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

UPDATE (10/13/2022): Due to rain in the forecast for Thursday, the Kingsessing Library giveaway will take place Friday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

10/12/2022: The Kingsessing Library is hosting a big giveaway this Thursday, Oct. 13 ahead of its closure for major renovations. The century-old building will close after October 14 to prepare for the construction, which is expected to begin this winter.

The giveaway, which will be held outdoors starting at 10 a.m., will feature books, magazines, DVDs, and some board games and toys. All items are absolutely free. If it rains on Thursday, the event will be held this Friday, Oct. 14. Here’s the event Facebook page. Continue Reading

Community members have a chance to learn more about an exciting project in Kingsessing. On Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., there will be the final design meeting for the Kingsessing Library, which will be rebuilt as part of the City’s Rebuild project. The project is expected to break ground soon and the library will be temporarily closed during construction, beginning this fall.

During the Open House-style meeting, which will be held outdoors on the tennis courts (entrance by the corner of 51 St. and Chester Ave.), guests can view the final design plans for the library and learn about what to expect in the next few months. Community members can stop by any time during the meeting to view final design renderings and informational boards. Brief remarks on the project will be provided at 5:30 p.m. Continue Reading

The 2022-2023 school year has begun today for tens of thousands of Philadelphia children and youth with the School District of Philadelphia welcoming students back into school buildings. For parents and guardians seeking free or low-cost afterschool or recreational activities for their kids, check out these two programs below.

LEAP at the Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library’s Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) returns for a new school year at all libraries throughout the city with a playful learning focus for younger students and a focus on literacy and 21st century skills for all ages. LEAP is currently scheduled to be offered Monday through Friday at every library as staffing and operating hours allow.

The Library’s LEAP Out-of-School-Time Programming will offer Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities, literacy activities, slime making, and more. LEAP will offer homework assistance in-person during Library hours and live tutoring through Homework Help Online from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week. Continue Reading

Drexel Square

This summer, Drexel Square, a 1.3-acre community park that opened near 30th Street Station in 2019 as part of the Schuylkill Yards development project, is hosting a wide variety of free activities, open to the community. “Summer at the Square” series events range from free fitness classes, live music, meditation, art classes, food trucks and pop-ups, and more.

See the full list of happenings at Drexel Square here: https://schuylkillyards.com/whats-happening.

Schuylkill Yards is a $3.5 billion project, a partnership between Drexel University and Brandywine Trust, which will include eight high rises connected by green public spaces and retail when completed. More info is available here.