City of Philadelphia Preventing Youth Violence with $3M Parks and Rec Funding

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is getting a $3 million investment from the city in an effort to promote youth development and violence prevention through sports and recreation. The city’s new budget, a total of $6.37 billion, included the parks and recreation funding as a priority of mayor Cherelle Parker.

According to Philly Voice, Parker saw the parks and rec funding as a major priority. She said, "Philadelphia, we are responsible for ensuring our children are equipped with the tools necessary for success. It is up to us to make sure our children are surrounded by positive mentors, coaches and leaders that will aid positive development because, as we all know, it takes a village."

Parker detailed how a portion of the funds will be spent, including $250,000 toward new equipment in the Parks and Recreation centers. $450,000 will go toward the Philadelphia Youth Sports Fund to pay for equipment, coaching and other needs of youth sports organizations in the city. $300,000 will pay for youth sports travel and national tournaments to reduce the cost for families. The money will also support 28 youth sports teams, including cheer, football and others. 

Susan Slawson, the Parks and Recreation commissioner said, “It is an investment in our children — it's about allowing opportunities for life lessons to be learned. To teach our youth about defeat and strength, teamwork, conflict resolution, disappointment, stick-to-itiveness — all lessons of resiliency they will carry for a lifetime.”

The new budget and Parks and Recreation funding will take effect in 2025.