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SEPTEMBER, 2015 |
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Best of Philly Awards |
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Congratulations to this year’s Philadelphia Magazine Best of Philly winners from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation:
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Invisible River
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On Saturday, August 29 from 2-8 p.m., witness INVISIBLE RIVER 2015, an arts festival in East Fairmount Park on the Schuylkill River. Festival activities include a drum line processional down to the river, boat rentals on the Schuylkill, interactive art about the Schuylkill, food vendors and a beer garden. The grand finale is a performance on water-- 22 stand-up paddleboard dancers encircling the Strawberry Mansion Bridge while aerialists descend from above it! Paid and free boat rentals are available. To purchase a boat ticket for the finale, reserve a boat rental, and find out more information about the event, please visit www.invisibleriver.org.
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East Park Canoe House Groundbreaking
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On July 30, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis, Temple University President Neil D. Theobold and H.F. Gerry Lenfest, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the East Park Canoe House, which will serve as the home for the Philadelphia Police Marine Unit and Temple University’s rowing and crew teams. In total, the Canoe House will receive more than $5 million of renovations, including $3 million from the Lenfest Foundation and $2.5 million from the City of Philadelphia.
The project, which is expected to be completed in 12-18 months, will restore the building’s exterior, renovate office and storage space for Temple’s rowing and crewing team and the Philadelphia Police Department Marine Unit, provide new locker rooms and update the public restrooms. The PPD Marine Unit will be located on the second floor of the facility, providing increased visibility up and down the river.
Continue reading about the East Park Canoe House groundbreaking
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2015-2016 After School Programs
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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s After School Programs provide safe places and structured activity during non-school hours for children to learn and grow. Children receive homework assistance, play games, participate in sports and experience enhanced visual and performing arts programming. Additional supports include a conflict resolution unit, snacks, and a bus trip to a museum or entertainment venue. Healthy snacks are served each day.
Our programs operate Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Download our list of 2015-2016 After School Program facilities to find one near you.
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Belmont Plateau Hall of Fame Classic
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Sunday, August 30, 9 a.m.
Celebrate 50 years of the Belmont Plateau at the 1st Annual Belmont Plateau Cross Country Classic. Run on this historic, iconic Philadelphia course and see the new trail signage made possible by fundraising efforts from the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Register for the 1-mile run/walk or 5,000-meter race
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Playstreet Book Club Pilot Program
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Caption: Photo by Kait Privitera, City of Philadelphia |
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This summer, Mayor Michael A. Nutter launched the Playstreet Book Club, a pilot program that aims to help address summer reading loss among children who receive USDA-funded free summer meals. The Book Club operates at select locations by providing children with five free, take-home books. The Playstreet Book Club, which is administered by Fun Safe Philly Summer in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Foster Grandparents, Nutritional Development Services, and Mayor’s Office staff and volunteers, also offers literacy assessments and activities led by Foster Grandparents, a Senior Corps program of the Corporation for National & Community Service. In total, the Playstreet Book Club has provided approximately 2,500 books to about 500 children at 16 meal sites across the city.
Learn more about the Playstreet Book Club Pilot Program
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Highlights from The Oval
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With more than 70,000 visitors during its six weeks of free games, movie nights, concerts and workshops, the third summer season of The Oval was a big success! Thank you to all of the staff, partners and sponsors who made Philadelphia’s “Park on the Parkway” possible, and thanks to everyone who visited.
Video: Making of Summer Kaleidoscope at The Oval
Watch the Mural Arts Program’s footage of Baltimore-based artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn (“Jessie & Katey”) paint this year’s “Summer Kaleidoscope” theme at The Oval.
Junior Farmers visit The Oval
In late July, Youth Growers from all over the city gathered at The Oval on a sunny Friday afternoon to celebrate their hard work and enjoy the literal fruits of their labor. Junior Farmers from 8th and Diamond Playground in North Philly, accompanied by Garden Educator Sarah Morris, represented Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s youth urban agriculture programming.
