APRIL, 2015

Dear Friends:

I was both extremely pleased and proud that our very own Barbara McCabe, PPR’s Director of Stewardship, was named the 2015 recipient of the Richardson Dilworth Award for Distinguished Public Service in February. The award recognizes the contributions of outstanding public employees whose work performance embodies excellence in public service. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Barb, and I view her acknowledgement as validation of the work we do daily.

In addition to Barb’s recognition, other PPR accomplishments have drawn positive attention to the department recently. The distribution of our “Pathport to PPR” provided staff, citizen partners and City leadership with a better sense of the department’s scope, function and structure. On March 5, Mayor Michael Nutter delivered his budget address, committing $3.9 million for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to launch a new office dedicated to youth workforce learning and development through expansion of its existing summer jobs program, the establishment of a year-round career development program, and the creation of a transitional jobs program. I invite you to join me in mid-April for a conversation about our past successes and the impact of this budget increase on the future of the department.

We are proud of all of you for this public acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication you have committed to your department responsibilities. Thank you for your public service!

Barbara McCabe Receives Dilworth Award

On February 27, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced Barbara McCabe, Director of Stewardship at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, as the recipient of the fourth annual Richardson Dilworth Award for Distinguished Public Service. The Dilworth Award recognizes the contributions of outstanding city employees whose work embodies excellence in public service.

“Barbara McCabe started at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation at a very young age and has been with us ever since,” said Mayor Nutter. “Barbara is a model public servant who has had a distinguished career working with park volunteers to inspire civic engagement and helping keep our parks and recreation facilities beautiful. Not only does she help organize and manage hundreds of volunteers, but she is not above doing the work on the ground. She personally participates in many parks cleanups, attends evening community meetings and generally goes above and beyond. I am pleased to recognize her exceptional work. I also want to congratulate the winners of the two new awards, Detective Joseph Murray and Ann Hornbach from the Free Library. The work that our winners do make this City the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Continue reading about Barb’s career and the Dilworth Award

View pictures from the Dilworth Awards ceremony

All-staff Meetings

A conversation with Deputy Mayor/Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis about youth workforce development opportunities for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. All PPR staff are strongly encouraged to attend.

Free Trees for Philly Yards!

Pre-register now for up to two free trees to plant in a yard on private property! Choose between a variety of species – including fruit trees – and select one of three pick-up events (details below). Walk-in participants will be accepted at the end of each event while supplies last.

Refer a Friend Raffle! Previous and current participants can refer a friend or neighbor for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Apple store! See treephilly.org for details.

TreePhilly Spring 2015 Pick-up Events
Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St, 19137)
Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Eastwick Regional Park (80th St & Mars Place, 19153)
Saturday, April 11, 2-4 p.m.

Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Veree Rd, 19115)
Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Register from March 2–April 1, 2015 at treephilly.org or by calling (215) 683-0217.

Job & Opportunity Fair

Saturday, March 28, 12-2 p.m.

Lawncrest Recreation Center (6000 Rising Sun Avenue)

Are you looking for a summer job? Something fun to do this summer? Join us to learn more about summer employment and program opportunities at our pools, camps and camp programs.

We have job opportunities for ages 14 and up, and camp opportunities for ages 6 to 18.

Info session: 12:30-1 p.m.

We Need YOU to Help Plan This Year’s Picnic

The PPR Annual Picnic Planning Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, March 31 at 1p.m. at Gustine Recreation Center. Everyone is encouraged to attend and help us make this year’s picnic the best one yet!

Painting Instruction at Water Tower Rec Center

Water Tower Recreation Center will host an introductory/intermediate painting class designed to introduce new students to the skills required to accurately render what they see and for the more advanced artist to gain some visual and creative practice in drawing and painting that will enhance any artistic endeavors.

The class objective is to provide the "tools" necessary to draw and paint with confidence and to develop within the student the ability to see the world the way artists see. From there, assignments will lead the student to express their own individual creativity.

There will be six two-hour classes offered for $75 on Thursday evenings, April 9-May 14, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. Walk-ins will be welcome for $15 per class. Easels will be provided for participants and all painting mediums are welcome. Artists should bring their own supplies.

