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Top Recreation centers in Philadelphia, United States

Top Rated Recreation centers in Philadelphia

Top Reviewed Recreation centers in Philadelphia

Reviews

The Marian Anderson Recreation Center is a vital community hub located at 740 S 17th St in Philadelphia. Named after the renowned opera singer who grew up in the neighborhood, this 3.4-acre facility boasts a range of amenities including playground equipment, a ball field, a pool, and basketball courts. Inside, the center houses a gymnasium, a boxing gym, a dojo, a computer room, and multipurpose rooms that host various activities. It’s a place where residents of all ages come together to engage in sports, learn new skills, and participate in community events.
Guerin Recreation Center is a community cornerstone in Philadelphia, offering a wide array of athletic, cultural, and recreational activities. Located at 2201 S 16th St, the center is a hub for locals seeking a place for sports, leisure, and community gatherings. With facilities that accommodate a diverse range of interests, the center is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to providing accessible recreational opportunities. The center’s programs and events are designed to engage community members of all ages, making it a valuable asset to the South Philadelphia area.
I V
at 2024 Jan 09
I V
at 2024 Jan 09
Very clean & well looked after rec center.
This Recreation Center also has a PAL adjacent to it. There are lots of Community events happening year-round. it is close to the Whitman Library & Septa mass transit system. God Bless ✝️ Shalom ✡️
Daw Okl
at 2023 Aug 13
Daw Okl
at 2023 Aug 13
Well maintained playground and water/ splash park. Multiple devices for +3 yrs. old.
The staff was very professional, really enjoyed the function there. Fredericka went beyond her volunteer duties in assisting when help was needed. Great experience 👍🏿👍🏿
Poor, I came taking my afternoon off. No police except a fill in. Maybe 10 people. Gentrification will own us soon. Sad how they allowed this meeting.
I grew up playing sports here. Johnny Smyth always in our heart. Palumbo soccer for life!
We love this park BUT they need to update it. It’s not right . It hasn’t had a facelift in over 55 years and for neighborhood families it’s like our backyard. There’s many of tripping hazards- I’ve been watching kids fall on the same cracks for several years now a lot of parents make complaints and call the city but our complaints go unheard apparently. Almost every other park in the area has been updated but for some reason our little gem gets over looked. We have a tiny splash pad and there’s only one exit so it’s easy to keep an eye on your kids- overall a great place to play.
Don't even bother unless you want to get mugged or shot in the head . The surrounding neighborhoods are a no no people never change ... trust me there's millions of more parks to go too
Nice playground for the kids, clean basketball court, and the rec center is open.
The center is great! Love the activities and my summer strolls here. Unfortunately I took it down 2 stars because a worker ( the environmental worker) was making disrespectful comments about me to another community member. He saw me throw out my trash (not sure what the issue is), he said I was being “smart,” staring me down making me uncomfortable, and also said I was making his job more “difficult.” Not sure how considering I didn’t liter? It made me very uncomfortable considering I am a community member, and I’m always there. Plus I am very friendly, so not sure why he was being so rude! Everyone else is great though!
Been going here since a kid...really the last resort on a hot day when you don't wanna spend gas, or $$ going anywhere else.
BTW they make you swim w/ ya draws and shirts off...just a warning to all the real n*ggas reading this...
Officer Allen is Amazing with the children! Best after school program so by far.
It’s a fun place to play soccer with friends and thought it is not open every day it’s open often and it’s indoors and outdoor so it’s a fun playground. For both kids and adult.
Went there for my son's basketball game very nice gym looks like there's a lot to do but some of the bleachers need to be fixed on the bottom two rows. Be careful when you step on them and when you sit down..
A sports field in the middle of the city?! A rec center full of programming throughout the year and a nice little playground structure. We've spent countless hours playing here and the grounds are well kept.
Great outdoor basketball court with wonderful skyline views of downtown!
Ford Pool. Open from July 12 - August 14th in 2021. Great escape from 2021 Summer heat-wave.

Such a hidden gem for South Philly. Adult swim starts at 6pm. Usually very empty.

Cannot wear goggles that cover your nose. Deepest part of pool is 5ft, so you won’t be able to dive.

Chlorine from pool is intense so make sure you moisturize after.
ONE A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH COACH RYAN. 1ST TIME PLAYING IN SOUTH PHILLY. LEAD LEADING SCORER,REBOUNDER AND MVP BUT WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO THE BANQUET BECAUSE WE HAD STREET ATTIRE ON. THE BANQUET WAS ABOUT US. I WAS CALLED SEVERAL TIMES FOR TROPHIES BUT WE WERE NOT PRESENT. ONCE AGAIN SOMEONE STOLE MY HARDWARE. 50 YEARS OLD STILL PLAYING AND ONLY SEEN ONE PERSON BETTER. MICHAEL J. JORDAN. I AM THE SECOND BEST BALL PLAYER ON EARTH.
Finding the right ward and division with so many in one place is annoying and confusing. Bit the pepe at Ward 39 Division 09 were VERY Helpful.
Nice place to take the kids. A lot of activity to do. And a nice place to sit and reflect or just take a picture or do a puzzle 🧩.
Decent children playground. The play center could use some maintenance and updating, but it still a great place for kids to play and running around.
I went there for the covid test. I there a whole 7 minutes. They were using that location for one of the pop up sites today. I hope it's that quick for everyone who gets tested.
They go above and beyond for the community and during the hard ships during the pandemic they have been doing activities and handing out jackets,bikes,food, etc for the community and kids. Thank you so much for what you do!
Gorgeous playground in the heart of South Philly. I shoot some of my YouTube channel episodes in the park area. Photos taken with Canon90D & Sigma 18-35mm
My camp is located here in this community/neighborhood!!** STREET LEGENDS YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM*
I grew up in this neighborhood. It had always been a place of peace and tranquility for me, and my children. Great place to bring the kids to play and enjoy themselves.
This neighborhood youth recreation center has a baseball/soccer field, playground, outdoor pool and fills a full city block.The outdoor basketball court has been renovated, and is open daily to everyone. It's a popular dog-walking destination especially in late afternoons and weekends. If you enjoy outdoor art, come to admire 3 large-scale murals celebrating sports, history and the arts. There's a 60-foot mural by Joshua Mays with 40 portraits honoring African-American contributions to baseball. The mural wraps around the Ryan Howard Youth Baseball training center. There is also a whimsical mural that wraps around the pool wall.There are no trash cans on the street surrounding the park,
The Palumbo Rec Center is a hub of the Bella Vista neighborhood. The big field and playgrounds are used daily for school outings, soccer, and for early morning walks with your leashed dog. There are free outdoor basketball courts. Indoor courts for community & league sports. Love that there are separate, spongy surface playgrounds for younger and older kids. The turtle sculpture is a favorite for photos and hangouts. On an average day, you'll see the preschoolers in mornings, afterschool activities, and families relaxing in early evenings and weekends. The Center's meeting rooms are used by community organizations. They also hold public zoning and neighborhood education events regularly.
pat O
at 2020 Mar 04
pat O
at 2020 Mar 04
I used to love this playground! Now the fields are closed because of lead contamination the hockey rink is welded closed the playground equipment is run down, and there's no swings! Its a shame it was a really nice playground when I was growing up.
Great playground for long distance running, basketball and football. There's even a kid's playground with monkey bars, slides and swings. Overall great playground to visit.
Nice playground with a pool(open seasonally,) basketball court, baseball fields. Rec center with gym inside and more basketball courts.
