Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse

Impact

Why Play?

Child Development through Play

There are a myriad of reasons to encourage kids to play beyond having a good time. Research shows that play enhances cognitive function and makes happier, healthier kids. Below are a few of the reasons why.

Play provides opportunities for physical activity and helps children be healthy.
Play teaches children how to communicate their emotions, to think, and to get along with each other.
Play enhances fine motor skills, like holding a crayon or stacking blocks.
Play reduces stress.
Play increases creativity and concentration in school.

Additional Resources

Community Impact

Since 1899, Smith Memorial Playground has been committed to having positive, systemic and sustainable impact on children, families and communities. The impact of this commitment is highlighted below.

Community Programs

At Smith, we believe in Play with a Purpose. We value the North Philadelphia community that we call home and aim to be a beacon of light in our neighborhood while ensuring that Smith is accessible to every child in Philly regardless of socioeconomic background. Our impact on the city is demonstrated through the following community programs:

Smith Scholars Program

The Smith Scholars program offers weekly tutoring sessions to students from North Philadelphia. Older students receive training in reading, writing, math, history, and geography as well as practice in interview and letter-writing skills. Younger students work on literacy-related art projects with a professional ceramicist who is also a certified child psychologist.

Play For All

Smith’s commitment to accessibility is organized under the Play for All initiative, which engages over 45 nonprofit agencies to bring at-risk families to Smith for group visits, family events, and special workshops that promote the developmental benefits of play for cognitive growth and social-emotional well-being.

School Partnerships

Smith partners with local schools, from Pre-K to 12th grade, to provide on-site programming, internship and real world learning, lunch and recess field trips, and outdoor classrooms for learning. VAUX Big Picture High School: Smith staff work with students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade, helping them connect their interests and passions to real world pursuits.

Summers@Smith

The free Summers@Smith summer camp hosts 60 children for 8 weeks of full-day programming, supporting the students in their recovery from the negative impact of the pandemic — i.e., academic slide, loss of social connection, and increased stress. and trauma.

Slide into Success

The Slide Into Success program trains teachers from North Philadelphia preschools to implement a hands-on, nature-based curriculum that helps elevate their ratings in the PA Keystone STARS system.