Smith is essential! Donate to our Annual Appeal campaign today
November 2020
Dear Smith Friend,
For LaNeshe and Sage (and thousands of other families), Smith has become an essential part of the pandemic recovery.
Words alone will never fully reflect what a long, hard year this has been — for families and for Smith.
In spite of the many challenges, we are proud to report that we have not wavered from our dedication to developing healthy, happy and thriving children — but we couldn’t do it alone.
Now more than ever, we need your help as we work to —
Provide in-home playful learning programs through our new mobile app and a new television program called Smith Play Jawn.
Support local schools by inviting them to use our Playground for outdoor learning opportunities that expand in-person learning and supplement virtual learning
Provide care packages filled with nonperishable food items, formula, and diapers for local families in need
Help families process issues of diversity, equity and inclusion through our “Never Too Young for Justice” series
So please, won’t you consider making a donation to Smith Memorial Playground to help fund these and other important programs?
A small donation of just $25 or more will help us make it through this very difficult year and provide the resources to make an even bigger difference.
UNICEF says, “Children are not the face of this pandemic. But they risk being among its biggest victims…” Together, we can help children navigate these difficult times! Your support is essential for making this possible.
Frances Hoover
Executive Director
Adjusted Visiting Hours + Stay Connected!
Dear Smith Families, Friends, and Supporters:
Thank you for your belief in and support of Smith! We are writing to let you know about the following adjustments to our free visiting hours:
Free Visiting Hours
November 2020: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10am-4pm December 2020 through March 2021: Closed*
*birthday parties and school groups may still reserve private visits
Play is Not Cancelled!
In spite of the many challenges we faced in 2020, Smith has not wavered from our dedication to supporting families and promoting the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children. After developing new digital programming last Spring during the state-wide stay-at-home orders and reopening to the public with increased cleaning and visitor screening procedures on June 16th (all carried out by our small, but mighty staff of 6 full-time employees!), we now have had to make some tough decisions going into the colder months that will allow for overall staff wellness and budget relief.
Below are ways you can continue to stay engaged with us during the cold weather months. We look forward to reopening the Playground and the renovated Playhouse in March of 2021!
Virtual Programs
Smith has a new Mobile App and television program called Smith Play Jawn that engages children in playful learning activities that can be done with everyday materials at home!
Playhouse and Urban Nature Preschool to Open Spring 2021
Playhouse renovations are expected to be completed by the end of December and we plan to reopen the Playhouse to visitors as soon as deemed appropriate under the prevailing COIVD-19 guidelines. Smith’s new Urban Nature Preschool will open in Fall 2021 with enrollment details available in early 2021. Learn More
We deeply value our relationship with our visitors, members, and supporters and will continue to keep you abreast of developments that occur as we respond to the impact of the global pandemic. Please consider making a donation to our non-profit organization to help us continue our 121-year legacy of being a free resource for children to play, learn, and heal together.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.
Frances Hoover
Executive Director
Download Smith’s New Mobile App!
Smith is excited to announce that we have a new mobile app featuring a variety of ways to engage children in playful learning and to support our nonprofit organization.
PLAY
Check in at Smith, earn points and rewards during your visit, and get playful learning ideas for home!
LEARN
Learn more about how our play spaces, events, and programs promote unstructured play, which is a powerful tool for social, emotional, and physical growth in children.
ENGAGE
Learn how you can support Smith through donations, volunteering, membership, and more!
Smith Has a New TV Show – Tune in and Submit Your JAWN!
Smith Has a New TV Show!
“Smith Play Jawn” is Smith Memorial Playground’s new TV show which encourages and models playful learning at the Playground, in nature, and in everyday spaces. Join us for music time, story time, at-home and nature play ideas, and to share YOUR jawn! Smith will produce a new episode with a special theme each month which will air weekly on Wednesdays.
Tune in Wednesdays at 3pm on: Comcast 66/966HD | Verizon 29/30 | phillycam.org/watch
This month’s theme is…
Collections
In the spirit of this month’s theme, we put together this super cool list of children’s books and other resources for families!
Each month, Smith features something made by a young person on “Smith Play Jawn”. Submissions may be artwork, videos, poetry, or something else creative!
