East Passyunk Community Center unveils new outdoor playground funded with state grant supported by Fiedler, Saval
Philadelphia House Delegation July 8, 2026 | 4:20 PM
PHILADELPHIA, July 8 – Today, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, state Sen. Nikil Saval, and Councilmember Mark Squilla joined staff and campers to unveil a new, fully redesigned playground at the East Passyunk Community Center (EPCC). The renovation was funded by a joint $75,000 state grant supported by Saval and Fiedler and by the City of Philadelphia.
“It’s always a good day when we get to see the impact of public funding right here in our neighborhoods. These dollars, that were once just numbers on a page, are now visible in EPCC’s long-awaited new playground. I’m thrilled that EPCC will continue to create lifelong friendships and strengthen our community for years to come!” Fiedler said.
“East Passyunk Community Center is growing and changing just like the people who transform a recreation center into a community. I'm so proud to put public dollars into action to improve the splendid outdoor playground area for the benefit of all the neighborhood’s children. Now equipped with room to crawl, slide and climb, this beloved community anchor is ready to support our youngest neighbors through all stages of development,” Saval said.
The East Passyunk Community Center has established itself as a service leader for South Philadelphians of all ages through its many free or low-cost programs and dedicated staff, they said.
The playground sits in the front of the center’s campus and includes a new swing set and climbing equipment. It is the latest upgrade to EPCC, which offers beloved features including a spray ground and an indoor basketball court and gym.
The grant was awarded in 2022. After years of design and construction, Wednesday’s ceremonial ribbon cutting represented a long-awaited celebration for community members and staff.
Attendees held a moment of silence for Joe Marino, former city Advisory Council president, who passed away nearly one year ago. In his role as president and as a South Philadelphia neighbor, he worked tirelessly to install outdoor play equipment and improve the center.
“I am proud to fund and support the vision of our dear, departed leader, Joe Marino, the Friends Group and the Advisory Council at East Passyunk Community Center. Seeing this playground come to life with the laughter of our children who will enjoy it for years to come is so gratifying to me!” Councilmember Mark Squilla said.
“Today we are celebrating the completion of a 10-year effort to provide an outdoor play area for the neighborhood,” said Margaret Kalalian, who served on the EPCC Advisory Council as Grants and Funding Chair for a decade. “They say good things come in small packages. The East Passyunk Community Center might have the smallest playground in the city, but it’s the best small playground.”
The center is operated by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, which administered the grant funding.
“Every day, thousands of children are in our parks and in our recreation centers. That’s what we are here to provide: safe opportunities for kids to play, to communicate, to build social skills,” PPR Commissioner Susan Slawson said. “EPCC is a gem here in South Philadelphia and has always been an important neighborhood gathering place, full of generations of families and full of life. The people in this community don’t play about what our future needs, and the young people here today are our future.”
“This new playground is more than swings and slides – it represents our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming space where children can learn, grow and create lasting memories while bringing families and the community together,” said Mark Hayes, a PPR recreation leader at EPCC.
“This has been such a cool project to watch develop over the years. I want to thank the hardworking construction workers who have been working through harsh winters and hot summers. And I want to thank the community members who helped fund this achievement,” said Mira, a 10-year-old camper. “From the moment it began, we have had so much fun going from concrete benches to a full-on playground. All these generous people took their time to produce a fun space, fun for all ages.”
The grant was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development, through its Act 13 program. The Act 13 program supports grants to greenways, trails, and recreation, among other statewide environmental initiatives.
Previous investments of state funding supported by Fiedler and Saval include $180,000 for a roof replacement, $50,000 for a kitchen upgrade, and over $16,000 for an improvement to the multipurpose room.