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Playstreets

Providing a safe, fun place for Philadelphia's children to play each summer.

What we do

More than 50 years ago, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation started Playstreets. This program closes designated streets to traffic so that kids have a safe place to play when school is out. A key feature of the program are the nutritious meals and snacks provided to children. This is important during the summer months when school meals are not available.
 

Playstreets take place in every neighborhood of the city. 300 to 350 city streets take part during the summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At each Playstreet:

  • Playstreet supervisors open and close the streets to traffic each day.
  • Parks & Rec's Summer Food Service Program provides daily lunches or snacks.
  • Participants can use free play equipment and supplies.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch St.
10th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email parksandrecreation@phila.gov

Process and eligibility

To be considered for Playstreets, your block must:

  • Take part in the summer food program. (Serve free meals to children 18 and under).
  • Have a block resident volunteer to be a Playstreet supervisor.
  • Not be within two blocks of another approved Playstreet, playground, or rec center.
  • Be a small, one-way street. No numbered street will be considered unless it is a dead end.
  • Have 75 percent of residents on the block sign the petition agreeing to a Playstreet.

You must fill out an application to be considered for Playstreets status. All applications must go through an approval process before a Playstreets permit is issued.

To apply to be a Playstreet, or to object to an application, call (215) 685-2719 or (215) 685-2720 or email Wydeeia.Williams@phila.gov.


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