Philadelphia Parks & Rec hosts 92 after school programs. On October 20, these programs will celebrate the 2022 National Lights on Afterschool campaign. AfterSchool Alliance organizes the annual, nationwide event. It highlights the importance of investing in afterschool programs.
Stephanie Gradel coordinates Parks & Rec’s after school programs. She said the programs provide a daily safe haven for the city’s youth. They allow youth to play, learn, and grow. Children receive free meals, homework help, and make friends.
Parks & Rec’s trained and vetted staff focus on these core areas:
- Sports, athletics, and games.
- Environmental education and outdoor activities.
- Arts – creative, performing, and visual.
- Reading and STEM.
- Culture and community awareness.
- Health and wellness.
The programs run Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To celebrate the national campaign, children will decorate “Lights On” paper lightbulbs.
Kendrick Recreation Center in Roxborough is this year’s spotlight site. Youth there will have fun painting and carving pumpkins.
Use Parks & Rec's map-based Finder app to locate a program near you.
