Outside of Philadelphia’s Rebuild initiative, which aims to invest in more than 70 parks and recreation centers in the city, the path to upgrading city-owned parks and playgrounds is not entirely straightforward.
Philly has more than 500 public parks. Over 400 of those are overseen by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Notably, Parks and Recreation does not have its own budget to directly fund park improvements. Almost all upgrades are funded through the City’s capital budget in partnership with City Council members. According to Philadelphia’s 2024 capital budget, 60 percent of funding is allocated toward “building thriving neighborhoods,” which includes upgrades to Park and Recreation facilities.
Philadelphia residents wanting a change in their neighborhood can contact Parks and Recreation to request an upgrade, but the best first step would likely be a call to the local Council member. Funding for park projects needs approval by a Council member, unless funded by an outside private source, such as a nonprofit organization.
