The future of Sayre Morris Rec Center’s public pool has recently become more clear. Property of the School District of Philadelphia, the indoor, Olympic-sized pool, which was used by Cobbs Creek residents for decades, fell into disrepair and closed in 2017. But a new agreement with the City of Philadelphia, will help the pool, also used in the past as one of the city’s primary lifeguard training facilities, to finally reopen in the near future.

Last week, the Philadelphia Board of Education voted to reopen pool through an agreement with the city, which will operate the pool moving forward. The School Board also included $11 million in funding to complete necessary maintenance of the pool in its proposed 2024 budget and long-term financial plan.

“This outcome is the result of a collective effort on the part of the District, the City and the Commonwealth which have all contributed to the funding of the reopening of the pool,” said Board of Education President Reginald L. Streater, Esq.

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Philadelphia’s free spraygrounds are expected to be reopened for the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27, according to an announcement by Parks & Rec. There are over 90 water-based play spaces in Philadelphia, many of them are spraygrounds or spray parks, but some sites include a single sprinkler, or spray jet.

During the season, which ends on Labor Day, spraygrounds will be open seven days a week, with the exception of bad weather days, at the following hours:

Weekdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekends: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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One of the proposed designs for the new sprayground at 48th and Woodland.

After a series of community meetings hosted by the Philadelphia Parks and Rec and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, the redesign project for the 48th and Woodland sprayground is moving forward. Parks & Rec is currently in the design stage for the new spray park, and is asking community members to share their thoughts on proposed changes.

The playground site at 48th and Woodland will be updated with new water play equipment that is tied to the theme of learning. One of the main goals of this redesign project is to create a sprayground where children can combine learning and fun.

Parks and Rec is also planning to install new amenities, like a shade structure, which was the top request at the first community meeting. New seating will also be installed. Continue Reading

The Philadelphia Marathon, an annual event drawing thousands of guests to the City of Brotherly Love, is returning this weekend, with races happening on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 19-20).

The Half Marathon will be held on Saturday from 7:00-11:30 a.m. The main Marathon event will take place Sunday, beginning at 7 a.m. Both races begin and end at 22nd St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

As always during both races, many roads along the course will be closed to accommodate the runners. Also, “No Parking” signs will be posted in the Parkway area and along the race course.

Street closures will be in effect for the Philadelphia Half Marathon and the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday, from 2 a.m. until 3 p.m. Continue Reading

Friends of Clark Park, a volunteer-run organization, is working on a new master plan for the popular West Philly park, known for its farmers and flea markets, outdoor theater productions and film screenings, music festivals, sports and recreation programs, and many other community events. The plan, which is expected to be completed next year, “will set the vision for future park development and investment plans,” according to Ari Kessler, Friends of Clark Park Communications Committee Chair and Board Director.

Studio Bryan Hanes, a Philadelphia landscape architecture firm, has been selected by the Friends as a partner in the planning process. As part of this process, the partners are looking for community input. Community members have a chance to provide their feedback at a meeting hosted by SBH at Clark Park Farmers Market (43rd and Baltimore) on Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. See the flier below for more details. Continue Reading

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. Continue Reading