Continue reading about the class and its instructor

3rd Annual Tacony Creek Park Healthy Trails 5k

The third annual Healthy Trails 5K run/walk in Tacony Creek Park will take place on Sunday, April 19. This event is on a fully paved, stroller and pet friendly trail. Bring the whole family!

Proceeds from the race support programs and stewardship in Tacony Creek Park.

Learn more about the Healthy Trails 5K and register.

2015 Summer Rowing Camp at Lloyd Hall

Have you ever dreamed of rowing on the river? Are you interested in learning how to row? Well, here is a great opportunity for local teenagers to do just that.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will offer 4 two-week sessions, for youth ages 13 to 17 years old, beginning on Monday, June 29, 2015. Classes are $25 per session. During each session, young Philadelphians will be taught the basics of the sport. Camp is held at Lloyd Hall on historic Boathouse Row. The camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast and a snack will be provided. Campers must bring their own lunch.

Download the Rowing Camp Information Packet (PDF) to learn more and register.

Sheep Shearing at Fox Chase Farm

The 2015 Fox Chase Farm Sheep Shearing Festival will take place on Saturday, April 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Watch as sheep are sheared, help card wool and enjoy hayrides, crafts, games, live music and more. $3 adults and children.

Kendrick Soccer Stars

Beginning this spring Kendrick Recreation Center, in partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania, introduces Kendrick Soccer Stars, the center’s first adapted soccer program for children with intellectual disabilities. The program, open to ages 8-12, will take place every Thursday evening. All skill levels are welcome, and the program is free! For additional information, please call (215) 685-2584.

2015 Trail Permits

All mountain bike and equestrian trail users over the age of 16 are required to have a permit on the upper trails of Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park. Users are encouraged to obtain a permit for all other parks. Permits are required when using: bicycles, horses, carriages, horse-drawn vehicles and other non-motorized, wheeled vehicles.

Apply for a 2015 PPR Trail Permit

Lloyd Hall Spring Craft Show

Saturday, April 11, 2015, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

• Outdoors at #1 Boathouse Row

• Over 40 local vendors

• Catering by Cosmic Café

• Live music

Email lloydhall.staff@gmail.com for more info.

Rain date: TBD

2015 Philadelphia Games Sign-up Event

Saturday, April 18, 2015

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Simons Recreation Center, 7200 Woolston Avenue (Walnut Lane & Woolston Avenue)

Learn about the Philadelphia Games for adults 50+, register to participate in the Games, and meet other athletes! Plus, you can enjoy refreshments and get $5 (50%) off your registration fees by signing up at this event.

Learn more about this Sign-up Event

Reimagining the Civic Commons

Can civic places, including libraries, parks, trails, plazas and community centers, be reimagined to make cities more successful? The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and William Penn Foundation are investing $11 million in an initiative led by Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Conservancy to test this idea. The initiative will explore whether reinventing and connecting these public places as a network of civic assets will help cities attract and keep talented workers, advance economic opportunity, encourage residents to become more engaged in shaping their communities, and begin to level the playing field between more affluent communities and those in need.

Learn more about the five selected projects on Philadelphia Parks & Recreation land reaching from Bartram’s Mile to Lovett Park

Junior Farmers Updates

As the snow melts outside, Junior Farmers gardens at recreation centers around the city are beginning to come to life! This warm weather tells us that it’s time to plant peas, carrots, beets, radishes and greens in the gardens. In the greenhouse at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, we’re also growing seedlings of our warm weather crops, like tomatoes, basil, peppers and raspberries, to be planted outside in the end of April. Our team of garden educators is beginning to go out to sow seeds with children in after school programs, and they are collaborating with the PowerCorps PHL program to build several new gardens around the city over the course of the spring.

The Junior Farmers Program is excited to welcome our six regional garden educators for this season:

• Allie Wilson (Northeast)

• Anthony Smith (Lower Northeast)

• Sarah Morris (Central North)

• Sarah Mueller (Northwest)

• Chas Ryan (South)

 

The garden educators will be teaching the kids about caring for their internal and external ecosystems as they care for and harvest from the gardens at their rec centers. We’re looking forward to an exciting season of cultivating young gardeners with the Junior Farmers program!

