FEBRUARY, 2014

Dear Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Colleagues:

I hope you all are managing to stay warm during the bitter cold that January has served up for us; I know that I am doing my best. Along with the multiple layers of clothing that people are now sporting, I have also noticed that our facilities and assets are still being well used despite the frigid temperatures. While at a recreation center for a recent meeting, I was impressed with the high attendance in the Zumba class, the Basketball practice and the meeting itself. And during my daily travels, I routinely note the ongoing use of the multiple paths and trails that our Operations staff have kept clear and accessible during the recent snowstorms. Thank you all for keeping us open and active.

And while we look forward to some warmer weather, you should also be on the lookout for more information and action around the launch of our new brand. We recently held a Brainstorming Session with a diverse group of PPR staff to discuss how we can best bring our new brand to life. Contained deeper in this newsletter is an overview of that meeting as well as a request for you to share your own thoughts on how we can “Find Our Path” to a brand launch. Please take a look at what your colleagues had to say and add your own ideas.

Thanks again; we look forward to hearing from you.

2013 Recognition; 2014 Preview

Four Philadelphia Parks & Recreation projects made Philly.com's list of "Welcome additions to Philadelphia in 2013": Shawmont Trail, KidsZooU, The Oval and Paine’s Park.

And on December 27, uwishunu published "Looking Ahead: 14 Reasons You’ll Want To Be In Philadelphia In 2014," including upcoming PPR projects like Venice Island and the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk.

Broad Street Run Lottery Opens February 1

The 2014 Broad Street Run will take place on Sunday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m. Registration will be done through a lottery again this year. The lottery will open at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2014 and close at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 13, 2014. Visit http://broadstreetrun.com for more information.

Runners who want to support parks can join the Fairmount Park Conservancy team and fundraise on behalf of Philadelphia green spaces. Athlete benefits include VIP packet pickup, membership to the Fairmount Park Conservancy and more.

Spring Tree Giveaway Dates!

The Spring 2014 TreePhilly Yard Tree Program will happen on the first and second weekends of April, April 5th and 6th, and April 12th and 13th. Registration for the giveaways will open in February and run through March. Stay tuned to www.treephilly.org and www.facebook.com/treephilly for up to date info!

Capital Project Highlights: DCNR Grants

On December 5, 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources announced over $38 million for 205 grants to communities, municipal authorities and non-profit organizations for recreation, park and conservation planning; land conservation for parks, open space and natural areas; and park and trail rehabilitation and development. In Philadelphia, nine applicants were awarded $3,950,500. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will spearhead three of those Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants:

• $275,000 for the further development of the Cobbs Creek Connector Trail. Work will include design and construction of approximately 0.5 miles of trail along the Cobbs Creek Parkway from 70th Street to Woodland Avenue, ADA access, landscaping, a project sign and other related site improvements.


• $500,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Pulaski Park. Work will include renovation and stabilization of the pier, construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of fencing, utilities, ADA access, landscaping, a project sign and other related site improvements.


• $100,000 for the rehabilitation of Penn Treaty Park. Work will include the installation of play equipment with required safety surface, site amenities, ADA access, landscaping, a project sign and other related site improvements.

Schuylkill River Named Pennsylvania’s 2014 River of the Year

The Schuylkill River has been voted the 2014 Pennsylvania River of the Year, triumphing over the four other rivers that were nominated finalists: Kiskiminetas-Conemaugh rivers in the southwest; Ohio in the west; Brodhead Creek Watershed in the northeast; and the West Branch of the Susquehanna in the north central section of the state.

The winning applicant in the competition, Schuylkill River Greenway Association, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund River of the Year activities. The association manages the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area.

Once among Pennsylvania’s most heavily-polluted waterways, the Schuylkill River has improved to a point where it now is a popular recreational destination for paddlers, trail users and anglers. The Schuylkill is a source of drinking water for 1.5 million people, and waterfront communities along its corridor now look to the river to bolster community revitalization efforts.

Continue reading about the Pennsylvania River of the Year award

Victory for Samuel Rec Center Fireballs

For the past several years, Samuel Recreation Center has been running an in-house soccer program for children ages 4-7. The league had found and developed some really good players but because we did not have any traveling competitive teams, they had to move on and play elsewhere.

The Fireballs team was created as a solution to keep the local children playing in their neighborhood and not have to travel a distance to play competitively. After competing for only 11 months, The Fireballs went on to win the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation outdoor soccer championship for boys ages 8 and under.

What’s Hot in PPR’s Environmental Centers

Download the Wissahickon Environmental Center, Pennypack Environmental Center and Fox Chase Farm calendars to find out what nature-themed activities they’ve planned for this winter and beyond.

For example, on February 8 the Wissahickon Environmental Center hosts a Nature Photography Hike for Teens. Download the event flyer to learn more.

Energy Saving Tip of the Month

Keep draperies open during the day to help let in the heat and close them at night to help retain the heat.

What’s in a Name: Clark Park

Learn about Clarence Howard Clark, Sr., the influential banker, land owner and developer for whom West Philadelphia's Clark Park is named.

Citywide Soccer

Citywide Soccer banquets took place on January 27, 28 and 29. 24 teams and 600 youth soccer players received awards for their accomplishments.

East and West Park: A Community Vision and Action Plan

On December 9, PennPraxis convened its advisory group of community, government and nonprofit leaders to present proposed steps to improve community access, natural systems and programming in East and West Fairmount Park. The recommendations came from more than a hundred individual interviews, four public meetings and 705 survey responses from the community.

PennPraxis has identified both early action projects and long-term projects and will continue partnering with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the William Penn Foundation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy to move forward on its action plan.

King Day of Service

On January 20, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation joined tens of thousands of people across the tri-state region in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by turning community concerns into volunteer action in the largest King Day event in the nation. PPR hosted 27 events ranging from cleanups and painting to soccer tournaments, basketball games and educational activities.

How I “Park & Recreate”

I was a far cry from what I’d call a “tree hugger” when I joined the staff a little over 13 years ago. Today, the term tree hugger makes me smile as I’m proud to say I’ve learned to identify many trees and flowers during my tenure at PPR. I truly appreciate the environment and enjoy nature at its finest more than I ever did.

Nowadays, I enjoy being outdoors as I have visited many of the state parks located right here in our own Keystone State. I’ve camped in a yurt at Ohiopyle State Park, biked and kayaked the Lehigh Gorge during frequent visits to Jim Thorpe, explored the beautiful waterfalls at Ricketts Glen and biked 30 miles along the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon just to name a few. However, the most gratifying homespun trek was biking the Pennypack trail from the top of Pine Road all the way down to the mouth of the Pennypack where the creek meets the Delaware River. The total trek took six hours round trip and not only did I accomplish my goal, but I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest while cycling through my own neighborhood park.

Citizen Engagement Conference

On February 22, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will convene representatives of our Advisory Councils, Park Friends Groups, close nonprofit partners and staff for a discussion of the relationship between PPR and our citizen partners. Through guest speakers, discussion groups and networking, attendees will explore relationship strengths and tensions, as well as ways to increase our collective impact.

Conference findings will be shared in a subsequent newsletter issue.

Photos: Holiday Luncheon

On December 19, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation held its annual holiday luncheon at the Horticulture Center to honor PPR's retired and 25-year employees, and to share a luncheon in the spirit of the holiday season.

View pictures from the holiday luncheon

(Photo Credit: Andy Viren)

Visual Arts Update

Our top three Holiday Decorations winners were Markward, Bridesburg and McVeigh recreation centers. All entries, including the winners, can be found on facebook.com/philavisualarts.

REACH ended for the Visual Arts staff and will begin again in April.

The deadline for Black History Month Contest entries was January 24. We will share images of the winners once they are selected.

PPR Path Finder: Monica Hicks

When I was growing up in West Philadelphia, I thought that Philly was the center of the universe. I grew up in the ‘70s, so we’re talking about "The Sound of Philadelphia," Rizzo and Rocky. I was six years old during the Bicentennial celebration-- I don't remember much, but I remember having a lot of fun that year! I have always loved this city.

Fast forward to becoming a college student, still in love with Philly, but needing to find a way to pay for school. I was already enrolled at Temple University when my mother found out about the Philadelphia Ranger Corps. The Corps paid for tuition and half of our books, and we received a stipend of $10,000 to $14,000 per year. I told her I did not want to be a ranger! She said, "You are doing this!"

During my two-year training, I learned things about my city and park system that I never knew. My love for the city deepened and transformed into a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Continue reading about Monica’s experiences

District Two Holiday Food Drive Collects Half Ton Plus In Donations

For the third consecutive year, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s District Two has organized a Holiday Food Drive to benefit needy families in our area.

The food is collected at the 22 sites in the District then taken to St. John’s Evangelical Church, located at Tyson and Rowland Avenues. St. John’s handles distributing the non-perishable items. This year, the District collected 1,200 pounds of food.

Many thanks to the facilities and their stakeholders in our District, and in particular to Recreation Leaders Andy McLaughlin (Disston), John Brady (Vogt), John McBride (Bridesburg) and Gerry Gaul (Cohox) for making final collections and transporting the food to St. John’s.

Perhaps next year, other districts can organize their own drive and a friendly competition among districts can be held with our neighbors in need being the beneficiaries.

Early Dismissal Day Trips to Pennypack Environmental Center

The early dismissal day trips to Pennypack Environmental Center on December 4, 5 and 6 for the “Winter Wildlife and Campfire” program were a BIG success, despite the cold temps.

We had 111 children and 15 adults attend from after school programs at McVeigh Recreation Center, Roosevelt Playground, Columbus Square Playground and Northern Liberties Recreation Center.

