PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, and community members celebrated the completion of the $2.8 million dollar renovation to Stenton Park.
Renovations included the removal and replacement of outdated play equipment and site furnishings. Walkways were replaced, and now connect the recreation building and playground to the rest of the site, which includes the historic Stenton Mansion (also known as the James Logan Home), an open-air performance stage, and sport fields.
“The dynamic upgrades to Stenton Park are an incredible addition to this community,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I know that community members of all ages and abilities will enjoy the additional programming opportunities available at the enlarged building, the new picnic tables, spray features, adult fitness equipment, and six new play structures. ”
Outside, new play and picnic tables were installed, as well as in-ground and vertical spray features and fitness equipment. The entire facility was redesigned so it could be accessible to people of all ages and abilities and includes new lighting, benches, and plantings.
“I am thrilled to dedicate such exciting and inclusive additions to Stenton Park,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “The artwork commissioned by Ms. Oliver creates an attractive public space for engagement, inquiry, and exploration, which is the goal for all of our wonderful public spaces throughout the city.”
The project also contains an original public artwork commissioned by the City Of Philadelphia’s Percent For Art Program. Titled School is Out, this work was created by Philadelphia-based and internationally renowned artist Karyn Olivier. This public art commission consists of an interactive blackboard and twenty granite pavers, engraved with quotes. The quotes in the granite pavers are largely drawn from James Logan’s philosophical treatise Of the Duties of Man.
“This Stenton Park project is one of the most exciting things I’ve been able to be a part of. My office has an initiative called Reclaiming Our Public Spaces. When I first took office in 2012, I heard repeatedly that neighbors did not go to Stenton Park. But, over the past several years, through our summer events series, and through this outstanding $2.8 million project, we are changing that narrative. This project is an important step and we’re going to continue to change that narrative and reclaim our public spaces,” said Councilwoman Cindy Bass. “I want to thank the Stenton Park Advisory Council, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department, Mayor Jim Kenney, and Senator Sharif Street for all of their work on this. For those who live here, who are active here, we need you and we will support you.”
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.