 

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Bike Share at Dendy Playground

The City of Philadelphia is instituting Indego, its bike share program debuting in April 2015, with the installation and operation of bicycles to rent at various locations within the city. The first phase of the program will highlight the North Central section of the city. Dendy Playground was selected as one of the first Indego locations where people can access bicycles. For more information, visit www.rideindego.com or www.phila.gov/bikeshare.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway Streetscape Improvements

As you may have noticed, construction has begun on the latest phase of the Parkway public realm improvements. The work has started with replacement of the curb and pavement on the Logan Square triangle between the Four Seasons Hotel and Sister Cities Park. The project includes complete replacement of curbs and sidewalks between Logan Square and 16th Street, as well as new trees, enhanced plantings, site furnishings and a new irrigation system.

The $4.2M construction project is completely funded and managed by PennDOT, in coordination with PPR and the Department of Public Property. Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2015, with some planting occurring in 2016.

Download an overview of Parkway Streetscape Improvements

Video: The World is as Big or as Small as You Make It

A winner of the Sundance Institute Short Film Challenge, The World is as Big or as Small as You Make It is a powerful short documentary that profiles youth experiences at two of PPR’s recreation centers: Houseman and C.B. Moore.

From the filmmakers’ website: “The World is as Big or as Small as You Make It explores an innovative program where local kids ages 12-15 gather at a neighborhood rec center in North Philadelphia and use their phones and iPads to forge friendships with their peers across the world. For children who have often never left their hometown, these exchanges prove to be both touching and surprising, giving them exposure to new corners of planet Earth. Tools that have been used only for texting friends, taking selfies and making social plans become a witness to the great (and sometimes unfulfilled) potential that exists in their own back yards.”

Watch The World is as Big or as Small as You Make It

Photo: Snow Tubing at Spring Mountain

On February 21, children from Athletic, Cruz, Gathers, McIlvain and Tower recreation centers and Pennypack Environmental Center went snow tubing at Spring Mountain. Everyone had a great day and made it home safely!

Find Your Path Story: Frederick S. Purnell, Sr.

I grew up at 25th and Harlan Street in late 1960s and early 1970s North Philadelphia. Harlan, a dead-end street, backed up to the Philadelphia Police Garage directly across from Athletic Recreation Center, or “the Rec” as everybody in the neighborhood called it. A respected establishment, the Rec acted as a major alternative to gangs and the allure of the street, and is where I spent a majority of my childhood (I can even remember the hours of operation!). Offering a diverse array of programs to the neighborhood children, the Rec immersed us in a world of summer camps, arts & crafts, drama, sports leagues, home economics, and after school help. As a majority of the Rec staff were also teachers in the public school system, the Rec established a consistency of learning in our lives and a created a safe and positive location to spend time after school and in the summer.

Continue reading Mr. Purnell’s “Find Your Path” story

American Legion Recognized for National History Month Participation

On Wednesday, March 18, students from the American Legion Playground after school program, along with Recreation Specialty Instructor Jesse Newton, joined representatives from throughout Pennsylvania for National History Day at the Constitution Center. This was the tenth year American Legion participated in the event, and the group received a special recognition for this milestone.

Each year, thousands of middle and high school students and teachers across the United States participate in National History Day, a year-long educational program that culminates in a national contest every June. Students compete in a local contest. The winners move on to a state competition.

Those winners move on to the national competition in Washington. Along the way, every participant gains first-hand experience conducting historical research and producing a documentary, exhibit, essay, performance, or website.

Photo: PPR Receives Outstanding Energy Performance Award

On February 25, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation received the Outstanding Energy Performance Award from the City of Philadelphia’s Energy Office for its implementation of the field lighting policy. The award was accepted by Michael Mecchella, Director of Operational Standards & Energy Efficiency at PPR.

What’s in a Name?

