Renovated playground unveiled in North Philadelphia

$1.5 million facelift given to playground in Poplar neighborhood

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A playground in North Philadelphia received a much-needed facelift, thanks to the city's Rebuild project.

Area kids couldn't get enough of the shiny, new, and most importantly safe equipment unveiled during a ribbon-cutting at East Poplar Playground on North 8th Street.

The stunning renovations boast new seating areas, a hydration fountain, swings, slides, climbing towers, and an upgraded pool.

East Poplar Playground on North 8th Street in Philadelphia.
East Poplar Playground on North 8th Street in Philadelphia. Photo credit Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio
East Poplar Playground on North 8th Street in Philadelphia.
East Poplar Playground on North 8th Street in Philadelphia. Photo credit Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio

Mayor Jim Kenney said he doesn't have a lot of happy days in his job, but this was one of them.

"When you see all of these little children enjoying themselves in safety and in a beautiful playground that's been renovated, that's what government should be about," the mayor said.

"We struggle with a lot of issues which are difficult and sad, but this is a beautiful day."

14th Ward Second Vice Chair Edna Devlin said this beautification was a long time in coming.

"Back in the day, this was our recreation area, our park where we had picnics, but as years went on it started deteriorating," said Devlin.

The project renovations totaled $1.46 million.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio