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Philly plummets on ParkScore index because of funding cuts
Philadelphia’s place on an annual Trust for Public Lands index of the nation’s park systems has taken a dive since last year.
- Philly dropped from 19 to 32 on the ParkScore list. The city has great park access, and there are many recreation facilities — but the funding cuts over the past couple years dragged the ranking down.
The Kenney admin is boosting the Parks & Rec budget this year, Jordan Levy reports, but advocates say it’s not enough.
New street art in city crosswalks supports peace in Ukraine
Over the past month, new street art has been appearing in crosswalks around Center City: little blue-and-yellow humanoid figures next to peace symbols.
- The artwork appears to be in the style of stikman, a Philly-based anonymous artist whose work is found around the U.S. — though no one has yet stepped up to claim responsibility.
Unlike a lot of public art, you’ll have to look down to see these pieces, Asha Prihar reports, since they’re embedded into the asphalt.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- A court has denied a variance for the West Philly “poop building” — a development with affordable and market-rate housing that was opposed by residents who used fecal samples to show gentrification. [Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
- What’s the condition of each school building in Philadelphia? The district launched a new map tool that lets you check track rehabilitation progress. [Chalkbeat/Phila SD]
- Philly high school senior Jemille Duncan, who just won the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship, works as a legislative aide to Councilmember Bass — the youngest in Council. [Tribune$]
- The country’s top-ranked squash player lives in Philadelphia, and practices at the new Arlen Specter US Squash Center at Drexel. [NYT$/US Squash]
- Calling all aspiring trapeze artists: The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts in Mt. Airy is back with outdoor lessons for beginners. [Philly Bite]
- If you’ve exited the SEPTA concourse in Dilworth Park, you know those fancy new steps are weirdly spaced. Which stepping method do you use? [@wooder_ice]
MAYOR WATCH
Nothing on the docket as far as the public is concerned for Mayor Kenney today.
ON THE CALENDAR
?️ Tomorrow! Ahead of the primary election, reporter Jordan Levy will be taking over our Instagram to answer questions about the first ballot question: Should the board that helps enforce Philly’s fair housing laws be made permanent? Submit your Qs here. (12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 6)
? Billy Penn Philly Quizzo: Our monthly trivia event about all things Philly lands at the home of Fishtown Iced Teas. Hosts Danya and Sakeenah are kicking it at the new outdoor patio at Interstate Drafthouse, so start assembling a team. Registration is free. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18).
? Don your fancy hat and sip mint juleps at the annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser for Woodford Mansion in Fairmount Park. Tickets start at $35. (4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7)
? Jillian Pirtle of the Marian Anderson Museum hosts a Mother’s Day tea at Penn Museum to showcase the work, music, and fashion of the opera singer and civil rights icon. Tickets are $20. (1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7)
? Choose one of 85 parks across Philadelphia to volunteer for Love Your Park Week, an annual cleanup and community gathering celebrating green space across the city. (Sunday to Sunday, May 7-15)