South Philadelphia’s Capitolo Playground is named in honor of Dr. Nicola Capitolo, a local physician who treated patients in South Philly for free during the Great Depression.

Francisville Playground's Black History Month Celebration

On February 28, Francisville Playground celebrated Black History Month with performances and readings. Many of Francisville's after-school children participated, reading about prominent black men and women such as George Washington Carver and Sojourner Truth. They also danced, sang and played musical instruments. In addition, information researched by the children was on display, showcasing such luminaries as Dorothy Dandridge and Langston Hughes. Everyone came away from the event having learned something new.

Photos: Maple Sugaring Lessons

Above: PPR Environmental Educator Trish Fries leads a maple sugaring lesson with a Mommy & Me group at Wissahickon Environmental Center. Like Wissahickon Environmental Center on Facebook for park events and pictures!

Thank You Letter: District 2 Holiday Food Drive

Download the letter received by Disston Recreation Center from Feast of Justice in thanks for the 1,253 pounds of food collected along with Bridesburg Recreation Center during the District 2 Holiday Food Drive. Together, the recreation center donations resulted in food baskets for 950 Northeast Philadelphia households.

Collazo Playground Groundbreaking

On March 17, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, along with Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, and partners from the Trust for Public Land, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Philadelphia Water Department, broke ground on improvements to Jose Manuel Collazo Playground in North Philadelphia.

The project, part of the Green2015 plan, will feature expanded handball and basketball courts to account for the high volume of players, play equipment, a water spray ground, and a common area for community gatherings and events like outdoor bingo. The playground will also include a rain garden and underground water storage areas to manage stormwater runoff.

View additional pictures from the Collazo Playground groundbreaking

Energy-saving Tip of the Month

1 LED= 2.5 CFLs or 25 incandescent, if the bulb is on for 3 hours per day. Consider replacing your incandescent bulbs or CFLs with LED bulbs. They are longer lasting, energy efficient, and don't need to be changed as often which is great for hard to access spaces!

45th Annual PAL Day at City Hall

Eighteen youth from the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL) were given a firsthand look at local government through an empowering career-development program, the 45th Annual Lockheed Martin PAL Day at City Hall on January 23.

PAL Day co-founder Sally Berlin, who passed away in 2014 after many distinguished years of service to PAL, was honored with a tribute from the City and a commemorative plaque for her pioneering efforts. Local businessman Ron Rubin, Berlin's nephew, received the plaque in her memory and spoke fondly of his aunt's accomplishments.

Berlin’s friends and PPR First Deputy Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, a former PAL Commanding Officer, praised Berlin for her outstanding leadership and inspiring commitment to the community.

March Madness Photo Contest!

PPR Staff, want to win a “Find Your Path” hooded sweatshirt? Be one of the first from your work unit to send us a picture of yourself or your colleagues on the job, along with a caption that explains how your work makes a difference for PPR or the community, and you could win a zipped or pullover hooded sweatshirt!*

Email your picture, caption and shirt size to parksandrecreation@phila.gov as soon as possible to enter!** The first quality entry from each work unit will receive a shirt.

*While supplies last. Sizes limited to S, M, L, XL and XXL.

** By submitting a picture, you grant PPR the right to use that image on social media, the web, future newsletters and other promotional materials.

Ridding Hissey Playground of Needles

“HISSEY IS OVERRUN WITH NEEDLES!!!” This is the email I woke up to just days before the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day was to take place at the playground. As the Parks & Recreation Department hurried to take action at Hissey, my friend and resident superhero DJ Patty-Pat declared that she and I would go to the playground the next day to remove the needles. I had heard stories from the Friends of Hissey Playground about the needle problem, but it wasn’t until I actually removed the needles myself that I realized how big of a problem it truly was.

They were everywhere: by the playground equipment, basketball court, baseball dugout, and all the benches. The thought of a kid innocently playing in his or her community playground and being pricked by a potentially life-threatening needle haunted me for the next couple of days. Luckily, Patty-Pat and I removed them in time for the MLK Service Day, but what about all the other days and future events planned for the upcoming year? Something needed to be done.

