Rec Crew

Hank Gathers: The Legacy Continues dedication, December 9, 2022. Photo by Steve Weinik.

Sponsored by the City of Philadelphia’s Anti-Violence Community Expansion Grant and in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, we have created a significant growth opportunity in the Rec Crew. This group of Guild and Women’s Reentry Program graduates works at Rec Centers around the city, revitalizing community spaces and assisting with mural installations. They’ve even co-designed a mural for the Tiffany Fletcher Recreation Center to be installed in Spring 2024. Our hard-working Rec Crew has completed 19 projects this year from March 2023 through December 2023 at the following Rec Centers around the City of Philadelphia:

 

  • Franklin's Kite © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Nathaniel Lee, Eakins Oval, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Swimphilly: Christy Recreation Center © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Gabe Tiberino, Christy Recreation Center, 56th & Christian Streets. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Coded by Kids dedication at Smith Playground, June 14, 2022. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • 2021-067, Community Murals, Final, Harrowgate, North Philadelphia, Parks and Recreation, Rebuild Philadelphia, Scanlon Recreation Center

  • Where we Play Together © 2008 City of Philadlephia Mural Arts Program / Desireé Bender, Finnegan Recreation Center, 1231 South 30th Street. Photo by Mural Arts Staff.

  • Belfield Recreation Center © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Shaun Durbin, Belfield Recreation Center, 2109 West Chew Avenue. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Franklin's Kite in-process, June 30, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • The Garden (restoration) © 2013 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Delia King, 12th & Cambria Recreation Center. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Movement Blooms From The Heart © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Josh Sarantitis, 48th and Woodland. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Untitled © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Katey Truhn & Jessie Unterhalter (Jessie&Katey), Heitzman Recreation Center, 3631 Amber Street, Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • SwimPhilly: Heitzman Rec © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / NDA, Heitzman Recreation Center, 3631 Amber Street, Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Swimphilly: Hunting Park Recreation Center © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / NDA, Hunting Park Recreation Center, 1101 West Hunting Park Avenue. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • SwimPhilly: Pleasant Playground © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Calo Rosa, Pleasant Playground 6757 Chew Ave. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Swimphilly: Scanlon Recreation Center © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Serena Saunders, Scanlon Recreation Center, J & Tioga Streets. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Swimphilly: Tustin Recreation Center © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Serena Saunders, Tustin Recreation Center, 5901 Columbia Avenue. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Alley-oop dedication, April 4, 2023. Photo by Erin Blewett,

  • Coded by Kids dedication at Smith Playground, June 14, 2022. Photo by Steve Weinik.

  • Movement Blooms From The Heart dedication, June 28, 2023. Photo by Steve Weinik.

2023

  • Christy Rec Center
  • 48th and Woodland, a.k.a. “Johnson’s Playground”
  • Guerin Rec Center
  • McCreesh Rec Center
  • J. Finnegan Playground
  • D. Finnegan Playground
  • Tustin Rec Center
  • FDR Park/Parkside Playground
  • 10 SwimPhilly sites including Christy Pool, Feltonville Pool, J. Finnegan Pool, Heitzman Pool, Hunting Park Pool, MLK Pool, Penrose Pool, Pleasant Playground Pool, Scanlon Pool, and Tustin Pool
    The entire interior of the new Juvenile Assessment Center in less than one month, which was formerly the station of the Philadelphia Police Department 9th District at 401 N. 21st Street.

2022

  • East Poplar Playground and Underpass
  • Hank Gathers Rec Center
  • McVeigh Pool
  • Scanlon Pool
  • Belfield Rec Center
  • Smith Playground
  • The Oval
  • Tustin Basketball Court
  • Amos Playground
  • 12th and Cambria Rec Center
  • Cione Rec Center

Through mural making, carpentry, and other creative projects, program participants are guided by artists and other skilled professionals to transform their neighborhoods and themselves. Job readiness, through the development of life skills and mentorship, is an essential element of the curriculum. Participants have also built personal and professional growth plans, which include communications, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, digital etiquette, and essential job entry skills like résumé-building and interview preparation to help participants secure future employment.

FUNDERS  

City Of Philadelphia Anti-Violence Community Expansion Grant [CEG]
Hummingbird Foundation
PA Commission On Crime and Delinquency

Rec Crew participants: 

  • December Collins (Team Leader)
  • Rocquil Hankerson (Team Leader)
  • Donnie Lopez (Team Leader)
  • Chris Niles
  • Chris Garcia
  • Symira Garrett
  • Aleesha Lopez
  • Paige Taylor
  • Tevin Wilks
  • Kyaan Freeman-Allen
  • Shaun Williams
  • Terrence Bostic
  • Damion Brunson
  • Tajmir Ford
  • Maleek Brown
  • Briana Bethea
  • Rialiah Gaynor
  • Khareeb Graham
  • Tasheema Flamer
  • Janir Bagwell
  • Priscilla Rodriguez (Rec Crew Coordinator)