It’s been another busy month at Parks & Rec. From MLK Day of Service to Getaway at the Greenhouse, Philadelphians have been keeping busy through the winter. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the last month.
January 17: Last year, Marie Winchester Playground reopened its doors after five years. 6 ABC’s Beccah Hendrickson spoke with community leaders and Parks & Rec’s Deputy Commissioner Orlando Rendon. They discuss the rec center’s first summer after reopening and plans for future programs.
January 20: On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we remember Dr. King’s message by giving back to our communities. This year, Philadelphians gave back in a big way at events in parks and recreation centers across the city. Fox 29’s Bill Anderson, 6 ABC’s Beccah Hendrickson, and The Inquirer highlighted just a few.
January 24: The 22nd annual Katie Kirlin Junior Wheelchair Basketball Tournament was held at Carousel House Recreation Center. KYW’s Justin Udo, 95.7 BEN FM’s Kristen Herrman, and CBS Philly’s Joe Holden covered the story of these amazing athletes.
January 27: At the end of last month, the world mourned the loss of Philadelphia native Kobe Bryant. Boathouse Row was one of the landmarks glowing purple in his honor following the tragedy. Philly Voice’s Pat Ralph and NBC 10 featured roundups of the city’s tributes.
January 30: “Getaway at the Greenhouse” returned to the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center for a second year. The free event featured food, music, a massive globe, and activities for all ages. KYW’s Hadas Kuznits, WHYY’s Emily Cohen, Metro Philadelphia’s Molly Given, CBS Philly’s Dan Koob, and WFMZ’s Karin Mallett covered the two-week-long event.
February 13: WHYY’s Meir Rinde spoke with Rebuild’s new executive director Kira Strong. She discusses her dream come true of revitalizing Philadelphia’s recreation centers. The Philadelphia Tribune also featured the story.
February 14: LOVE Park was a little more lovely this Valentine’s Day. Three lucky couples got married, thanks to Power 99’s “Rise and Grind Morning Show”. 6 ABC and NBC 10 covered the ceremonies.
February 18: East Falls’ favorite dancers are back in the spotlight! 6 ABC’s Alicia Vitarelli visited Gustine Recreation Center’s father-daughter ballet class. Teachers from E’Chappe Dance Arts host the class every Saturday at Gustine.
February 20: ESPN’s The Undefeated documented the journeys of two polo players from Fairmount Park. They explored the role youth sports play in the black community as a means of opportunity and empowerment.
February 25: The Philadelphia Citizen’s Josh Middleton gave some advice on how to live a greener life in Philadelphia. The top of his list? Plant a free yard tree from TreePhilly!
February 26: Summer is fast approaching, and lifeguard recruitment is in full swing. Thanks to a partnership with the Philadelphia Office of Children and Families’ Community Schools program, certification and training for this years’ applicants will be free. Metro Philadelphia’s Becca Glasser-Baker shared details about the program and the positions.
February 27: Improvements are coming to Mifflin Square Park. The park is the recipient of a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service and a matching grant from the William Penn Foundation and the City of Philadelphia. WHYY’s Catalina Jaramillo spoke with residents about what park improvements will mean to them.
February 28: Wysenia Williams grew up in the neighborhood of East Poplar playground. She wrote an op-ed for the Inquirer sharing what the work done by Rebuild means to her and what it will mean to Philadelphia’s children.