Smith also needs recorded music and/or music videos to for the “Music Time” feature segment of the show as well as for background and transitions.
If you are a musician or music artist interested in submitting music, please email zoe@smithplayground.org to discuss further.
Smith is Open! New Safety Procedures & Programs
Please note, Smith has reduced visiting hours during the month of November 2020 and will be closed to the public from December through March. Learn more
Fun on the Playground
Giant Wooden Slide
Nature Explore
Families are encouraged to “bring their own sack” (large pillow case or small blanket) to slide on! In addition, the Tree Walk leading up to the top of the Slide now has fun social distancing markers designed by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Exploring the natural world is therapeutic! Nature Explore is typically a calm oasis in the Playground where children can climb on logs, dig in mud, and play with other objects found in nature.
Swing City
Spin City
Get those bodies moving again on a variety of swings for all ages!
Spin the sillies out (or in!) on Smith’s fun twirling play equipment
Trike Track
Tot Lot
Smith has not had trikes on the Playground for a very long time! While the “Giant Net Climber” will be off limits for play, Smith welcomes children ages 2-5 to ride their trikes in this play area.
The Tot Lot section for infants and toddlers is now open for play!
Please note, the following pieces of play equipment currently remain off limits:
Apollo Spinner
New at Smith!
Smith Play Jawn TV Show
Events & Programs
“Smith Play Jawn” is Smith Memorial Playground’s new TV show which encourages and models playful learning at the Playground, in nature, and in everyday spaces. Join us for music time, story time, at-home and nature play ideas, and to share YOUR jawn! Learn more
In accordance with national, state, and local guidelines for cleanliness, social distancing, and protection from the spread of COVID-19, Smith has a variety of upcoming on-site events and programs. Learn more
Birthday Party Rentals
Having a birthday party at Smith is an experience your child will never forget! A 2-hour birthday party can be booked Friday through Sunday in a variety party spaces in the Playground or on the front lawn.
New Safety Rules and Procedures
In accordance with national, state, and local guidelines for cleanliness, social distancing, and protection from the spread of COVID-19, Smith has implemented new policies and adjusted its operations as follows:
The Playground is open Tuesday through Sunday 10am-4pm
Admission is free, however donations are welcome to help us keep our facility maintained and staffed.
New entrance procedure and Playground capacity
All visitors will have their temperatures taken and will be required to sign a waiver before entering the Playground.
Smith staff has the right to deny entry to any individual who has a temperature of 100.4 or higher. We ask that visitors please stay home if they are sick.
Smith will allow 250 people maximum on the Playground at one time. If the Playground is currently at capacity, families will have the option to put their names on a wait list.
Smith staff is screened daily to ensure that everyone is symptom-free.
Face masks are required.
As per CDC guidelines, face masks are required by adult staff and visitors 2 years and older.
Cleanliness
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes are available on site for visitor use.
Porta-Potties are deep cleaned and play equipment is sanitized every 2 hours
Smith encourages visitors to follow the CDC guidelines for Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities and to clean up all trash and personal belongings after playing in the Playground and using picnic areas.
Our staff is working hard to continue providing free resources for play during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consider supporting our non-profit organization during this challening time.
Upcoming Events
Winter Wonderland
Thursday, December 31
Timed Entry: 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
Join us for socially distanced, festive winter fun on the Playground and a New Year’s countdown at the Giant Wooden Slide at Winter Wonderland presented by PECO! This is a timed entry event, pre-registration required. Admission is $5 per child or free for Smith members and ACCESS card households. Rain/snow or shine!
Donate to Smith
Smith is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to remain free to the public. We need your support now more than ever as we continue to navigate the challenges created by the global pandemic. Making a donation of just $5 or more in addition to your ticket purchase would greatly help us continue our free programming in 2021.
Programs at Smith
Smith also offers a variety of on-site programs year-round including music classes, Soccer Shots, fitness on the front lawn, and more!
If you have questions about any of the events or programs at Smith, contact us at info@smithplayground.org or call 215-765-4325.
Smith Currently Closed to Public Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, Staff Available Via Email and Phone
In light of further developments with the COVID-19 pandemic in Philadelphia, Smith is currently closed to the public and all programming and events are postponed until further notice to ensure the safety of our visitors and employees. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and communicate any updates via email and social media. Our staff is still working and available via email and phone. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to info@smithplayground.org or 215-765-4325.
