PHILADELPHIA – Today, Rebuild Philadelphia, City Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District), City Officials, Nicetown CDC and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at Barrett Playground in the Logan neighborhood of North Philadelphia. The 5.8-acre site, located in the 8th Councilmanic District, is set to receive a $20.6 million investment made possible by the City’s Rebuild program, a historic capital investment of over $500 million in 72 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia.
“As Mayor, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every neighborhood in our city has access to safe, vibrant, and inclusive spaces that bring people together,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This investment is about restoring a sense of pride, opportunity, and community for the residents of Logan. By creating a space where our children can play, our families can gather, and our community can thrive, we are building a stronger, more connected Philadelphia.”
Robust community engagement and pre-development activities produced a design that will transform the current site from an outdated building with underused fields into a revitalized and vibrant community hub for recreation, resources and programming for the residents of Philadelphia’s Logan neighborhood.
“It is important that we strive to make our recreation centers and playgrounds more welcoming and accessible to community members of all ages,” said Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District). “Thanks to this investment at Barrett, this neighborhood will have a modern, safe space with resources for the entire community.”
This project received additional funding from the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program (DCNR) totaling $500,000 to support the construction of a walkway, basketball court, and playground updates to meet ADA standards. The project also received $750,000 from the Office of the Budget Redevelopment Assistance for Capital Projects (RACP) Program and $400,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account Statewide Program (DCED LSA).
“By partnering with local and diverse businesses, projects like Barrett Playground not only deliver high-quality, modern facilities but also foster equitable growth in our neighborhoods,” said Aparna Palantino, Director,Capital Program Office. “This project will provide a beautiful, multipurpose space that will serve the Logan community for generations to come.”
Barrett’s upgrades include a new 14,550 sq. ft. recreation center with multi-purpose rooms, an office, gym, kitchen, and the following site updates:
- New entry plaza
- Playgrounds for all ages
- Sprayground
- New trees throughout the site
- Large open playing field
- Three new basketball courts
- New multi-purpose sports court
- Walking loop with three fitness stations
- Picnic area
- New security cameras throughout the grounds and building
Through the Percent for Art program, the City has commissioned a public art installation at Barrett Playground, located in the “commons” area of the new community building. The first artwork will be a sculptural ceiling-hung art installation, and the second will be an indoor art wall installation.
“Recreation centers and playgrounds are meant to serve as a space for playing and connecting,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “Every Philadelphian, particularly our young people, deserve a center that acts as a home away from home, and we hope the updates coming to Barrett Playground will instill that sense of pride and community.”
“At Nicetown CDC, we believe that community engagement is the cornerstone of creating spaces that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live here,” said Zakariyaa Abdur Rahman, President & CEO, Nicetown CDC. “Throughout the planning phase, we’ve worked closely with Logan residents to ensure that the Barrett Playground becomes a space where every community member feels a sense of ownership and belonging. We’re excited to oversee the construction of this revitalized hub, which will offer the Logan neighborhood not just a place for recreation, but a foundation for growth and connection.
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Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion.
Nicetown CDC, founded in 1999, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nicetown and surrounding communities. With expertise in economic development, housing, and community engagement, their achievements include revitalizing commercial corridors, organizing festivals, developing housing, establishing energy and job search centers, and improving parks and gardens.
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