If you follow local news, you're most likely aware that the city is in the midst of a little bit of a jam. We like to stay away from policy on the blog - there are plenty of places to talk politics on the interwebs, and plus our job forbids it - but we do want to keep folks abreast of what's going on.
Yesterday, September 10th, the city asked that we distribute the following letter to the heads of organizations and programs that use Recreation facilities. Check back soon for info on how this will affect specific programs at Marian Anderson.
Dear Recreation Participant:
Due to the ongoing delay of the State to approve a budget, which would provide funding for many City services, the Recreation Department may be forced to cease providing services after Friday October 2nd.
The result of the budget delay would mean that all recreation programs, including to recreation, afterschool, athletic and cultural programs, as well as older adult and special population services will no longer be in operation. Indoor facilities will not be available for public use until further notice; trash pick-up, litter removal, turf mowing, facility and janitorial maintenance will cease; outdoor usage and amenities will be limited.
While we regreat that this action may occur, we are notifying you to afford ample time to make alternate arrangements. When the budget situation is resolves, you will be contacted on the procedure to resume your participation in the Philadelphia Department of Recreation programs and activities.
If you have questions about the impacts to the Department of Recreation please contact 215.683.3600. If you have any questions about changes to City services, or want to be kept informed about this situation we encourage you to contact Philly311 by calling "3-1-1" between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm; email philly311@phila.gov or visit the City of Philadelphia website at http:/www.phila.gov.
We appreciate your patience and support during this process.
Sincerely,
Susan Slawson
Recreation Commissioner
Blog Archive
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Picture of the Day
A section of the mural "The Lady from South Philadelphia," a Mural Arts Project mural that was painted in the MARC lobby in 2008.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Marian Anderson FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked...and their answers:
Can I rent a room for my niece's birthday/bridal shower/debutante ball?
No. We no longer rent out space for one-time private parties. We prefer to use our space for events that are open to the whole community.
Does my group have to pay rent if we are using space at the rec center?
Yes, in most cases. Whether your group is having a one-time event or a regularly scheduled weekly program, we will charge you rent. It will be cheaper than just about anywhere else. Exceptions are sometimes made for non-profit organizations that are providing a community service.
Where does my rent money go?
Your rent will go to the Marian Anderson Advisory Council, which provides funding for children's programs at the center such as sports leagues, after-school programs and summer camp.
How can I become a member?
Anyone is welcome to come to the rec center and check out our programs. Many of the programs here operate independently of the center and may charge a membership fee.
How can I volunteer with your programs?
Call, email or come into the office. We'll ask you what you're interested in and see if we can find a match for you.
What if there are no programs that I'm interested in volunteering with?
Start your own. We'll work with you to find available space and we'll give you support getting things off the ground. After that, it's all up to you, for better or for worse.
Are there open gym hours?
No. During the school year the gym is in use from noon to 10 PM every day of the week, and all day Saturday.
Why did the pool close early this summer?
The city's budget crunch made it impossible to keep public pools open all summer. Pools are exceptionally expensive to staff and maintain.
Are the rec centers going to close?
We sure hope not.
Why is the field always locked?
We put a lot of time and money into the field, money that we have to raise. In order to ensure that the field remains in good shape for its primary users - children ages 12 and under - we keep it locked when there is not a staff member present.
Why can't I walk my dog on the field or the basketball court?
We don't want to deal with the "aftermath" of your dog's visit, for one thing. In addition, many of the kids we serve are afraid of dogs. There is a dog park at 26th & Schuyllkill and another at 10th & Lombard. This is a human park.
Can I rent a room for my niece's birthday/bridal shower/debutante ball?
No. We no longer rent out space for one-time private parties. We prefer to use our space for events that are open to the whole community.
Does my group have to pay rent if we are using space at the rec center?
Yes, in most cases. Whether your group is having a one-time event or a regularly scheduled weekly program, we will charge you rent. It will be cheaper than just about anywhere else. Exceptions are sometimes made for non-profit organizations that are providing a community service.
Where does my rent money go?
Your rent will go to the Marian Anderson Advisory Council, which provides funding for children's programs at the center such as sports leagues, after-school programs and summer camp.
How can I become a member?
Anyone is welcome to come to the rec center and check out our programs. Many of the programs here operate independently of the center and may charge a membership fee.
How can I volunteer with your programs?
Call, email or come into the office. We'll ask you what you're interested in and see if we can find a match for you.
What if there are no programs that I'm interested in volunteering with?
Start your own. We'll work with you to find available space and we'll give you support getting things off the ground. After that, it's all up to you, for better or for worse.
Are there open gym hours?
No. During the school year the gym is in use from noon to 10 PM every day of the week, and all day Saturday.
Why did the pool close early this summer?
The city's budget crunch made it impossible to keep public pools open all summer. Pools are exceptionally expensive to staff and maintain.
Are the rec centers going to close?
We sure hope not.
Why is the field always locked?
We put a lot of time and money into the field, money that we have to raise. In order to ensure that the field remains in good shape for its primary users - children ages 12 and under - we keep it locked when there is not a staff member present.
Why can't I walk my dog on the field or the basketball court?
We don't want to deal with the "aftermath" of your dog's visit, for one thing. In addition, many of the kids we serve are afraid of dogs. There is a dog park at 26th & Schuyllkill and another at 10th & Lombard. This is a human park.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Welcome to the Marian Anderson Recreation Center Blog
The Marian Anderson Recreation Center (MARC) occupies a full city block in South Philadelphia, where it has stood since 1953. Named for the contralto who's famed Lincoln Memorial concert in 1939 was a landmark moment in the Civil Rights movement, the center has long served as a focal point in the thriving community south of South Street and west of Broad St.
The Center, which is operated by the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation, is located at 744 S. 17th St, between Fitzwater and Catharine streets. Our amenities include a boxing gym, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, swimming pool, auditorium, computer lab, kitchen, three meeting rooms, playground, indoor and outdoor batting cages and Anderson Yards, which is widely acknowledged as the finest youth baseball field in the City of Philadelphia.
The majority of the programs at MARC are developed and run by the center's three-person staff. However, every program relies greatly on the work of volunteers from throughout the community. Some of the programs you can find at Marian Anderson include instructional soccer, basketball and baseball for boys and girls 5-12; highly competitive travel teams for each of these sports; youth and adult boxing; youth and adult martial arts; adult basketball and indoor soccer; yoga; weekend tutoring; after-school programs, drug and alcohol support groups and more. MARC also provides space to community-based non-profit organizations who wish to use the center for events and meetings.
With this blog we hope to provide a sense of what's going on at the center. Check back frequently for updates on programs, events and opportunities to get involved.
The Center, which is operated by the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation, is located at 744 S. 17th St, between Fitzwater and Catharine streets. Our amenities include a boxing gym, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, swimming pool, auditorium, computer lab, kitchen, three meeting rooms, playground, indoor and outdoor batting cages and Anderson Yards, which is widely acknowledged as the finest youth baseball field in the City of Philadelphia.
The majority of the programs at MARC are developed and run by the center's three-person staff. However, every program relies greatly on the work of volunteers from throughout the community. Some of the programs you can find at Marian Anderson include instructional soccer, basketball and baseball for boys and girls 5-12; highly competitive travel teams for each of these sports; youth and adult boxing; youth and adult martial arts; adult basketball and indoor soccer; yoga; weekend tutoring; after-school programs, drug and alcohol support groups and more. MARC also provides space to community-based non-profit organizations who wish to use the center for events and meetings.
With this blog we hope to provide a sense of what's going on at the center. Check back frequently for updates on programs, events and opportunities to get involved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)