Don’t Stop Playing!
While we take pride in our rich history of being a safe space for generations of visitors, we know that the joy that families experience here can also be sparked beyond our Playground gates. We hope that the links below will serve as inspiration to play and find joy during this difficult time:
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse Elects New Board Members During Exciting Next Phase of Capital Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse Elects New Board Members During Exciting Next Phase of Capital Campaign
June 24, 2019 (Philadelphia, PA) – Frances Hoover, Executive Director of Smith Playground & Playhouse, announced today that the Board of Directors elected five new board members to join Smith’s leadership team. “This is an exciting time to join the board at Smith,” says Hoover. “We are completing an $8.6 million capital campaign that will fund major renovations to the Smith Playhouse and activate new programming spaces, including an innovative new Urban Nature Preschool. We feel fortunate to have this new influx of talent to our board.” Please join us in welcoming Mary Beth McNeishFedirko, Marc Mannella, Shanell Ransom, Meghan Talarowski, and Rupali Shah to the Smith board.
Mary Beth McNeishFedirkohas been an early childhood educator for eighteen years at The Philadelphia School (TPS) in Center City, Philadelphia and also served on the Board of Directors at the Parent Infant Center (PIC), partner in the nature-based preschool that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020 at Smith, where she chaired the fundraising and sponsorship committees of each organization’s annual fundraiser. She holds an M.S. Ed degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education where she received a dual certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. An advocate of nature-based play for children, Mary Beth led the loose parts playspace initiative at TPS’s Early Childhood Education Center garden. Partnering with Nature Explore, she was involved in organizing and expanding the loose parts play space and seed-to-table program offered to preschool and kindergarten students. In addition, Mary Beth has given multiple presentations and written articles about The Project Approach and co-authored ‘Doll Stories’ a curriculum used as a vehicle to address anti-bias, prosocial, and anti-bullying behavior in early childhood education classrooms. In her personal time, Mary Beth enjoys outdoor adventures with husband Rob and six-year-old son Myles.
Marc Mannellawas the founder of KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, and now works as an independent consultant in the K-12 education and leadership development fields. Mannella started his career in education as a science teacher, before serving as founding principal of KIPP Philadelphia Charter School, a college preparatory middle school in North Philadelphia. After five years as principal he transitioned to the role of CEO, where he led KIPP Philadelphia’s expansion to a five-school network serving nearly 2,000 students in grades K-12, and oversaw all aspects of school and network operations. Mannella holds a B.A. in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester, and an M.Ed. in Education Leadership from National Louis University. Outside of work, Mannella enjoys reading, cooking on his grill, and spending time with his wife, Mamie, and son, Quincy.
Shanell Ransom grew up in South Carolina, where she regularly encountered and witnessed racial and economic injustice. This inspired her to take a path of service and commitment to justice and equity. Equipped with an undergraduate degree in sociology and a minor in crime, law & society, Shanell went on to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA, and carried her passion for service to communities across the globe. While working toward a Master of Public Service, Shanell relocated to Philadelphia for an internship with the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation to work with the neighborhood revitalization grants program. Shanell joined the Fels Fund in 2015 where she is Grants and Operations Manager. Highlights from her work include streamlining the application process, moving the grant application and grants management system online, and redesigning the website. Beyond improving the efficiency of systems within the organization, she is a critical voice in the work towards equity and fight for justice. She also serves on the Steering Committee for the Philadelphia Chapter of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy and is a member of the Philadelphia Black Giving Circle. In her personal time, Shanell indulges in the five F’s and one T: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, Food and Travel.
Meghan Talarowskiis the founder and director of Studio Ludo, a non-profit dedicated to building better play through research, design, and advocacy. She has degrees in architecture and landscape architecture, over 15 years of experience in the design field, and is a certified playground safety inspector. Her research focuses on how the design of play environments impacts physical health and social behavior and has been presented at conferences worldwide. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, Vox, Next City, Landscape Architecture Magazine, and World Landscape Architecture Magazine.
