Today was a big day for Rebuild! After identifying 64 parks, libraries, and rec centers across the city to receive improvements, the City hosted the first Rebuild groundbreaking at Parkside Fields!

This is a milestone, not just for the Parkside community, but for all Philadelphians. Across the city, it is clear that there are much-needed improvements to our parks, recreation centers and libraries. Now, with funds from the Philadelphia Beverage Tax and the support of City Council, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, we can make the significant investments our communities deserve.

The new Parkside Fields will include two new public athletic fields for the Parkside community and the surrounding schools and sports programs in the neighborhood. Youth throughout this West Philadelphia community will be able to practice and play in brand new spaces!

Stay tuned, there’s much more to come! With the funds from the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, more projects will begin in early 2019 at Vare Recreation Center, Olney Recreation Center, Frank Glavin Memorial Playground (A&W Playground), Heitzman Recreation Center, and Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center. These critical investments will support the growth of our city from beginning to end—from supporting the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in each project to developing safe, modern environments where our children can play, learn, and grow.

“For too long we have under-resourced our public spaces,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Now that the Beverage Tax has been upheld, we can make this investment in our neighborhoods. But this isn’t just an investment in a field.This is an investment in our residents and the future of this community. Our residents have waited long enough and the time has come to provide them with the high-quality facilities they deserve.”