As an alternative to public pools, the city’s spraygrounds will be allowed to open this summer. Beginning Monday, July 6, 91 public spraygrounds will start to open in Philadelphia on a rolling basis. All spraygrounds will be staffed at all times to make sure that everyone is safe on-site. COVID-19 safety measures at spraygrounds include the following rules:

• Limited capacity based on sprayground size
• Social distancing of at least six feet

To find a sprayground near you and its hours of operation, go here.

Public pools will remain closed this summer due to COVID-19.

Spring at the Woodlands.

The Woodlands Cemetery will be closed to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays starting April 6th to allow crews to work safely on the site as the landscaping season begins. The gates will remain open to the public on Wednesday – Sunday from dawn to dusk, as long as there are resources to do so, and social distancing rules are followed.

The Woodlands administration is also asking community members and new visitors to follow key rules:  Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of The Woodlands.

The Woodlands Cemetery’s popular gardening program, Grave Gardeners, will return this spring and some spots are still remaining for those who are interested in participating.

The Grave Gardeners program accepts volunteers who each will be assigned a cradle grave (designed in the Victorian era) to adopt at The Woodlands, located at 40th and Woodland. The Grave Gardeners tend to their assigned cradle grave throughout the growing season, from March to November. Gardeners will receive a wide variety of plant material (seeds, plugs and bulbs).  Continue Reading

If you want to dispose of your Christmas tree responsibly, here’s a great opportunity. The annual Tree-Cycling event organized by University City District and UC Green will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at two neighborhood parks: Clark Park (43rd and Chester) and Malcolm X. Park (51st and Pine).

Tree-Cycling at Clark Park will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at Malcolm X. Park from 12:30 to 3 p.m. A $5-$20 suggested donation is requested at both events.

After you drop off your tree you can watch it being mulched by staff and volunteers from UC Green and Bartlett Tree Experts. The mulch from the trees will be used at local parks and your donation will support UC Green community greening services and programming.  Continue Reading

The slowly crumbling sidewalks around the perimeter of Clark Park will be replaced thanks to a grant secured by State Rep. Jim Roebuck, according to an announcement by his office.

Roebuck announced that $110,000 in state funding has been awarded to the University of the Sciences, which is across the street from the park, for its sidewalk improvements.

“These funds should help bring pedestrian safety improvements and make the area more accessible for everyone in the community,” Roebuck said in a statement. “I am pleased that this grant money was awarded so that more residents can take advantage of the outdoor spaces at Clark Park.”  Continue Reading

Neighbors have a chance to get updates on all things Clark Park at a Fall public meeting organized by Friends of Clark Park. The meeting is Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at Rosenberger Hall (Room 102) on the University of the Sciences campus (600 S 43rd St).

The annual meeting is always a great time to discuss ongoing issues with the park and learn about some of the latest events and upcoming changes.

Friends of Clark Park will also be holding the annual election for the board of directors. If you would like to get involved in the Friends of Clark Park work or are just curious about the latest happenings in the park you are welcome to attend the meeting.

For more information about Friends of Clark Park and their work, visit: www.friendsofclarkpark.org.