Rebuild Philadelphia has kicked off another public space renovation and transformation project in West Philadelphia. On Thursday, Rebuild, city officials, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and community members gathered at 51st and Parrish to break ground on the West Mill Creek Playground and Plaza.

The project is part of a $4.5 million investment through the city’s Rebuild program, supported by a $600,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program and $500,000 from Councilmember Jaime Gauthier (3rd District) through the Improvement to Existing Facilities (ITEF) program.

“Investing in our parks and playgrounds is investing in the future of our neighborhoods,” said Gauthier. “I contributed half a million dollars to this project because West Mill Creek deserves high-quality public spaces where they can play, gather, and build community. After decades of neglect, I am glad this beloved neighborhood space is finally starting to get its fair share of resources!”

This groundbreaking represents the second phase of improvements at the West Mill Creek site, following the renovation of basketball courts and an adjacent retaining wall completed in August.

The renovation project will include:

• New playground and equipment (see rendering above)
• A redesigned and refurbished Brown Street Plaza (see rendering below)
• New site furnishings
• Enhanced exterior lighting and security cameras
• New fencing
• Tree planting and landscaping improvements

The renovation project received extensive community input in its early phase and prioritizes safety, accessibility, and connection. Modern playground equipment will serve children of all ages and abilities, while the redesigned Brown Street Plaza offers a gathering space for community events and everyday use.

Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. To see what other renovation projects this program has been involved with in West Philadelphia, click here.