The Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center will see significant upgrades thanks to a $600,000 state grant.
The beloved recreation center at 300 Shunk St. in South Philly’s Whitman neighborhood will undergo repairs and upgrades while plans formulate for a $7.5 million Rebuild project.
The $600,000 state grant will be used for accessibility renovations and critical repairs, including a new entry way, accessible main-level bathrooms, interior ramps to allow access to the gymnasium from the lobby and replacement of the aging roof.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the team at Murphy Rec who work hard to make sure South Philadelphians of all ages have a safe place to spend their days,” said state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler. “Shared public spaces like Murphy Rec are the fabric of our community, and it’s an honor to support them by bringing home this state funding. I’m excited to see this money go toward accessibility upgrades.”
The Murphy Rec Center sits on 4.9 acres and features playground equipment, a pool, a basketball court and sports fields. There is also a five-room building that has a gymnasium and multipurpose rooms.
In June 2023, the city announced a $7.5 million Rebuild project that includes plans for synthetic turf athletic fields for baseball, softball, football and soccer with new baseball and softball backstops and ball control netting; new site lighting, team benches and spectator bleachers; prefabricated storage building with electrical connection; combination soccer/football goalposts; new chain link fencing; new concrete sidewalk in the interior of the site; brand new outdoor basketball courts with new standards; replacement of below grade areaway drains and associated piping; new exterior steps from the sidewalk; new louvered steel door and frame; and masonry repairs.
Updates will also include sidewalk reconstruction in portions of the right-of-way of the perimeter of the site, including expanded tree pits and replacement of select trees.
According to the city’s website, the status of the multi-million-dollar project is still in the “design and community engagement” phase. The recently announced funding should provide a stopgap until major renovations are completed.
“This is public money at its best: returning back to our neighborhoods and communities to make them healthier and more connected,” said state Sen. Nikil Saval. “Murphy Rec is a local anchor, and I’m so proud to have worked with Rep. Fiedler to secure $600,000 to help it serve even more of our neighbors. I look forward to celebrating Murphy Rec for many years to come.”
The grant was awarded as part of the state’s Local Share Account–Statewide program, which is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The projects awarded must show that they offer a clear public benefit and improved quality of life for residents in the community.
“Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is truly grateful to Rep. Fiedler and Sen. Saval for their dedication to our city’s parks and recreation centers,” said Commissioner Slawson. “Their advocacy and commitment to securing critical funding for projects like the accessibility improvements at Murphy Recreation Center — and so many other beloved community spaces — will have a lasting impact on our neighborhoods. These investments not only enhance our parks and recreation centers but also transform them into better, safer, more vibrant and more inclusive places for all. We are proud to stand alongside Rep. Fiedler and Sen. Saval in our shared mission to cultivate thriving public spaces that bring people together and enrich the lives of Philadelphians.”
