Philadelphia – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, City Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, and community leaders kicked-off a renovation project for Hissey Playground in the Kensington section at a ground-breaking ceremony this afternoon.

“Every neighborhood in Philadelphia deserves a beautiful, safe playground for it’s children,” said Commissioner Ott Lovell.  “It’s amazing what a few improvements can do to uplift a whole community, and I’m excited for more projects like this one to begin throughout the city, thanks to Mayor Kenney and great partners like Councilwoman Sánchez.”

The updates to Hissey Playground will include new play and fitness equipment, a new safety surface and installation of new fencing with gates.  The play equipment features two slides, swings, and a rope bridge for older children, and the fitness equipment will be positioned near a smaller play space so that parents and guardians can be active while safely monitoring younger children.

“When I took office eight years ago, this playground was completely shut down and boarded up.  After a tremendous amount of work with community stakeholders, including Iglesia del Barrio and many others, Hissey is becoming a great asset in the neighborhood,” said Councilwoman Quiñones-Sánchez.  “I am so proud to arrive at this celebration, which is a huge next step in the right direction for this park, this neighborhood, and this community.”

Renovations to Hissey are made possible through a collaboration between the Office of Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department and the Department of Public Property.