Rupali Shah has lived in Philadelphia for 15 years and currently resides with her family in Bella Vista. She is an attorney, an entrepreneur and a civic minded citizen active in local and state politics. She is currently the Corporate and Commercial Counsel at American Water and holds a BS in Finance from Georgetown University and a JD from the George Washington University School of Law. She values green and public spaces for community gathering and building and loves to bring her daughter, who is almost 8, to Smith Playground. Imaginative play is an important part of her family life and she understands not all children have access to safe play spaces. She is excited for the opportunity to join Smith’s Board and to put her time and resources into our mission.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park. Founded in 1899, Smith welcomes visitors from more than 500 zip code areas including every zip code in Philadelphia. The mission of Smith is to provide and promote opportunities for unstructured free play for children. Smith contributes to the development of healthy children, strong families, and safe communities by: 1) maintaining a proud tradition of free family admission; 2) partnering with community-based organizations to reach a diverse audience; and 3) advocating for the importance of play. For more information about Smith please visit www.smithplayground.org.
We’re excited to have a limited supply of 2019 Kidchella Music Festival in kids’ sizes! Order yours online today or purchase at our remaining concerts in July and August!
Smith Announces New Slate of Board Officers to Lead in Next Phase of Capital Campaign
February 25, 2019 (Philadelphia, PA) – Frances Hoover, Executive Director of Smith Playground & Playhouse, announced today that the Board of Directors elected a new slate of Board Officers. This team will lead the exciting next phase of Smith’s capital campaign, which includes beginning construction to increase play space and construct a Nature Preschool in the Playhouse. “We are entering an exciting period in the growth and development of Smith. It’s wonderful to know that we have a strong team in place to lead the way,” said Frances. Please join us in welcoming Joe Khan as President, Virginia G. Essandoh, J.D. as Vice President, and Ivy Olesh as Secretary. In addition, Stephen Wielgus will continue to serve as Board Treasurer.
Joe Khan is a nationally recognized trial and appellate lawyer who has litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts. As the coordinator of Weisbrod Matteis & Copley ’s pro bono program, Joe has a lifelong commitment to public service and has won widespread acclaim as the runner-up in the seven-way primary election for Philadelphia District Attorney in 2017.
Virginia G. Essandoh, J.D. serves as Ballard Spahr’s Chief Diversity Officer. She sits on the Management Committee and Expanded Board and is responsible for overseeing, implementing, and providing strategic leadership to Ballard Spahr’s diversity initiatives. Working closely with the Diversity and Inclusion Council, Virginia advises and collaborates with firm management, to implement the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategic goals and inspire the concepts of diversity and inclusion into firm culture.
Stephen Wielgus joined Smith’s board in 2016 and has been the Board Treasurer since 2017. Steve is the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for the University of Pennsylvania’s Business Services. Prior to joining Penn in 2013, he worked in the private sector for Johnson & Johnson in a variety of finance capacities. He holds a BS from Bucknell University and an MBA from University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Steve and his family reside in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia.
Ivy Olesh is a civic leader, volunteering and serving on boards that focus on recreation, public space and play, public education and public art. She is the founding member and former president of a non-profit called Friends of Chester Arthur that supports the neighborhood public school where she resides and now where her son attends school. Professionally, Ivy is the Executive Director of Playworks, a nonprofit with the mission to bring safe and healthy play to kids to build confidence, reduce bullying, teach leadership and improve academic outcomes. Ivy lives in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood along with her husband, Matt, and their 8-year-old son, Brody.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park. Founded in 1899, Smith welcomes visitors from more than 500 zip code areas including every zip code in Philadelphia. The mission of Smith is to provide and promote opportunities for unstructured free play for children. Smith contributes to the development of healthy children, strong families, and safe communities by: 1) maintaining a proud tradition of free family admission; 2) partnering with community-based organizations to reach a diverse audience; and 3) advocating for the importance of play. For more information about Smith please visit www.smithplayground.org.
Director of Development
Regular/Full Time; Salaried/Exempt
The Director of Development is responsible for the design and successful execution of a broad array of fundraising strategies for project and general operating support including: foundation funder research; grant writing and reporting; corporate sponsor cultivation; annual appeal and individual donor solicitation, including memberships; and annual fundraising event planning. S/he supervises one full-time staff member, Development Associate, and one part-time staff member, Manager of Communications. Full job description
Smith Memorial Playground Names New Executive Director
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, we are pleased to share the news that Frances Hoover has been named the new Executive Director of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse! Frances will take the helm on January 2, 2019.
