Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell initiated a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Councilman Bobby Henon and community members at American Legion Playground in Northeast Philadelphia to celebrate the completion of recent renovations.

This is coming off the heels of several criticisms through the city, not just the Northeast, that children need places to play and learn in the area.

“I applaud Councilman Henon’s dedication to parks and recreation facilities, and of course the community here in Northeast Philadelphia,” said Commissioner Ott Lovell. “The improvements at American Legion will be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. I’m looking forward to opening parks just like this across the city very soon,” the Commisioner said.

With new equipment and safety surfacing, members of the community can finally see their park as a place for the whole family to enjoy. Not just a place for kids, an adult fitness area was created and the main play area was divided into two zones, one for children and another for older children.

The $280,000 project began in 2014 in hope to renew green and play spaces throughout the city. Families had stopped coming to the park due to its old and seemingly unsafe structures prior to reconstruction efforts. “I am looking forward to seeing this playground and basketball court be used more and more now that it is renovated. I want to thank Parks and Recreation, Capital Projects and Public Property for their incredible work on American Legion,” said Councilman Henon.