responsible for the content of the Standard Operating Procedure Training hosted by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation staff.
- All participants will have to complete and sign a screening form.
Announcement
DEADLINE EXTENDED: New Grant Opportunity for Hospitality Businesses
The Pennsylvania COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) is the new $145 million statewide fund created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support businesses in the hospitality industry severely impacted by the pandemic.
Eligible businesses include restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, small hotels, and bed and breakfasts.
Philadelphia County is receiving over $17 million in funding to provide grants to eligible businesses through this program. Grants are available to eligible businesses in the range from $5,000 – $50,000.
Announcement
Get Virtual One-on-One Assistance from the Office of Business Services
Beginning in March, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services is launching “Zoom With Us,” virtual one-on-one business support sessions to help Philadelphia businesses plan, launch, manage, and grow.
Learn more and register for an open session!
The Office of Business Services helps business owners navigate City services, understand business regulations, as well as assist entrepreneurs through the process of opening, operating, and growing a business in Philadelphia. They can be reached at business@phila.gov.