Frances comes to Smith from The Philadelphia School (TPS), a preschool to 8th grade Center City independent school, where she served as Director of Institutional Advancement with direct oversight of enrollment, fundraising, and communication. During her 10 years at TPS, Frances was also instrumental in the expansion of diversity and access programs, the strategic planning process, and the development of after-school and summer programming. Earlier in her career, Frances held positions in marketing and finance at Citibank, Sony BMG, and Kraft Foods. She has a certificate in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, a B.S. in accounting from Florida A&M University, and an MBA in marketing and finance from Columbia University. She and her husband, Michael, are proud parents of three children, Jaslyn, Carly, and Will.
We are confident that Frances’ diverse professional expertise position her well to lead Smith in it’s next chapter, as we continue our critical work to provide and promote opportunities for unstructured free play for children.
Please join us in welcoming Frances to Smith!
Sincerely,
Jenny Bogoni, President
Board of Directors
Talk It Up | Playful Learning in Everyday Spaces
Smith and Read by 4th are excited to partner with a variety of everyday spaces across the City for Talk It Up — an initiative that installs new playful learning signage that encourages literacy-building interactions between caregivers and children.
Where Can I Talk It Up?
Grocery Stores 19 Food Market | 1600 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Abreu Super Deli | 6059 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149
AG Crocery Store, Inc. | 162 W. Dauphin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133
Corner Food Market | 3401 N. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
E&E Food Market | 2800 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Fresh Grocer of Monument Road | 4160 Monument Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Jennifer Grocery | 4824 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
My City FJ LLC Supermarket | 1922 W. Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121
New Mantua Family Market | 3423 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
ShopRite of Fox Street | Roberts Ave & Fox St, Philadelphia, PA 19129
ShopRite of Haverford | 6710 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151
ShopRite of Island Avenue | 2946 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153
ShopRite of Oregon Avenue | 24th St &, W Oregon Ave
ShopRite of Parkside | 1575 N 52nd St #400, Philadelphia, PA 19131
ShopRite of Roxborough | 6901 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Snyder Super Market | 2700 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Barber Shops and Beauty Salons
7 Unisex Hair Salon | 1316 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Aura Beauty Salon | 1433 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Creative Images Unisex Hair Salon | 2737 West Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Maya’s Beauty Salon | 1601 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Process Junior’s | 2224 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Sly’s Barber & Beauty Salon | 2237 N 29th St, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Yudy’s Dominican Beauty Salon | 1320 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Laundromats
JSSK Laundry | 1300 N 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131
U-Do We-Do Laundromat | 4303 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phila. Laundry | 5404 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
The Laundry Café | 400 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133
The Laundry Café | 901 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
The Laundry Café | 5675 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120
The Laundry Café | 4424 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
About Talk It Up
Talk It Up is a 2-year initiative that aims to create high-quality caregiver and child interactions that increase early language and literacy skills in children through the use of engaging, literacy building signage in everyday spaces. In the Fall of 2018, the project launched in 7 Wakefern owned grocery stores and 3 North Philadelphia barber shops. In January 2019, the project expanded to 20 more locations.
Smith is building on local and international research to turn Talk It Up into a large-scale, multi-venue project by partnering with Read by 4th, a citywide campaign working towards a shared vision that all children will be reading on grade level by 4th grade, experts Dr. Brenna Hassinger-Das (Pace University) and Dr. Jenn Zosh (Penn State University), and Mighty Engine.
Smith Executive Director Meg Wise to Become Executive Director of Outward Bound School
Meg Wise, Executive Director of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse since 2011, will be leaving her position in September to become the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School. She is not going far, as Outward Bound will be moving into its home in the new Discovery Center, located just across the street from Smith in East Fairmount Park. Meg is eager to continue using her experience and relationships with community leaders to make the park a vibrant and accessible resource.
