REBUILD PROJECTS
While the design and construction of Rebuild projects is managed by the city, we are working with the City of Philadelphia to engage with Kensington residents to gather community feedback that can help inform the improvements that are made to facilities. Rebuild is fully funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax and is a city-led program.
Our role is to act as a link between three sets of voices in each community engagement effort: the community, the city, and the design team. We try to ensure that the renovations meet the needs of our neighbors. We do this through:
OUTREACH
We talk to children at the rec centers, their parents, immediate neighbors, and community leaders and ask for their feedback.
ENGAGEMENT
As we talk with community members, we collect surveys and held engagement events to better understand the community’s needs.
DESIGN
Concepts are developed that meet modern code and accessibility requirements, are within budget, and reflect community input.
As with any large construction project, Rebuild projects are broken down into phases. There are five phases for every Rebuild project:
Assessment & Scope: Community engagement, site assessment, asset mapping, and scope development happen in this phase.
Program & Design: Concepts are created for feedback and concept is selected. The selected concept is designed to meet requirements and budget.
Prepare for Construction: The project is bided out and a construction company is selected.
Construction: Construction begins.
Reopenning: Construction is completed, approved, and the site is re-opened to the public.
HEITZMAN REC CENTER | Construction Phase
The Heitzman Rec Center project kicked off in 2018. The project is currently in the construction phase as is set to re-open in late 2021.
While COVID-19 forced us to pivot our community engagement efforts, we were still able to collect surveys and gather feedback from residents on two concepts.
Renovations will include:
Rec Center building
Courtyard area between the Rec Center building and the existing pool
Existing playground
Existing basketball courts
Existing hockey court
You can read more about our July updates here.
MCVEIGH REC CENTER | Planning Phase
The McVeigh Recreation Center is a 6.3-acre facility that currently features a play area, pool, courts for both hockey and basketball, sports fields, and multi-purpose rooms.
This project is currently in the planning phase. Construction is set to begin in 2021 with an estimated completion in 2023.
MCPHERSON SQUARE | Planning Phase
The McPherson Square project is currently in the planning phase. A full structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing evaluation was conducted to building needs for the library. We want to ensure the renovations to the library meet the needs of all current programming.
Construction is set to begin in 2021 and re-open in 2022.
Here’s a comprehensive timeline of our community engagement efforts:
