Rebuild and Councilmember Cherelle Parker announced the award of a $9.5 million grant to Community Ventures carry out major renovations to the Lawncrest Library and Recreation Center. The improvements coming to Lawncrest will include repairs to the beloved pool, investment in a computer lab in the library, and critical ADA compliance upgrades. Made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, Rebuild is a signature initiative of Mayor Jim Kenney’s, committing hundreds of millions of dollars to improve parks, recreation centers, and libraries in neighborhoods across the City.
“Rebuild is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Philadelphia’s neighborhoods by investing in parks, recreation centers, and libraries,” said Rebuild Executive Director Nicole Westerman. “The Lawncrest Recreation Center and Library are a social, athletic, and cultural hub of this community. We look forward to working alongside the community to plan improvements to the site that deliver a safe and welcoming place for residents to build skills, play sports, meet friends, and have fun.”
The Lawncrest site includes a 57-year-old recreation center in need of upgraded flooring, repairs to the outdoor pool, and a number of building infrastructure improvements. The library next door, also built in 1961, will receive a major investment in technology, building improvements, and efforts to modernize the space to meet today’s digital access needs. Additional improvements and upgrades at both the library and rec center will be agreed upon using feedback and input from residents and the community.
“Lawncrest is home to some of the most vibrant youth and older adult programs in the city,” said Councilmember Cherelle Parker. “Crescentville, Lawncrest, and Lawndale residents have been consistent contributors to the City’s tax base, and deserve safe, modern facilities. Thanks to Rebuild, the Lawncrest rec center and library will get the investment necessary to offer even more high quality resources and activities to the community.”
For the full press release and more details on the Rebuild program, click here.
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