Capital Program Office

08/11/2026

In this episode of , we find out if we did a good job with the slides, what kids' favorite part of the playground is, and what the new playground has to offer.

Our $680,000 project at Barry Playground, included:
- New spiral and double slides
- Multiple climbing routes
- New swings, including an ADA-accessible swing and a friendship swing
- A new 2-5 year old area

07/30/2026

07/29/2026

Big upgrade at the James L. Wright Recreation Center gym!

The Capital Program Office recently completed a $175,000 project at James L. Wright Rec Center in West Philadelphia.

What’s new at James L Wright Rec Center? We have:
- New gym flooring system
- Replacement of two existing basketball backboards

These upgrades come just in time for the summer season and offer a fun space for kids and families to gather and play.

07/22/2026

Big upgrade at the East Passyunk Community Recreation Center!

The Capital Program Office recently completed a $800,000 project at the East Passyunk Community Center in South Philadelphia. The playground has gotten completely new playground equipment and these upgrades come just in time for campers, kids, and families to gather and play this summer.

Big thank you to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Senator Nikil Saval, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Councilmember Mark Squilla, and most importantly, every member of this community!

07/21/2026

Join Capital Program Office, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Rep. Joanna McClinton, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Anthony Hardy Williams, and community members to celebrate the grand reopening of Johnny Sample (Cobbs Creek) Recreation Center.

This $15 million transformation is ready to welcome community members and create a modern space for kids to play and people to gather. Following the ribbon cutting their will be programming and activities throughout the week!

These improvements include:
-Refinished basketball gym with new backboards and hoops
-New fitness room with a new boxing gym and equipment
-New multi-purpose and flex rooms for large and small gatherings
-New Outdoor Pool Shower
-New Kitchenette
-New lobby and entrance
-New roofing, HVAC, lighting, and furniture
-New landscaping, picnic tables, and benches

When: Monday, August 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: 250 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA

Mark your calendars and join us to celebrate!

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07/21/2026

Simons Recreation Center has some big changes coming its way, with improvements planned throughout the recreation center and surrounding site to create a better experience for the community.

Swipe through for a preview of the new football field and running track, and stay tuned for updates as this project moves forward!

07/17/2026

Although it may not be as recognizable as Matt Damon in , the Eastwick Library is home to a striking sculpture by artist Christos Capralos that looks like it could have earned a starring role in the film!

While the library isn't quite as ancient as The Odyssey, the building has its own story and history of serving the community.

Along with several other libraries in the area, the Capital Program Office's engineers and architects are assessing the building to identify needed repairs and improvements, helping ensure it can continue serving the community for many years to come.

📸: .eastwicklibrary

07/15/2026

ICYMI: earlier this year, D. Finnegan Playground received some major upgrades to its basketball courts. The upgrade was a real game-changer and allows kids of all ages to practice and play on the courts.

The project included removing the outdated sport court tiling and existing asphalt pavement, installing new full-depth asphalt, new color coating and striping, and new bleachers were also installed at the site.

Swipe through for some highlights!

07/14/2026

Some major renovations at Bridesburg Recreation Center!

The playground has undergone some major changes, providing exciting new amenities for children of all ages. The play area for children ages 2–5 was completely redesigned with:

-New playground equipment
-Upgraded safety surfacing
-Added swings
-New picnic tables

The play area for children 5-12 also received some major renovations, including repairs to existing equipment and the installation of a new slide structure.

04/20/2026

On Friday, we cut the ribbon on a reimagined Thomas Paine Plaza!

What's new at Paine? This $18 million project delivered:

- Improvements to the roof system below the plaza paving
- Shade structures with table and chair seating areas
- Metal and wooden bench areas for sitting
- A redesigned skate plaza space
- Landscaping, including a variety of flowers, trees, and deep blue-hued planters that introduce color throughout the site
- Over 50 bike parking spaces
- ADA-accessible ramp providing an accessible path from the sidewalk to the front of the building
- Restoration of the existing city-owned 40ft bronze and granite sculpture, Government of the People
- Future bronze statue of historic trail blazer and Philadelphian, Sadie T.M. Alexander (to be installed in 2027)

A big shout-out to Skate Philly and Vans for supporting the new skate plaza with a $300,000 contribution, and West Philly's own Jahmir Brown for sharing some inspiring words and helping us cut that ribbon!

Check out the photos below for some highlights.