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New fields, courts and more at Murphy Rec

Play ball!

The Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center on Shunk Street in South Philly’s Whitman neighborhood is now open for business after a $7.5 million Rebuild renovation project was completed. 

City officials gathered at the park on May 20 to unveil new synthetic turf fields, basketball courts and other improvements to the 4.9-acre park.

“I am thrilled to finally cut the ribbon for the new and improved Murphy Rec,” said Councilmember Mark Squilla. “I spent my childhood playing on this field and basketball court with my friends, as did my four children and their friends. I am so pleased my grandchildren and their friends will be able to play in a state-of-the-art facility.”

The grand reopening turned into a rather large celebration as representatives from Rebuild Philadelphia, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association joined community members in cutting the ribbon. The event was emceed by former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski. 

“Murphy Rec has always been a cornerstone for youth and families in South Philly — and now, with this $7.5 million investment, this community has the top-tier fields and facilities they deserve,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Whether it’s soccer, football, baseball or a pick-up game on a summer night, this investment is about keeping our young people active, safe and supported. And today, we’re celebrating in signature Philly style – with a Tush Push and a touchdown in South Philadelphia.”

The Murphy Recreation Center renovation project was funded through the city’s Rebuild Program, which celebrated the completion of an even larger $16.8 million renovation project at Rivera Recreation Center and the Mann Older Adult Center in Fairhill in April. Rebuild is the city’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and libraries across Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is dedicated to creating and maintaining high-quality spaces where our residents can stay active and build community,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “The renovated Murphy Recreation Center highlights our commitment to this mission. The new synthetic turf fields and upgraded basketball courts will provide much-needed space for youth sports programs, while other amenities will serve residents of all ages.”

In addition to the turf fields, which will be used for baseball, softball, football and soccer, new baseball and softball backstops and ball control netting were added. There is now new site lighting, team benches and spectator bleachers, a prefabricated storage building with electrical connection, combination soccer/football goalposts and new chain link fencing and concrete sidewalks.

Contributed photo

Other exterior improvements include new outdoor basketball courts, replaced below-grade areaway drains and associated piping, new exterior steps from the sidewalk, new louvered steel door and frame and masonry repairs.

The renovation also included sidewalk reconstruction around the perimeter of the site, expanded tree pits and replacement of select trees. The center also received a maintenance vehicle for servicing and maintaining the synthetic turf field. The project was supported by a $750,000 contribution from nearby Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

Contributed photo

“This project was made possible by an incredible partnership between the City, Live! Casino & Hotel, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, the William Penn Foundation and, most importantly, the South Philadelphia community,” said Aparna Palantino, Deputy Managing Director, Capital Program Office. “Our extensive community engagement process guided every aspect of this renovation. We listened to residents who emphasized their love for outdoor sports and the need for modernized facilities. The result is a recreation center that truly reflects the identity and aspirations of this neighborhood.”

In addition to a full-size soccer field, the facility now has line-striping and goals for a soccer mini-pitch, supported by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association.

“It’s our mission to grow the game of soccer, and it’s our privilege to work with the City of Philadelphia to build these mini-pitches and create new safe spaces to play,” said Chris Branscome, CEO, EPYSA. “All children deserve to have well-maintained and safe fields to play on. These fields will provide for great fun, fitness and friendships.”

About the Author

Mark Zimmaro