Two West Philadelphia-based recreation centers have recently been awarded grants from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for much-needed repairs and upgrades.

A $2.75 million grant will be provided to the City of Philadelphia to support the Christy Recreation Center, located at 55th and Christian Streets. The project will involve renovating the existing center building and grounds, including ADA access to and throughout the facility. The facility will also become better lit and greener, with more efficient use of interior and exterior spaces. Better and newer equipment will be installed for the benefit of all ages, as well as more places to sit, eat, play, and recreate.

The grant was announced by Rep. Rick Krajewski representing the 188th Legislative District. This investment is in addition to $1 million that has been secured by Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier to go toward the complete redesign project that is currently underway.

State Rep. Morgan Cephas has secured Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for three projects in the 192nd Legislative District totaling nearly $6 million. One of these projects is Shepard Recreation Center, located at 57th and Haverford. The $1.4 million grant will help renovate the building and make improvements to the outdoor site. The recreation building will undergo significant interior improvements, including the installation of an elevator and construction of a new lobby, in addition to improvements to the building’s exterior. Improvements will also be made to the sidewalks, playground, basketball courts and tree coverage.

Other grants announced by Cephas will go to Cobbs Creek Foundation ($ 3.5 million) to restore areas along Cobbs Creek, Indian Creek and five unnamed tributaries and to Pennrose Management Company ($1 million) for The Good Shepherd Senior II project, which will construct a residential development for seniors in the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia.