Nelson Playground Rebuild (We Play Ball Here)

The Nelson Playground mural by Betsy Z. Casañas, located in the Fairhill neighborhood of Philadelphia, is meant to be a celebration of community. The mural is a wrap of five separate walls. Three walls feature numerous community members and Nelson Playground team members engaged in the various activities that happen in and around the playground. Another wall features an all-girls basketball team. And the last wall features a ornamental framed portraits that highlight four individuals that played a vital part in nurturing the work being done in Nelson Playground.

The playground has offered programming since the 1930s and continues to be a safe space where children and families can be involved in various sports and recreational activities. Many community members were involved in the design aspect during a series of community meetings.

The project was part of a larger playground reconstruction sponsored by Rebuild Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia.