Photo by Berri Wilmore for UCD

Here’s a great chance to participate in a vital neighborhood improvement project. Phase 2 of the Walnut Hill Playground renovation project has kicked off and help from community members is necessary to make this part of the project a success.

Phase I included installing a new retaining wall with seating, and now it is time to install plants in the garden bed, so that next spring the space is alive with color and texture. A volunteer day for this project has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 47th and Sansom where the playground is located. University City District (UCD), which is leading this project along with community partners, will provide the plants, tools and instructions.

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This week, Work to Ride announced the opening of the McCausland Arena, a brand-new equestrian facility in West Fairmount Park designed to expand the access to equestrian sports for urban youth.

The 45,000-square-foot indoor arena features expanded pastures that have increased in size from 3.5 to 5.5 acres and updated learning areas where the Work to Ride program will continue to host lessons, clinics, and tournaments. The new facility allows Work to Ride to expand community programming while creating year-round opportunities for participants to advance their skills, connect with peers, and experience the lifelong benefits of equestrian sports.

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There are some exciting updates regarding the “Clark Park Plan,” which provides an outline for park development and investments. Approved by the city in 2023, the plan includes improvements such as new multi-age playgrounds, a multi-height basketball hoop, a permanent bathroom, an outdoor workout area, new walkways, and more.

On Saturday, Aug. 16 from 2-3 p.m., the Friends of Clark Park will be hosting a celebration where community members can learn more about upcoming improvements at the park and kick off the playground design process. There will be multiple speakers, including Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, State Rep. Rick Krajewski, Mayor Cherelle Parker (or a representative), a representative from Parks and Recreation, and Friends of Clark Park president Ben Sirolly.

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The Kingsessing Pool, which was closed for renovation for more than two years, has just reopened to the public. The public outdoor pool, located at 49th and Kingsessing, is open for free swim from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. Family/adult swim is on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The pool renovation project is part of the extensive renovation of the Kingsessing Rec Center, conducted by Rebuild Philadelphia, the city-run program that invests millions of dollars in improving community spaces and facilities. The Kingsessing Library has also been recently renovated as part of this project.

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Summer is here with some record-breaking temperatures in the forecast for this week. But here’s some good news. More than 60 public pools will be open this summer throughout the city and many of them have already opened or are scheduled to open this week. The West Philadelphia pools that have already opened include:

• Kelly Pool (4231 Lansdowne Dr.)

• Fletcher Pool (743-81 N 48th St.)

• Shepard Pool (5700 Haverford Ave.)

Here’s the opening schedule for other pools located in West Philly:

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Shepard Recreation Center is another West Philly public space that will be renovated thanks to the City’s Rebuild program. (Photo courtesy of Rebuild PHL).

Rebuild Philadelphia, the City’s program that invests in public spaces, will break ground on a renovation project at century-old Shepard Recreation Center located at 57th and Haverford. This is the latest in a series of renovation projects at local recreation centers, public libraries and playgrounds implemented through this program.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 27, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend.

The $17 million Shepard Rec transformation project will bring major renovations, including:

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