Big things are happening here in this close knit community. The neighbors banded together and donated items so kids could enjoy a SAFE Halloween instead of being outside where anything can happen. Every kid walked away with something.
It's a Recreation center. The outside could be fixed up a little, but besides that it's a fun and safe place. Very family oriented.
Megan
at 2019 Oct 08
Megan
at 2019 Oct 08
I went here as a kid and have a lot of great memories. This park it disgusting now, people high laying on benches, drug paraphernalia, wet spray paint on the slides, broken bottles and addicts using in the restroom or under playground equipment.
Cuz the people that run the program after school program they're great people respectable people and my grandkids loves them all for them see you in the new edition they just came on board to help run the place
We come here for the outdoor pool during the summer. I love that they provide various sized life jackets for kids and section off multiple parts of the pool for different ages and swim abilities- personally i think it's also so the the adults and older kids are not bothered in the deep end by all the younger ones splashing and boisterous screams. The pool is always clean and the crowd isn't rowdy. Another bonus is there is the rec center attached to it, as well as, basketball courts, a park and numerous others around.
Cute play area, very affordable summer camp ran by an old school kinda Grandma who serves & loves the community, the playground has a pool & sprinkler system too. The park is kept fairly clean, there's always a basketball game to play & like minded people watching over..
I LOVE the Neighborhood and the Recreation Center can be rented for affairs/events
I love love love the pool here!! Public swimming is from 12pm-5pm every day and it's 100% free! The pool is Crystal clear and very large. It goes from 3ft to 5ft 10in. They provide life jackets for children in sizes child xs to youth medium. They also have life jackets for smaller children such as 2 or three year olds. There are numerous life gaurd's around the pool and they are all friendly and attentive. They don't allow more than 90 people in the pool area at a time which still leaves you plenty of room because a lot of people lay out on the grass. I always enjoy myself when I come here. Also there is a playground available to the public with cute playground equipment. This rec center has a summer camp and an after school program. There are opportunities to become a junior lifeguard and much, much more!
Could be cleaner with more updated playground sets
This park has a lot to offer including the connected rec center. Once it warms up their pool is an awesome place to cool off. They have basketball courts in the south west corner, which are always accessible. There is also a very nice baseball diamond on the Fitzwater St side.
Couldn't believe how nice the field and complex was! You go from tight city streets and alleys to this huge open space! It was so nice and clean and just perfect for playing baseball!
I havent been out in awhile with the kids and it was beautiful out so we decided to take the kids to the playground. I was surprised to see that there still is not any swings and its still all the old playground equiptment since i was a kid going there. Thats sad. Even thou the playground needs a make over we had a really nice time with the kids! Its been really stressful and my kids have been off the wall but it was something we really needed i guess. Because it was really nice ( i didnt even want to go at first because the kids werent listening). Im glad we went thou!!!!! Maybe one day soon they will get new equiptment!
Park was nice and clean, no drama(although not familiar with the everyday neighborhood), the center was clean, bathrooms stocked and the kids felt comfortable out therd
Rec center, staff was nice.
Every Fri. there is a meeting there @ 7:00 pm
The staff is great... Structured play/coaching as well as free play... And a light snack.
Is there a better basketball backdrop in the city? In the world?
This is a great place, especially for kids
They have great indoor facilities. But my grandson is a toddler.

