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Playstreets

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Playstreets

About the city. The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department conducts various projects aimed at the organization of recreation for children.

Goal

The main goal is to establish a safe place for kids to play when school is out.

Implementation period. The project started more than 50 years years ago, designed in the 1950s.

Fact

About 350 city streets participate in the program.

Solutions

This program closes designated streets to traffic so that kids have a safe place to play when school is out. Key features of the program are the nutritious meals and snacks provided to children. This is important during the summer months when school meals are not available.

Playstreets take place in every neighbourhood of the city. 300 to 350 city streets take part during the summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At each Playstreet:

  • Playstreet supervisors open and close the streets to traffic each day.

  • Parks & Rec’s Summer Food Service Program provides daily lunches or snacks.

  • Participants can use free play equipment and supplies.

Challenges

Problem. Is the process of selecting streets for the project complicated?

Solution. To be considered for Playstreets, your block must:

  • Take part in the summer food program.

  • Have a block resident volunteer to be a Playstreet supervisor.

  • Not be within two blocks of another approved Playstreet, playground, or rec centre.

  • Be a small, one-way street. No numbered street will be considered unless it is a dead end.

  • Have less than 25 per cent of residents submit an objection to the creation of the Playstreet.

You must fill out an application to be considered for Playstreets status. All applications must go through an approval process before a Playstreets permit is issued.

Problem. Does every Playstreet get every kit?

Solution. No, but every Playstreet is getting something special — a special guest visit or a kit.

Team

Playstreets is an initiative of the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department.

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