Kids waiting for the Kingsessing pool to open in summer 2014. (Photo by Alex Lewis)

It’s hot out there, and we’ve been getting questions from readers about opening dates for local pools and spraygrounds. So here’s some good news: Philadelphia Parks & Rec announced today that public pools and spraygrounds will start opening on Friday, June 19, and openings will continue through July 1. The list and contact info for West Philly pools and spraygrounds can be found here. And remember that the pool season in Philadelphia is short; most pools will stay open only for two months or less.

By the way, Parks & Rec is still hiring lifeguards for this summer, and individuals 16 years of age or older are welcome to apply. For more information or to register, call the Aquatics office at (215) 683-3663 or email lisa.whittle@phila.gov. Also, visit this page.

The first Open House for the 30th Street Station District Plan Open House took place on January 2 and was well attended. (Photo from phillydistrict30.com)

On Wednesday, June 17, there will be another opportunity to learn more about the 30th Street Station District Plan, a joint planning project for the area surrounding 30th Street Station. The second open house for the project will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the station’s Amtrak building (30th St entrance).

Nearly 300 people attended the first open house on January 28 and participated in a survey. This Wednesday, open house attendees can see results of the survey (click here for the summary).

There will also be opportunities to:

• Meet the project team
• Gain a better understanding of the plan
• View early design ideas and provide input
• Learn what’s next for the plan

The 30th Street Station District Plan is a joint effort by Amtrak, Drexel University, SEPTA, Brandywine Realty trust, and other public and private stakeholders. More information about the project is available at: www.phillydistrict30.com.

Two popular annual community events are happening this Saturday and Sunday in West and Southwest Philly. Details are below. Please check our Events Calendar for more events.

West Park Arts Fest – Saturday, June 13

Kyo Daiko performs at West Park Arts Fest (photo courtesy of West Park Arts).

West Park Arts Fest, a fun day of free performances and activities for the whole family, will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., on the School of the Future grounds (4021 Parkside Ave). The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Philadelphia. Outdoor Mainstage performers include: Gretchen Elise, Kyo Daiko, Gegisom MLK Choir, Ceo Black, and more. Universal Dance and Drum Ensemble, Kun-Yang Lin, Lady Hoofers, and other artists will perform on the Dance stage. Children’s Pavilion activities include: a drawing workshop, Treehouse Books giveaway, reading out loud and bookmark making, activities with Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia Zoo animals and artifacts, storytelling with Kala Jojo, and more! Also, there will be many wonderful vendors and free historic trolley tours of Fairmount Park Centennial District at 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. (sign up here). More information about the fest is available here.

River Fest & Tidal Schuylkill Boat Parade – Sunday, June 14  

On Sunday, June 14, families are invited to spend the day at the beautiful Bartram’s Garden (54th and Lindbergh). The annual River Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include tons of great stuff: free boat, pony and hay rides, Youth Bicycle Rodeo, Philly’s oldest tugboat, free food (hot dogs, pretzels and snacks), Ice Cream on the River (free ice cream for those who paddle out to the floating ice cream parlor), a petting zoo, live music performances, and more. Plus, the Tidal Schuylkill Boat Parade, which starts at noon. Check out the Bartram’s Garden website for more information.

A popular summer event series will return to The Woodlands Cemetery grounds starting this Thursday. People of all ages are invited to spend the evening inside The Woodlands searching for amazing little creatures – fireflies! The Firefly Night will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., and is absolutely free. Here’s more information from The Woodlands:

“Learn about the amazing ways that animals (including fireflies) communicate and attract mates with educators from The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Fancy feathers, crazy calls, and delightful dances make life pretty “colorful” for all kinds of animals during the quest to meet the perfect mate. Investigate how many creatures use special displays and signals to attract the right partner. Dig deeper, and get creative to learn other ways that fireflies and other animals are cool, and make a craft you can take home!”

In addition to fireflies, Mister Softee will be on site this Thursday to offer frozen treats to the visitors. Guests are also welcome to pack a picnic. And don’t forget to bring your flashlight!

Two more Nature Nights will be held at The Woodlands this summer: Bat Night on July 23 and Moth Night on August 20, both from 6 – 9 p.m.  Please visit The Woodlands website for more information.

This Wednesday (June 10), SEPTA representatives will visit the 40th Street Trolley Portal to conduct a Safety Blitz for riders. From 7 to 9 a.m., SEPTA safety officers will talk to the public about “the dangers of distracted commuting especially when near trolley and train tracks and bus stops, and the importance of standing behind the yellow platform warning strips.”

SEPTA’s 40th Street Trolley Portal is located at 40th Street at Woodland and Baltimore Avenues.

Approximately 3,800 riders access trolley routes 11, 13, 34 and 36 at the 40th Street Trolley Portal every weekday, according to SEPTA. Hundreds of West Philadelphia residents interact with trolleys at the portal and in the surrounding area while traveling through the neighborhood.

SEPTA System Safety officers regularly hold Safety Blitz outreach events at railroad, rail transit and bus stations, reviewing regulations and precautions with passengers.

Click to enlarge.

The Thursday Farmers’ Market returned to Clark Park on June 4, bringing a bunch of great local vendors and new programs, including cooking demonstrations. This Thursday (June 11), The Food Trust, the nonprofit that manages the Clark Park Farmers’ Market, will introduce another new program for local residents – Thursday Market Tours. The tours are a great opportunity to learn more about the market, its vendors and programs and also allow for local residents to participate in a discussion about healthy eating, wellness, and how that ties with local community development.

Clark Park Thursday Farmers’ Market tours are absolutely free and open to the public, but individuals and groups are asked to sign up beforehand.

The tours will take place every Thursday, from June 11 and August 27, at 4 and 6 p.m., but only if at least five people sign up for them. If you are interested to take part in one of these tours, please click here to sign up and select a date and time when you want to participate.

If you have questions, feel free to email The Food Trust’s Community Outreach Associate Kalie Wertz at: kwertz@thefoodtrust.org