PHILADELPHIA – City officials, Rebuild leadership, community members, and youth teams gathered this morning at the Al Pearlman Sports Complex, a multipurpose sports field site located in Roxborough to celebrate a $1.3 million renovation on youth baseball opening day. The renovations at Al Pearlman were made possible by the City’s Rebuild program, Philadelphia’s historic investment in public spaces.

“Our investment at Al Pearlman underscores our Administration’s commitment to providing safe, clean, and green recreational spaces for all,” said Mayor L. Cherelle Parker. “I want to recognize the work of all 21st Ward Athletic Association volunteers in providing our youth with a safe outlet. I’m proud that we can deliver high-quality improvements on these athletic fields, which are essential for them to stay engaged in sports and to compete.”

Located in Philadelphia’s 4th Councilmanic District, the Al Pearlman Sports Complex serves as home to several youth sports teams. This site has four baseball fields and an overlapping football field, providing this community with ample after-school opportunities and weekend fun for all generations in the neighborhood.

“For those that know me, you know that I strongly believe in the power and potential of our youth and the importance of community development,” said Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., 4th District. “Joining sports at an early age is a great way to coach children into becoming our future leaders.”

Through collaboration with the 21st Ward Athletic Association, a group of volunteers who provide youth with programming and mentorship, and the Roxborough community, Rebuild has improved the sports complex to continue to inspire youth to engage in recreational activities.

Representatives of the 21st Ward Softball, Football, and Baseball Boards spoke about the impact of the improvements on their community saying: “We are thankful for the commitment of our Mayor and the City of Philadelphia to improve our complex. While the groundbreaking is during baseball season the Roxborough Eagles have worked side by side with us throughout the entire process. The improvements to our multiuse complex are greatly appreciated and have helped make this a safe, better place for all the girls and boys in the 21st Ward.”

“This work and this updated sports complex is really about the kids,” said Senator Hughes. “We made this $1.3 million dollar investment so our children could have a great environment where they can play baseball and football, and continue to better themselves. I’m proud to join the Mayor’s team, Councilman Jones, and everyone who worked so hard to make these renovations possible. This is another great example of what we can accomplish for our communities when we work together.”

“I’m so grateful for this incredible investment in our community, advocated for by Councilmember Jones and Mayor Parker,” said PA Representative Tarik Khan. “As a child who who grew up playing youth sports in Philadelphia, I know how important it is to have robust sports programs and facilities to support our youth. These substantial renovations to the 21st Ward Al PearlmanPerlman Sports Complex show a strong commitment by our City to invest in our community and our future.”

Totaling $1.3 million in investment, the Al Pearlman Sports Complex has been updated with the following: 

 

Al Pearlman Baseball Complex

  • New LED light fixtures on existing 60 ft. poles
  • New metal railings and concrete step improvements to the two (2) staircases leading to the building and the stairs between the A Field and Pony Field outfield

Field A

  • Fencing improvements

Field B

  • New upgraded infield mix
  • Regrading of the infield and outfield
  • Fencing improvements

Pony Field

  • New backstop
  • Replacement of dugout asphalt with pea gravel
  • New player benches
  • New upgraded infield mix
  • Regrading of the infield and outfield which overlaps with the area used for football.

Walter “Bud” Ryan Memorial Field (previously Field C)

  • Replacement of asphalt in dugout
  • Regrading of field area

. “I’m proud of the Rebuild team’s work to ensure the complex was ready for Spring baseball season, said Director of the City’s Capital Projects Office Aparna Palantino “Communities deserve public spaces that are beautiful and modern, and bring the residents together like we see today at Al Pearlman.”

See photos from the groundbreaking ceremony on August 2, 2023.

 

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Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion. 

 

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