Just in time for summer, a new state-of-the-art nature-themed playground has opened in Cobbs Creek near 63rd and Spruce. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by state and city officials, as well as students from Add B. Anderson Middle School and community members, took place on Wednesday afternoon.

The new Cobbs Creek Nature Playground combines modern and unique features to create a “nature-themed play oasis.” All play equipment was made from refurbished solid wood and the playground was designed around the existing trees. The playground itself has been designed to cultivate imaginative play with ample swinging and climbing structures.

“I’m grateful to see the vision for this site come to fruition just in time for summer,’ said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Cobbs Creek Playground has been an integral part of the West Philadelphia community, and now it’s a space where the community can safely play and proudly call their own.”

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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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The vitality of The Woodlands will be on full display at the Annual Benefit on Thursday, June 22nd. We invite you to toast another year together in celebration of one of Philadelphia’s most active, significant, and well-loved places.

The doors to the Hamilton Mansion will be open, offering guests the opportunity to mingle and explore while enjoying Victorian-inspired hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and drinks—all while supporting The Woodlands.

Sponsorships and individual tickets are now available! By sponsoring or attending the Annual Benefit, you will help The Woodlands continue to serve as an oasis for future generations.

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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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Parks on Tap, the traveling beer garden that pops up at various Philadelphia parks in the spring and summer, will be back in Clark Park at 43rd and Baltimore on Wednesday, May 24 and stay through Memorial Day. The menu includes beers on tap, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh food and snacks.

The hours of operation are:

Wednesday – Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Monday (Memorial Day): 12:00 – 10:00 p.m. Continue Reading

Max Roach: Courtesy of The Film Collaborative

The West Philly-based cinema project, cinéSPEAK, voted “Best of Philly 2020” by Philadelphia Magazine, is bringing back its independent film programming to Clark Park. On Friday, May 26, cinéSPEAK’s 3rd Annual “Under the Stars at Clark Park” festival kicks off with the Philadelphia premiere of Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes —the highly-anticipated documentary exploring the life and music of the legendary drummer, composer, bandleader, and social activist.

cinéSPEAK will present four film screenings every Friday through June 16 in fair weather. Rain dates are: Saturdays – May 27, June 3, June 10 and June 17. Continue Reading