The after school adventurers hiked into the meadow and along Pennypack Creek looking for winter signs of red fox, deer and other animals. They dissected owl pellets (the small, fur-covered balls that owls cough up--gross to adults but cool to kids!--containing the indigestible bones and fur of voles and other critters unfortunate enough to not escape the owl’s dinner) and created make-and-take owls out of pinecones and acorns to hang in their windows at home or on their Christmas trees. Afterwards, they listened to stories by a campfire.

Below are a few of the memorable comments from the children:

• “I feel like a scientist. Is that a JAWBONE?!” (dissecting owl pellets)
• “The leaves on that plant smell like mint!”
• “This is my first campfire.”
• “We saw an owl on our hike! It was sticking its head out of a tree hole.” (finding a Screech Owl on the long hike)
• “What are all these shred marks on the trees?!” (finding fresh deer rubs made from bucks)
• “Chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee.” (practicing the call of the chickadees at the bird blind)

Photos: Mummers Behind the Scenes

Each year, scores of PPR staff help plan, set up and implement the Mummers Parade. Take a peek at a few of our staff working hard to help make the parade successful!

(Photo credit: Andy Viren)

Energy-saving Field Light Initiative

As a reminder, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is piloting a field lighting energy conservation initiative. PPR is using field lights only Monday to Friday, dusk to 10:30 p.m., mid-March through December. Field lights will be turned off at all other times, reducing energy usage by lowering the amount of time fields are lit while not in use. If you see field lights on at a PPR facility at non-designated times, please email PPR.EnergySaver@phila.gov.

Exceptions to Field Lighting Policy

District 2

1. Bridesburg Recreation Center: safety request from leader (drinking and drugs)

2. Gambrell (Winter Football)

District 4

1. Lonnie Young: safety request from leader (crime)

2. Waterview: safety request from leader. Court lights and two field poles.

District 6

1. Cassiano, Athletic and Francisville (mechanical challenges)

District 7

1. Barry Plg.: requested through District Manager (Flag football through mid-January)

2. Palumbo: requested through District Manager (men's rough touch league through February)

3. Capitolo Plg: requested through District Manager (men's rough touch league, 4 dates).

4. Vare, D. Finnegan and Smith: safety request through District Manager

District 8

1. Shepard and West Mill Creek: safety request through District Manager

Workshop: The Fundamentals of Community Organizing

Recreation Leaders and Advisory Council Volunteers: Would you like to expand your leadership capacity? Would you like to recruit more volunteers at your facility? Join us for The Fundamentals of Community Organizing Workshop!

The following trainings are being offered:

February 5 and 12, 2014 (must attend both)
6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Northeast Older Adult Center (8101 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115)

February 8, 2013
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
South Philadelphia Older Adult Center (1430 E. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147)

Trainings will be conducted by the professional trainer and community organizer Ceci Schickel.

Please register through your facility supervisor by February 3 (facility supervisors notify your district managers). *Space is limited*

See you there!

Branding Update

41 staff members met at the Philadelphia History Museum on January 15 to brainstorm launch ideas and themes for our branding campaign. The group, composed of employees from the full range of departmental units, brought much-appreciated ideas and energy to the session.

A key component of the meeting was the storytelling activity, when staff members shared tales of helping others “Find Their Path” at PPR or finding their own path to the department. For instance, Harry Fritsch talked about how his unit helps to light our parks and facilities to keep them safe so that people can find their ways into and out of our properties.

Besides reviewing these stories and finding ways to share them internally and externally, the Communications Unit will review launch implementation suggestions and devise a campaign based on staff input.

Please download download a list of the most common staff suggestions and themes from the January 15 brainstorm session and then let us know what you think. Do you have any ideas you want to share? Do you want to support something someone else mentioned? The major activities and questions are below. Please send us your thoughts.

1. Share a department-related story or experience that represents how we help Philadelphians “Find Their Path.”
2. How do we assimilate our new brand into our current programs and services? How can we effectively broadcast/share the “Find Your Path” brand with the general public? Please generate:
1. Ideas that would be impossible to ignore
2. Ideas that are free or nearly free
3. Ideas that take something we currently do and improve on it
3. How we can embed the essence and values of “Find Your Path” within the department’s daily internal activities?
4. If you were in charge of the branding campaign, how would you determine whether our brand was effective? How should we assess our success?

Parks and Recreation Commission Update

Feature PaRC Member: Debra Wolf Goldstein

Professional Background: Land Conservation Attorney

Committees: Land Use, Planning & Design

Community: West Mt. Airy

Favorite Event: Any regatta on the Schuylkill, watching my son row

Best Experience: Late afternoon cross-country skiing in Carpenter's Woods during last month's snowfall

Commission Insight: Fairmount Park is a cherished place where people of all walks of life can meet, mingle, and enjoy the great outdoors, all for free. The PPR staff does a great job on a tight budget, maintaining the park system and the recreation centers and offering interesting and much-needed programming.

2014 Newsletter Publication Schedule and Deadlines

Make sticking to your New Year’s resolution of submitting more newsletter stories easier by downloading our 2014 newsletter publication dates and deadline