Under Meg’s leadership, Smith increased its on-site audience to 200,000; launched an array of community-based programs that last year connected with 4,000 children and adults; expanded program offerings to include cultural events, such as the popular Kidchella concert series; and achieved significant growth in earned and contributed income, including $5.9M in gifts and pledges for Smith’s Preserving Play capital campaign.
Smith’s staff and board are committed to continuing the organization’s arc of progress, and are in an excellent position to complete a planned renovation of the historic Playhouse and to create an Urban Nature Preschool in partnership with the Parent Infant Center.
A search is underway to identify Meg’s successor. We thank her for the energy and vision she brought to Smith, and wish her every success on her new adventure.
– Board of Directors, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Smith Partners with Parent Infant Center to Open an Urban Nature Preschool
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is thrilled to announce that it will partner with the Parent Infant Center (PIC) to open an Urban Nature Preschool at Smith!
Smith is proud of our 119-year history as a beloved space where children enjoy free play, and of our education and advocacy efforts to promote the importance of play for children’s healthy development. As part of our $13.5M capital campaign, Preserving Play, we are also committed to expanding the ways that Smith serves as a resource for families. One result of making major capital improvements to our historic Playhouse will be the creation of an Urban Nature Preschool where exploration of the natural environment in East Fairmount Park and play and learning in – and through – nature will be central to the curriculum. The Urban Nature Preschool will also serve as a local and regional training site for other early childhood educators who will have the opportunity to explore and study the program “in action,” and to observe how hands-on exploration and outdoor opportunities serve as the primary focus of the curriculum.
We think our plan is a truly unique vision, especially in an urban environment like Philadelphia. And we know we need a great partner to help make the Urban Nature Preschool a reality. Earlier this spring, Smith’s staff and board solicited and vetted proposals for a partner to operate the preschool. We selected PIC based on its impressive track record of providing the highest quality early childhood education, its commitment to nature play and learning, and the alignment of its mission and values with Smith’s own dedication to serving a diverse population of families.
The Urban Nature Preschool will be located in a portion of the Playhouse that is not used currently and that will undergo extensive repair and renovation, possibly as early as 2019. It will have two classrooms, each serving 17-18 children, ages 3-5. The preschool will operate full-day, full-year, and is committed to serving a wide range of families, including those who live in the neighborhoods closest to Smith.
We look forward to this exciting partnership with PIC. In the meantime, we are focused on our capital fundraising. Reaching a $5.5M milestone will position us to break ground on renovations of the ground floor of the Playhouse, with additional capital goals for more building improvements also in the works. We are very close!
More information about the urban nature preschool, including renderings, can be found here.
Grammy Nominated and Award Winning Children’s Music Artists Perform at Smith Memorial Playground for 5th Annual Kidchella Music Festival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Zoe Lowry zoe@smithplayground.org 215.765.4325 x101
Philadelphia, PA (June 28, 2018) – The 5th annual Kidchella Music Festival is in full swing at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse with remaining concerts on Friday, July 20 and August 17! Each date will feature live music in the 6 ½ acre Playground by nationally acclaimed Children’s Music artists, youth performances, arts stations, and yummy food trucks.
At 4pm families are invited to Smith for free play in the Playground and family fun in the Youth Arts Zone which includes a youth music stage, arts stations, and giveaways. Families may purchase dinner from a variety of popular food trucks or bring food for a picnic in the Playground.
The main concert will begin at 6pm and will feature a fantastic lineup of family-friendly music curated by Jeff Bogle of OWTK.com and emceed by Kathy O’Connell of WXPN Kids Corner. Shine and the Moonbeams (Soul/R&B) and Grammy-nominated The Alphabet Rockers (positive Hip Hop) will perform in July and Red Yarn (foot stomping Americana Folk) and Vered and the Babes (Doo Woop inspired Acoustic Rock) will perform in August.
Smith’s Executive Director Meg Wise noted, “Kidchella started in 2014 as a small performance on our front lawn for an audience of a few hundred people and grew to a summer-long concert series in the Playground welcoming over 2,000 children and adults from all sections of the City and surrounding suburbs as well as out-of-state visitors. This year, we are excited to give as many families as possible the opportunity to experience this awesome event by offering discounted tickets to PA ACCESS cardholders and free admission for families participating in our Play For All community programs.”