Continue reading about the Hissey Playground cleanup

Last Chance to Pitch Your Passion to Parks and Rec Commission

The Commission is eager to hear your ideas for improving the parks and recreation system. It has received a number of outstanding "pitches" via the Pitch Your Passion Facebook page and at the Commission's public meetings. There's still time to submit your idea, so check out the guidelines for submission on the Facebook page for Pitch Your Passion and start Pitchin'!

Donations Needed: Bingo for the Blind

I am writing to you on behalf of the individuals who participate in the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation "Bingo for the Blind" event. This event is held bi-yearly at the City of Philadelphia Carousel House Recreation Center. This wonderful event is a night out of playing bingo and being with friends for over 100 participants who are visually impaired. Our next event will take place on Friday May I5, 2015, and we could use your assistance.

District 3 has been solely dependent on donations from city staff, along with advisory councils, to fund this event. These funds provide beverages (coffee, water, iced tea, etc.), baked goods and prizes. Gift cards starting at $5 and up and monetary donations are also accepted. This year, we are reaching out to the community and asking local organizations and businesses to assist us with this event. Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated.

While we do not want to rush you in your generous decision making, we are hoping to have your commitment by Monday April 13, 2015. All donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact Kathleen Tunney at Sturgis Recreation Center at (215) 685-2877. Thank you for any and all attention you can pay to this matter.

Video: Bridesburg Rec After School Program

Watch the February 2015 Bridesburg After School Program slideshow report, featuring a trip to the Arden Theatre, Frozen Week and Valentine’s Day crafts!

Sustainable Land Care Training

On March 12, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation launched a 6-month Sustainable Land Care Training program for Grounds Maintenance Worker 1s, Recreation Facility Caretaker 1s and Seasonal Maintenance Attendants.

The program, developed by PPR staff member and longtime trainer Nic Esposito, aims to assess the needs and structure of current department land care operations, and to provide carefully identified staff with training and capacity building in sustainable land care. Building off of the curriculum from the 2013 Sustainable Land Care trainings, of which he was the main facilitator, Nic has worked with Executive and Operations staff to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of that training and to develop a new curriculum that will increase the capacity for sustainable land care practices that appropriately and effectively impact the existing PPR Grounds Maintenance and Facility Caretaker structure.

Session topics include tool use, turf management and weed control, and seasonal maintenance. The training has been certified by PPR, and successful completion will qualify all attendees to take civil service advancement tests.

Grounds Maintenance Workers, Facility Caretakers and Seasonal Maintenance Attendants are the front line to the upkeep of PPR parkland and facilities. By equipping these workers with 21st century sustainable skills that account for and work within their existing duties and labor structure, PPR has an incredible opportunity to greatly enhance the quality of city landscapes and recreation centers.

Tarken Championship Game

On March 11, Tarken Ice Rink held a championship game for its 10-13 year-old hockey league. The rink was jammed packed with parents, grandparents, siblings and neighbors who all came out to cheer on the participants as well as see a good hockey game. They were not disappointed.

The players began the night by participating in an award ceremony for two long-time employees at the rink: RSI Tom Gendaszeak and former Recreation Leader Bruce Mann who were each presented with a plaque from the Tarken staff. The players were pumped up and ready to go, and after a brief delay waiting for the national anthem to play, the game began. Both teams spent the early part of the game feeling each other out until Black opened the scoring on the power play followed quickly by Gray. The rest of the first period and the second period was a tight defensive game, and the score remained tied at 1 into the third and final period. Both teams traded three goals in the third, and the game was deadlocked and heading into overtime to decide the champion. With everyone in the rink now on edge, the teams lined up to begin the overtime period. They didn’t have to wait long for a winner, with the puck in front of the Gray goal a frantic scramble ensued. Somehow the puck found its way out into the open, and the Black team was able to slam it home for the game winner while the crowd went wild. It was a memorable ending to a great season of hockey.

John McBride: Voice of WMGK

Congrats to Bridesburg Recreation Leader John McBride, who won WMGK.com’s Video Greeter contest in February. Watch John’s winning welcome video for the radio station’s new website.