Continue reading about the Youth Farmers Market at The Oval
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Community Fishing Days at the Fish Hatchery in Pleasant Hill Park
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PPR's Stewardship Division is proud to host Community Fishing Days at Pleasant Hill Park for kids under 16 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Rods, bait and basic instruction provided. This Saturday program is FREE, and it’s First Come, First Fish! The Fall Fishing Program runs from Saturday, September 12 through Saturday, November 14, 2015, which just happens to be LOVE YOUR PARK DAY!
Please cast your line and spread the word! Download the Community Fishing Days flyer.
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Photo: Jazz in the Park
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This summer, Morris Estate Cultural Center hosted a series of Jazz in the Park concerts on its football field. The series was sponsored by City Councilwoman Cindy Bass and State Representative Stephen Kinsey; run by Serena Sol Brown; and attended by many West Oak Lane neighbors!
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Boxers’ Trail 5K Run & Walk
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On September 12, 2015, walk or run the scenic cliff paths of the Boxers’ Trail in East Fairmount Park where heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier trained.
Proceeds from the Boxers’ Trail 5K benefit East Fairmount Park and Mander Recreation Center, which organizes youth programs, including runs along the Boxers’ Trail.
Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. Register for the Boxers’ Trail 5K.
Also, stick around for Strawberry Mansion Day at Mander Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 12.
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New Engineers Blossom on STEM Day(A special post written by our friends at Villanova University)
By Hanna Quinn ’16 ChE
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In January 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $1 million grant to Villanova University to study urban stormwater management in Philadelphia. Post-doc Kim DiGiovanni, PhD, and Civil Engineering Associate Professor Bridget Wadzuk, PhD, members of the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership, hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Day as a part of this grant. On July 31, 35 children ages 5 to 12 came to Villanova’s campus for a day filled with activities related to water resources and civil engineering.
The STEM Day participants were from the Roosevelt Park Playground location of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation REACH Summer Camp program. REACH includes Villanova in its mission to promote an appreciation for the environment and outdoors through wellness services. In addition to STEM Day, Villanova runs monthly STEM activities with the REACH after school program.
Continue reading about Roosevelt Playground Summer Camp’s visit to Villanova University
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2015 Philly Fun Fishing Fest
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Enjoy a morning of free catch-and-release fishing and friendly competition on Schuylkill Banks! The Fishing Fest is perfect for anglers of all ages and level of experience. No fishing license is required during the fishing competition and fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. The fishing portion of the event will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 7 a.m. to 11 a. m. on Schuylkill Banks by Walnut Street, with an awards ceremony at 11:30. Prizes will be awarded in various categories (must be present to claim prize).
Registration and Release of Liability are required to fish at the Fishing Fest. Visit http://www.phillywatersheds.org/fishingfest for links to both of these or call 215-685-6300. The registration must be completed ahead of time, and the release form must be brought on the day of the event in order to participate.
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A2O: Arts & Artists Outdoors
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Join Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program for the next year of A2O: Arts & Artists Outdoors, a free after school program that engages students (ages 10-14) in environmental art-making and an exploration of their local green space in order to cultivate an appreciation of the natural and environmental assets of Philadelphia.
Students meet with a local artist twice a week at their recreation center to engage in hands-on arts activities that highlight the natural resources of their neighborhood.