Kidchella is a rain or shine outdoor event. Tickets are $10 per person (children age 1+ and adults) or $5 for Smith members and PA ACCESS Cardholders.Purchase tickets, memberships, and learn more at: https://smithplayground.ticketleap.com/kid2018/
Support for Kidchella provided in part by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, MetroKids, Power Crunch, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Inspire, Kia Motors America, Simple Society, Honest Tea, and Lee’s Hoagie House.
Shine and the Moonbeams are singer-songwriter Shawana Kemp and guitarist John Heagle, two New York musicians who have collectively been in every musical genre from Musical Theatre to the circus. Learn more at Shine & the Moonbeams (Facebook)
Alphabet Rockers are known as the premiere children’s hip hop artists who focus on social change and racial justice. Learn more at www.alphabetrockers.com
Red Yarn (aka Andy Furgeson) is a Texas-born, Oregon-based family performer who weaves folksongs and puppetry into high-energy shows for all ages. Learn more at www.redyarnproductions.com
Vered and the Babes consists of the amazing Rob Jost on bass and french horn, and Matt Hilgenberg on trumpet and percussion. Their songs have the kids jumping, cooking, and shaking while their parents are smiling and sometimes even shading a tear. Learn more at www.babyintune.com
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park. Founded in 1899, Smith welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually from more than 500 zip code areas. The mission of Smith is to provide and promote opportunities for unstructured free play for children. Smith contributes to the development of healthy children, strong families, and safe communities by: 1) maintaining a proud tradition of free family admission; 2) partnering with community-based organizations to reach a diverse audience; and 3) advocating for the importance of play. For more information about Smith please visit www.smithplayground.org.
Party in the Playground 2018 Sponsors
Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors!
ANN NEWMAN GIANT WOODEN SLIDE
Torchlight Technology Group, LLC & The Morano Family NATURE EXPLORE
Paulette Greenwell & Scott Measley • The Bodek Family • Susan Jaffe BUILD ADVENTURE
Independence Foundation • Carol Baker & Mark Stein • Elizabeth Cohen & David Whellan • Elinor Haider & Matthew Lee • Peter & Kate Kelsen • Friends Select School • The Fred Ochroch Charitable Fund • W.S. Cumby • DIGSAU • KOMPAN • Anna Forrester & Mitchell Young
STRAZ LAND
Keystone First • Melissa & Paul Anderson • Connie Lotz & Art Kaiser • Goldman Sachs • Barbara & Edgar Einhorn • Mary Lou & Wayne Bremser • Philadelphia Insurance Companies • Weisbrod Matteis & Copley • Studio Bryan Hanes • Kathy Hirsh-Pasek • Fred & Margaret Vincent • Steve & Kristin Wielgus • John A. Hannah • Metcalfe Architecture & Design • Mark B. Thompson Associates, LLC • Jenny & Luca Bogoni • Sonica & Jim Kearney • Studio Ludo • Alderson Engineering • Jane & Tom Unkefer
Seltzer & Associates
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April Food Drive & Smith Welcomes Power Crunch as a 2018 Partner for Play
Power Crunch, a company committed to children and healthy living, joins Smith to provide support and additional programming for our annual family events including Play-A-Palooza, Kidchella Music Festival, Healthy Halloween, and Winter Wonderland.
As a national sponsor of the Boys & Girls Club of America, Power Crunch will bring their “Nutrition Mission” campaign to Smith this Spring. Families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to Smith through the month of April.
“Nutrition Mission” is a program designed to help feed thousands of kids who participate in the National School Lunch Program. During the summer months, Nutrition Mission ensures these children receive a healthy lunch when they no longer receive a free meal at school and access to food may be minimized.
Smith Kicks Off Playground Season with PBS Kids Pop Up at Play-A-Palooza 2018, March 31
Philadelphia, PA (March 1, 2018) – Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse invites families to Play-A-Palooza 2018, the seasonal grand opening of the Playground, on Saturday, March 31 from 12pm – 4pm. This year, Play-A-Palooza will include a special PBS Kids Pop Up area on Smith’s front lawn featuring appearances by Nature Cat, special giveaways, and games in addition to live performances by All Around the World Music; Keystone State Boychoir, Pennsylvania Girlchoir, Garden State Girlchoir, New Jersey Boychoir, Philadelphia School for the Circus Arts and Project Capoeira; and other activities in the 6 1/2 acre Playground!
