Northeast Philadelphia saw its second park ribbon cutting in the span of about a month when city officials visited Disston Recreation Center last week.
The Nov. 10 ribbon cutting recognized the $1.1 million upgrade for outdoor equipment the center received earlier this summer. The upgrades include a brand-new playground and adult fitness area connected by new pathways and tree plantings.
Ester Rochet-Curet, community school coordinator at Disston Elementary School, said improvements like this go a long way in the community, especially during the current pandemic.
“Having a fun place to play and meet up with friends is so important for students and their caregivers right now,” she said.
Disston marks the 42nd improvement project across the city thanks to Rebuild, Rebuild Executive Director Kira Strong said.
The recreation center serves as one of the city’s access centers for children to do virtual schooling with supervision while the School District of Philadelphia maintains a virtual learning model. About 22 students use the site each day.
“Especially in the year of 2020 and COVID, people are using our recreational space, our play equipment and our public amenities,” Councilman Bobby Henon said.
The ribbon cutting was also attended by Mayor Jim Kenney and Parks & Rec Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell.
A second phase of renovations at the site will improve parts of the building, including repairing the roof, fixing the heating and cooling system and upgrading the restrooms, Strong announced at the ribbon cutting. ••
