“Seeing the smiling faces of each child visiting the newly upgraded playgrounds and recreation centers make this work worthwhile,” said Kira Strong, Executive Director of Rebuild.
It’s the smiles for everyone on Rebuild’s team — and this summer those smiles lit up Philadelphia. Rebuild crossed the finish line on a summer full of numerous groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings throughout the city—with many more on their way through the end of the year.
With the historic investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and libraries across Philadelphia—Rebuild has proven that this investment will consistently light up Philadelphia bringing joy to children, parents, and families throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.
Haven’t heard about Rebuild’s summer fun? Check out the recap below!
On July 21st, Rebuild cut the ribbon at 8th and Diamond Playground, totaling a $2.2 investment. Improvements included an expanded recreation center with investments made to accommodate future programming needs. Playground renovations focused on dynamic activities with climbing structures, family-oriented swing systems, “old school” pavement games such as hop-scotch, and a universally accessible sprayground for those hot summer days and updated basketball courts. Dana Clark, recreation leader at 8th & Diamond calls the upgrades the “New Era of 8th and Diamond!”
In Southwest Philadelphia, Mayor Kenney joined the Philadelphia Union Foundation, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, City officials and community members on August 10th to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated athletic courts at Francis J. Myers playground and recreation center. The upgrades included a brand new, state-of-the-art soccer mini pitch, renovated tennis courts with new nets and fencing; along with updated, repainted, and lined basketball courts with new backboards and rims. With the new state of the art soccer mini pitch, Rebuild hopes this addition will help communities within the city embrace the sport of soccer. The feeling in the air was electric as young athletes took to the mini pitch for the first time!
Miles Mack Playground and Recreation Center, a cornerstone of the Mantua neighborhood, received upgrades to the recreation building, playground and mural commemorating the late community activist Miles Mack. Playground renovations focused on activities for all ages and play options that encourage physical activity. These additions include climbing structures for children and a series of pull up bars for youth and adults—and of course a sprayground!
Summer wrapped up as Rebuild embarked on the first ever Rebuild Groundbreaking Tour with Mayor Jim Kenney. Breaking ground on three sites in just one day, Mayor Kenney joined community members to kick off construction on $20 million worth of projects at Glavin Playground in Port Richmond, Heitzman Recreation Center in Harrowgate, and Olney Recreation Center in Olney.
Aweing at renderings, community members were excited to see their projects reach this monumental phase and can’t wait to cut the ribbon.
With changes being made to the recreation centers and playgrounds throughout the city, Rebuild is optimistic that these places create safe spaces for kids and adults in Philadelphia communities.