A variety of nature play activities, arts and crafts, and games will be presented by other local partners including Audubon Pennsylvania, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, Kith + Kin, Let’s Go Outdoors, Northeast Treatment Centers, Outward Bound, Parent-Child Home Program, Public Health Management Corporation, Read by 4th, Soccer Shots, and Tinkergarten. Healthy snacks generously provided by Herr’s. Other support for Play-A-Palooza provided in part by Power Crunch and WHYY.
Smith’s Executive Director Meg Wise noted that “although we have begun to keep the Playground open year-round in 2018, Play-a-Palooza marks the official start of our Playground season which includes access to the Giant Wooden Slide and extended Spring and Summer visiting hours. In addition, we are thrilled to offer free household admission to ACCESS cardholders in addition to our members, which we hope will give more families the opportunity to experience one of the happiest days of the year at Smith.”
Media Contact: Zoe Lowry
215.765.4325 x101
zoe@smithplayground.org
Smith Helps Create Play Spaces in Free Library Branches
Photo credit: Studio Ludo
Smith has started a partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, Studio Ludo, Erector Sets Inc., and DIGSAU to create new play spaces in the Cecil B. Moore, Wyoming, Kingsessing, and Whitman library branches. Smith will educate library staff about how to best incorporate play into its programming. Community engagement sessions were held in January and February to gather ideas and feedback from families about what play could look like at each of the four local branches.
Smith Memories | Helen Stika Porter
Smith Memorial Playground has been a treasured destination for generations of families for over 100 years. An individual’s “Smith memories” can illustrate our positive effect on a child, which can last a lifetime.
Last month, Helen Porter, a 92-year-old Philadelphia resident, visited Smith for the first time as an adult. She brought two family members with her to reminisce about her time at Smith as a child. Helen recalls her first visit to Smith in 1930:
When I was 6 years old, my Sunday School teacher took our class and some of the mothers to Smith Playground. The year was 1930. It was a very long ride on the number 3 trolley. Because I got “trolley” sick, I was always given peppermint Chiclets. To this day, I seldom eat anything peppermint!
Helen (middle) visited us with her daughter, Gale, (left) and sister-in-law, Joanne.
We spent many hours in the big house playing checkers and other games, but the highlight of the day was the big sliding board. We went up and down, up and down. Every so often, it was adults only and the mothers stood in line and took their turns.After that visit, my mother took my brothers and me every summer. And now, the summer of 2016, 86 years later, I went back to Smith Playground! I remember the sliding board being much bigger, housed in a two story house with lots of steps to get to the top. Of course, I was very little and it seemed huge! What a surprise! My daughter, Gale, enjoyed her turn on the slide. We had a wonderful visit.
The mansion and grounds are a treasure and I was so glad to see it maintained so that it can be enjoyed by today’s children. Just like me, these children will have wonderful memories of Smith Playground.”
Gale goes down the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide for the first time!
Do you have a Smith memory you’d like to share with us?
We want to hear from you. Please email your story/memory to Zoe Hillengas, Communications Manager, at zoe@smithplayground.org.
WATCH: A Mansion for Kids
Thank you to former Smith board member Terry Ruggles and film maker Meredith Nutting for creating this video about Smith. Feel free to share, so that more families can learn about us! Watch “A Mansion for Kids”
Smith Memorial Playground on 33rd Street Mural by Joe Boruchow
(July 29, 2015) You may be familiar with the work of Joe Boruchow, a street artist whose black and white wheatpastes are all over the city on mailboxes, trash compactors, doorways, and windows. His newest work is a mural on both walls of the 33rd Street bridge leading up to the intersection of 33rd & Oxford Streets from Girard Avenue. The mural depicts Smith Memorial Playground’s Playhouse, Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, and swing set as well as other notable Philadelphia sites including:
Strawberry Mansion Bridge
Beth Israel Temple
Woodford Mansion
The Coltrane house row homes with Coltrane and band
The historic # 9 trolley
Vernon House apartment building
Cornerstone Baptist Church and Strawberry Mansion Bridge
Utility poles mirroring the existing ones at the mural site
