— Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader.
In 1983, Congress passed a bill to honor Dr. King by establishing a federal holiday in his name. Then, in 1994, Congress enacted the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the day as one for volunteer service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.
The following events on January 20, 2025 are opportunities hosted or sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation:
King Day of Service
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Rec Center—2101 Cecil B Moore, 19121.
Join Martin Luther King Junior Recreation center for King Day of Service. The event will cover job readiness, financial literacy for teens, wellness screenings, workshops and more! Learn more and register on Global Citizen.
Charles Papa Recreation Center
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Papa Playground and Recreation Center—6839 Landsdowne Ave, 19151.
Help stuff hygiene products care bags for youth ages 15-18 years. Attend a workshop about conflict resolution with poems and spoken word. Sign up for a timeslot and learn more on Global Citizen.
Chew Honors The King
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Chew Playground—1800 Washington Ave, 19146.
You are cordially invited to participate to join Dr. Charles Chew’s Recreation Center for our “Renew, Protect and Reset” Rev. Dr Martin Luther King project. Activities include trash removal, chair yoga, games, giveaways and wellness resources and so much more! Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Get more details and sign up on Global Citizen.
MLK Day Clean Up 2025
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christy Recreation Center—728 S. 55th Street, 19143.
Clean up one of West Philly’s best recreation centers with staff members! Learn more information and sign up on Global Citizen.
Laura Sims Skatehouse Cleanup
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Laura Sims Skatehouse—200 S. 63rd Street, 19139.
Laura Sims Skatehouse will be hosting a cleanup at the rink. Volunteers can clean the lobby or organize the storage closet. Weather permitting, volunteers will help clean debris and trash outside the building. Get more information and sign up on Global Citizen.
MLK Day of Service in West Fairmount Park
10:00 a.m. to noon.
West Fairmount Park—1769-1825, State Rte 3005, 19131.
Fairmount Park Conservancy in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation host a family-friendly MLK Day of Service. This volunteer event is open to all ages and abilities. Tools and materials are provided. See more information online.
MLK Day of Service at West Mill Creek
9:00 a.m. to noon.
West Mill Creek Playground—5100 Parrish Street, 19139.
The West Mill Creek Playground will be holding a day of service for Martin Luther King Day. We are seeking volunteers to assist with clean up (indoor and outdoor of playground) and hat and glove handout. Handicap accessible venue with free parking. See more details and sign up on Global Citizen.
MLK Day of Service in Wissahickon Valley Park
9:00a.m. to noon.
Wissahickon Valley Park —Valley Green Road, 19128.
All are welcome to attend, and no experience is needed. We encourage attendees to work within their own comfort level. The service day may include the following activities: invasive plant removal, litter clean up and repetitive motions. Friends of the Wissahickon will provide gloves, tools and instruction. Get more details and sign up on Global Citizen.