Fall 2015: October 5-December 10
Spring 2016: March 7-May 12
Participating Sites:
- Chew Playground, 1800 Washington Avenue
- Dorsey Playground, 6501 Hegerman Street
- Mander Recreation Center, 2140 N 33rd Street
- Mill Creek Playground, 743-81 N 48th Street
- Wright Recreation Center, 3320-50 Haverford Avenue
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Did You Know that PPR Has Jewels that Shimmer Along the River? By Robin Klink
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That’s right; PPR has an array of access points that connect visitors and communities to the North Delaware riverfront. One of our recent acquisitions happened in the summer of 2014 when the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission transferred the Frankford & Tacony boat launches over to Parks & Recreation. This summer is our first full season operating the reconfigured Frankford launch area due to the plant expansion of the delicatessen foods giant Dietz and Watson. Discover the offerings of the other sparkling sites that dot our waterfront corridor:
- Frankford Boat Launch (Tacony St.): Offers plenty of parking for boat launch, fishing or just relaxing at the water’s edge
- Glen Foerd on the Delaware (Grant Ave. & State Rd.): A stately Italianate mansion with sweeping views of the river from their beautifully landscaped grounds. This facility is open year-round and offers weekend tours.
Continue reading about North Delaware riverfront parks
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Available PPR Jobs
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Visit http://ph.ly/PPR_Jobs for information on the following positions:
- Workforce Recreation Specialty Instructors
- Communications Associate
Both opportunities have an application deadline of August 31
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Photo: Speak Up, Lace ‘em Up Event
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On August 10, Mayor Michael Nutter, District Attorney Seth Williams and other City leaders visited Simons Recreation Center for conversations with Mount Airy youth and adults about community concerns, followed by a basketball game.
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Reminder: Movie Nights in Parks |
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The Outdoor Movie Night season is winding down, but it’s not over yet! Check out our list of 2015 movie nights for remaining screenings at:
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Starr Garden Playground
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Hagert Playground
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Shot Tower Playground
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Clark Park
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Hawthorne Park
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Schuylkill Banks
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Video: Citywide Youth Swim Meet |
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On August 12, the PPR swim team season culminated with the Annual Youth Swim Meet at Lee Cultural Center. Top finishers from district swim meets competed in 32 different individual events and 5 relays. Watch a video recap of the Youth Swim Meet.
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National Night Out at Marconi Plaza
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On August 3, nearly 300 individuals gathered in South Philadelphia’s Marconi Plaza for the National Night Out Kick-off Rally. The annual event aimed at promoting and improving police-community partnerships in Philadelphia neighborhoods was presented by Town Watch Integrated Services in partnership with the Friends of Marconi Plaza, and enabled police officers from the 1st, 3rd and 17th Districts, neighborhood organizations, and local citizens to gather their resources and mingle amongst each other. Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and Councilman David Oh were present to address the crowd, noting the importance of community relations with the Police Department in improving the safety of all Philadelphia neighborhoods and acknowledging the extensive and disciplined work of the officers in attendance. Throughout the three-hour event, participants enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, lawn games, free face painting, and live entertainment--some coming from the police officers themselves! Notably, Lieutenant Penn from the 17th District surprised everyone with an inspiring rendition of “Listen” from the feature film Dreamgirls. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation was present at the highly successful event to provide department and program information, as well as field questions, and enjoy an evening out with the citizens that we serve on a daily basis.
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Photo: 2015 Golf Camp
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The last session of PPR’s summer golf camp wrapped up on August 7. Watch out for these pros on the green!
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Find Your Path Story: Houston Engagement
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Houston Playground tends to hold a special place in a lot of people’s hearts. The recreation center is known for its wonderful facilities, sports leagues, and day camps. Where kids can go to be kids, foster friendships, and enjoy the beauty of nature. For Mollie and Ryan, Houston is an extra special place.
As kids, Mollie and Ryan could always be found at Houston hanging with friends and exploring the playground. Little did they know, years down the line, the same place that provided them with countless childhood memories would also be the place that would bring them together. The couple met in the summer of 2005 at Houston and started dating in July of 2008.
Continue reading about Mollie and Ryan’s Houston engagement
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Videos: Bridesburg Summer Camp
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Find out what happened at Bridesburg Rec Center’s Day Camp during Week 5, Week 6 and Week 7!
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Energy-saving Tip
Provided by the Office of Sustainability |
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Set thermostats to 78°F in summer, 68°F in winter.
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