There’s a chance for community members to have a say in improvement and redesign projects in two West Philly neighborhoods – Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

As you may have heard, the Friends of Clark Park are planning to rebuild the children’s playground near 43rd and Regent, as part of the multi-phase Clark Park Plan. Neighbors, families, and park-goers of all ages are invited to a Play Jam at the park this Saturday, April 11 (rain date: April 12), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to review design inspiration and make their voices heard. This event is the first opportunity for the broader public to engage with early design concepts and help shape Clark Park’s new playground.

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Starting this month, you can enjoy free music shows at some West Philly restaurants as part of Weeknights Live, a new program by the city’s Department of Commerce that aims to support local artists and neighborhood businesses.

Local artists will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the following Baltimore Avenue restaurants:

• Booker’s Restaurant & Bar (5021 Baltimore Ave)
• Carbon Copy (701 S. 50th St)
• Dahlak (4708 Baltimore Ave)
• Renata’s Kitchen (3940 Baltimore Ave)

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Spring is here and time to shop for plants for your garden, porch or patio. If you’re planning to shop locally, check out these opportunities, which include events for green thumbs.

• The annual University City Garden Club (UCGC) Spring Plant Sale is now live online through April 15. As always, the sale features a great selection of herbs, veggies, flowers, annuals, and perennials. The pick-up is scheduled for May 2nd in the neighborhood. To shop for plants online, click here. If you want to shop in person, UCGC will hold a plant sale at the Spruce Hill May Fair in Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, UCGC will host a Mother’s Day Pop-up Plant Sale on Sunday, May 10, from 1 – 5 p.m., at 519 Woodland Terrace near 40th and Woodland. For more information and other events, visit: https://ucgcshop.square.site/.

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One of West Philly’s biggest annual community events, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning in June.  Two Strolls will be held this summer – on Thursday, June 4 and Thursday, Sept. 3.

The event draws thousands of visitors each year to enjoy deals from participating local businesses and community vendors.

The Dollar Stroll is a great opportunity for local businesses and community vendors to sell food, beverages, and merchandise for some valuable exposure. The price levels vendors can offer are $1, $3, or $5.

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The 68th Annual Spruce Hill May Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Clark Park. As always, the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) is inviting vendors, artisans and community groups/organizations seeking to do outreach and promotion to set up their tables at the event.

Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans (please no second-hand good or commercial products). This is a day to showcase works that local artisans have produced themselves. Also, vendor applications from businesses/organizations that plan to sell prepared food or beverage items at tables will not be accepted due to Health Department regulations. Food vendors with a free-standing and separately permitted truck/cart may still be able to participate (please contact SHCA).

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Here’s a great chance to support a local community organization and shop for a meaningful and not expensive Valentine’s gift. The Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) is holding a Valentine Open House and “Buy Your Bestie a Book” sale on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 12-5 p.m. Tables of fine used books are for 50¢ to $1! The sale will support the association’s work in the community.

The event will be held at the Spruce Hill Community Center located at 257 South 45th St. (between Spruce and Locust). While you’re at the center, enjoy light refreshments and explore all the community services and causes that SHCA promotes.

For more details on what work SHCA does in the neighborhood, visit: https://www.sprucehillca.org.