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PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), PA State Senator Anthony H. Williams (8th District), PA State Representative Jordan A. Harris (186th District), City Officials, Make the World Better Foundation, and community members celebrated the grand reopening of Vare Recreation Center in South Philadelphia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This milestone marks the completion of the $21 million Rebuild project, Rebuild’s largest completed project to date, which modernized and revitalized the facilities for the Grays Ferry and Point Breeze communities.

Vare Recreation Center, a cherished South Philadelphia landmark for more than 100 years, has been a hub for many youth activities, sports, and community events. The renovation, led by the City’s Rebuild Initiative, includes a brand-new recreation center, upgraded facilities, and enhanced outdoor space, including a new sprayground and playground, designed for all ages.

“The grand reopening of the Vare Recreation Center is a testament to our ongoing commitment to uplifting the next generation and each other,” said Cherelle L. Parker, Mayor of Philadelphia.  “This transformation is about uniting our communities to create spaces where our children and families can thrive and ensuring that every resident can see their tax dollars at work through tangible improvements to their neighborhoods — projects you can see, touch, and feel.”

“Vare has been a lifeline for many children in this neighborhood. This transformation is an investment in our children, their families, their safety, and their future,” said Kenyatta Johnson, City Council President of Philadelphia (2nd District). “It’s a pleasure to work in partnership with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Rebuild to ensure our children have access to clean, green, and safe spaces to play and learn.”

This $21 million investment at Vare Recreation Center will offer:

  • A new, 18,700 square foot recreation center on track to receive a LEED Silver certification complete with:
    • 7,000 square foot indoor basketball gymnasium with spectator seating
    • 4,900 square foot gymnastics gym equipped with brand new athletic equipment
    • 900-square-foot multipurpose room that can be converted into two classrooms
    • A computer lab equipped with high-speed fiber optic internet, and an adjacent pantry for storage
    • A centrally located administrative space, providing staff with visibility and easy access to the entire building.
    • New bathrooms with indoor and outdoor access
  • Two new outdoor basketball courts
  • A 1,500-square-foot outdoor plaza and performance space
  • A new sprayground
  • 6,000 square foot playground designed with play structures for children of all ages
  • Site furnishings, including a variety of benches, game tables, ping pong tables, outdoor hydration stations, trash receptacles, accessible picnic tables, and shade trees
  • New exterior lighting
  • New exterior site and building security camera system
  • Newly planted trees and landscaping to enhance the outdoor environment
  • A synthetic turf field, funded with support from the Philadelphia Eagles to be installed in spring 2025

“This project is a testament to the power of community and public investment.” said Aparna Palantino, Director, Capital Program Office.” “Thank you to the Vare community for your partnership throughout the renovation of this site, and thank you to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rosenthal Foundation, and all of our project partners – your support is essential to Vare, and many other City projects.”

“With this $21 million investment, we are making a clear statement: Our children deserve spaces that inspire, support, and encourage them to dream big,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “Every child who steps into this rec center will know their City values them and believes in their potential.”

Vare Recreation Center represents a pivotal step toward enhancing the quality of life for Philadelphia families,” said Melissa Scott, Chief Innovation Officer, Office of Innovation & Technology. “As the city invests in high-capacity internet and reliable Wi-Fi, we will transform these centers into vital digital anchor hubs. This initiative will provide a wide array of programming and is crucial in bridging the digital divide that has disproportionately affected low-income communities, ensuring equitable access to technology and resources.”

This project received additional funding from the Rosenthal Foundation totaling $1,000,000, $525,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Community Conservation Partnerships Program, $250,000 from the Philadelphia Eagles to support the construction of a new field, and $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program.

“Today’s reopening of the Vare Recreation Center represents an incredible investment in the future of our community here in South Philadelphia,” said Jordan A. Harris, Pennsylvania House Appropriations Chairman (186th District). “This $21 million revitalization offers our children, families, and seniors a safe, modern, and welcoming place to gather, grow, and thrive together. Vare’s rebirth is a testament to what we can accomplish when we unite and prioritize public spaces that bring joy, opportunity, and unity to our neighborhoods. Every Philadelphian, regardless of income, deserves access to green spaces and recreational areas that enhance their quality of life.”

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Vare Recreation Center and the community it serves. For over a century, this building has been a cornerstone of neighborhood life, providing a space for connection, growth, and empowerment,” said Anthony H. Williams, Pennsylvania State Senator (8th District). “After the challenges we faced in 2017, this reopening represents not just the restoration of a building, but the resilience of our community. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back and look forward to continuing our mission of serving the youth and families of this neighborhood for many years to come.”

Vare’s redevelopment was led by the non-profit Make The World Better, co-founded by former Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin, his mother Margaret Bailey and Jeff Tubbs, a local developer with a track record of environmentally sustainable and inclusive real estate projects.

“The Vare Rec Center is MTWB’s largest project to date, and working with our partners at Rebuild, Philadelphia Parks and Rec, and the great people in the Vare Community on this project has been a very fulfilling experience for our entire team,” said Connor Barwin, Co-Founder, Make the World Better. “We can’t wait to see the new Vare Rec Center activated by the community and thriving for years to come.”

The new recreation center and facility are now open and ready to serve residents of Grays Ferry, Point Breeze, and beyond.

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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.

Make The World Better connects people and inspires stewardship through public space revitalization projects. MTWB believes that communities prosper when all people have access to high-quality public spaces that provide safe outlets for recreation, sports, and arts-based activities.

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