The playground is perfect for him
Supported baby swings, sliding board perfect for a toddler. Safe rubberized ground to run on.

Just a great place.
Is a safe place for the community. The kids can play at the playground, play basketball on the courts and there is an open field where ppl can play with their pets. Sometimes I sit on a bench & count the trains rolling by. Often times ppl rent out the recreation center for practices, zumba classes, birthday parties, baby showers and family functions. In the summer there's a pool & affordable summer camp for kids up to the age of 12. I am Excited 2go here to cast my VOTE or enjoy any other community event presented!! I love my neighborhood and the Rec cntr refects that. I am praying for a computer lab and afterschool program as well.
Very nice, well kept field. Lots of activities, and they stay open tonight. The only complaint would be that sometimes the basketball games result in a lot of loud profanity, but that's the competitive nature of it and besides the facility offers indoor basketball which is cool.

Also the community center, for example it is a PLACE WHERE PEOPLE VOTE on elections, this is a crucial block to this part of Bella Vista.
I love this playground for it's convenience in location and the kids enjoy it, but hate that it's not open until 1:30 or 2 (except for the summer). And also that there's no consistency on whether the gates are open or you have to walk through the building.
Park looks ok. pretty clean for the most part. I wouldn't have problem bringing my kid here.
Great environment for children they have a summer camp there a public swimming pool basketball court tennis courts play area for your children or if you just want to sit down and relax
My kid was here for soccer practice. Big field was nice, basic bleachers sitting area, nice size clean pool and basic playground. I didnt go inside the rec center. But there were no indoor bathrooms only porta potties outside.
Tried to put my kids in the car center no one answer the phone no one answered or still wondering if the place is actually an active pal Center
So cool when they have summer camps :D
Yoga offered every Monday for only $5 a class!!! Great center for the entire family
Getting better getting work done that need to be fixed years ago things are coming to life for the kids I know what it was like when I was a kid and it was called Swartz playground the baseball diamonds the football goal post they could even play soccer those things aren't there yet but I try to work within my community I'm a committeeman in the 14 Ward but I have the second division which touches on the division that D e n d y is in.
Penn Herb is a very nice place to go to I would bring my family there and I will have cook out there and family reunions there it is a great place to have a good time
This is a very clean safe environment to go swimming, or take this kids out to play. There is a gate surrounding the area, bathrooms, water fountains, vending machines and more.
A place organized for the development to give youth after school programs and an non profit organization called A.T.T.R.A.C.T. Philly to house their program for community and youth development through active and social activities and programs. The founder is Tierra Jones of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Connect with them.
This place used to be WOW skating rink and it doesn't look like much has changed in the years since I've been there. The floor needs to be upgraded as well as the games and rides look a little dangerous. Pizza is ok best as you can expect at a skating rink. Price was fair for four people skating, it was 52 dollars for skate rental, some ride tickets and tokens. I was more disappointed by the clear disregard for the skating rink rules. They stated no backwards but you have these "professionals" skating backwards and too fast around frightened children who can barely skate causing a more dangerous situation.
Broad range of skill levels at the basketball court and a generally friendly, accepting group. Play can reach very high levels. Baseball diamond usually used by organized men's teams. Drink vending machine inside, playground for kids, lights in evenings, and soccer fields. Great park.
Love taking my kids swimming here. The staff are really nice and courteous.
The play area is so old and rusty there's no slide no swings it sucks. My kid got cut and the rust got into it if it had gotten infected i would have had a law suit and a half. They need to redo the play area part.
SMOKE FREE REC.CLEAN PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY.MY OLDEST CHILD IS 35 AND THIS REC.STILL LOOKS THE SAME.I TOOK MY CHILDREN HERE ON A REGULAR BASIS. LOVE IT..KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. .AND THANKS.
It's an awesome place good to try keep our neighborhood kids out the streets away from dangers of this cruel mean city not easy@all
Great friendly environment, and awesome instructor!
I've enjoyed my daughter doing gymnastics my daughter doing gymnastics there and now she's going to start Camp so hopefully it's a good experience! I do a lot with the kids and treat them very well
My boyfriend loves to go there and play basketball in the awesome brotherly environment 👍🏽
The gym is falling down. When it rains, it comes through the roof. There is no AC and no windows. In summer, it is gets really unbearable. Old and dirty toilets. Stuff is nice enough.
Very good for this neighborhood and the pool is very crowed in the summer
My kids love going there
Its sad that the Community Center is just like the neighborhood its in..... Its Filthy inside the center. Bathroom are without soap an if there is soap its a dirty germ bar soap. Really?
Great place to workout on Mondays . We run at 6pm then result chaser fit camp at 7pm. Inside or outside. Come join never miss a Mondays workout.
Marie Dendy was my mother's grandmother i grew up at this playground with Ms. Carol being the director for years
Swimming pool open during Summer