Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: Comprehensive Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) is the municipal agency responsible for managing the city's extensive network of parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, trails, community gardens, and historic properties. Established in 2010 through the merger of the Fairmount Park Commission and the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation, PPR oversees more than 150 parks and 170 recreation centers and playgrounds, encompassing over 10,200 acres of land.

Mission and Vision

Mission: PPR aims to advance the prosperity of Philadelphia and its residents by intentionally and sustainably stewarding public land and waterways, and by providing safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers.

Vision: The department envisions an equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system that connects people to each other, to enriching experiences, and to the natural world.

Values

Equity: Providing accessible, affordable experiences and spaces for all Philadelphians.

Engagement: Engaging with residents and prioritizing partnerships, stewardship, and responsive customer service.

Experiences: Ensuring fulfilling and relevant experiences that enrich residents' lives.

Environment: Protecting, preserving, and improving urban and natural resources for community health.

Empowerment: Empowering staff through leadership and development to empower communities.

Ever-evolving: Adapting and innovating to remain relevant for a changing city.

Excellence: Striving for continual improvement and going above and beyond.

Enjoyment: Bringing joy to work and to others.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Sustainable Stewardship: Managing public land and waterways to enhance environmental health and community well-being.

Community Engagement: Providing accessible and inclusive recreational programs that foster community connections.

Cultural and Environmental Education: Offering programs that educate residents about environmental conservation and cultural heritage.

Areas of Specialization

Urban Agriculture: Through initiatives like Farm Philly, PPR supports community gardens, farms, orchards, and food forests on parkland, promoting food sovereignty and community health.

Youth Development: Partnering with organizations such as the Junior Baseball Federation of Philadelphia to provide baseball and softball programs that promote athletic, social, and physical well-being for youth.

Key Technologies Utilized

Environmental Management Tools: Implementing technologies for ecosystem management, historic preservation, and urban forestry.

Program Management Systems: Utilizing software to manage recreational programs, events, and community engagement initiatives.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

Urban Communities: Enhancing the quality of life for residents through accessible parks and recreational facilities.

Youth and Families: Providing safe and engaging environments for children and families to connect and grow.

Environmental Advocates: Engaging individuals interested in sustainability and conservation efforts.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Annual Budget: In fiscal year 2026, PPR's budget was approximately $84 million, equating to about $53 per resident.

Recent Funding Initiatives

Youth Development and Violence Prevention: In December 2024, the city allocated an additional $3 million to PPR to promote youth development and violence prevention through sports and recreation.

Notable Investors and Partners

Fairmount Park Conservancy: A 501(c)(3) non-profit that collaborates with PPR to improve Philadelphia's parks through capital projects, historic preservation, and community engagement.

Utilization of Capital

Infrastructure Improvements: Renovating and maintaining parks, recreation centers, and historic sites.

Program Expansion: Developing and expanding recreational programs, including sports leagues and educational workshops.

Community Engagement: Funding initiatives that foster community involvement and stewardship of public spaces.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

Rebuild Initiative: A citywide program aimed at investing in public spaces, including parks and recreation centers, to enhance their quality and accessibility.

Anticipated Milestones

Infrastructure Upgrades: Completion of major renovations in several parks and recreation centers by 2026.

Program Expansion: Introduction of new recreational programs targeting underserved communities by 2025.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Urban Agriculture Platforms: Tools developed to support community gardening and urban farming initiatives.

Significant Scientific Methods

Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing data analytics to monitor and manage urban ecosystems.

Community Engagement Surveys: Employing surveys and feedback mechanisms to assess community needs and program effectiveness.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Susan Slawson: Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. With over 30 years of service, she has led strategic planning and programming for over 150 recreation centers and playgrounds across Philadelphia.

Susan Buck: Deputy Commissioner of Operations. A native Philadelphian, she oversees park maintenance, urban forestry, and sustainability initiatives.

Marissa Washington: Deputy Commissioner of Administration. She manages the department's budget and human resources, overseeing approximately 2,000 staff members.

Leigh Ann Campbell: Deputy Commissioner for Planning, Property, and Strategic Engagement. A licensed landscape architect, she oversees capital projects, historic properties, and urban agriculture initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

National Rankings: In 2025, Philadelphia's park system ranked 28th nationally, with a score of 63.1 out of 100, reflecting strong access but highlighting areas for improvement in investment and amenities.

Competitor Analysis

Fairmount Park Conservancy: A non-profit partner that collaborates with PPR to enhance park facilities and programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Junior Baseball Federation of Philadelphia: Partners with PPR to provide baseball and softball programs for youth development.

Farm Philly: An urban agriculture program of PPR that supports community gardens and urban farming initiatives.

Operational Insights

Funding Challenges: PPR faces challenges related to underfunding, impacting maintenance and program expansion.

Community Engagement: High levels of community involvement and volunteerism support PPR's initiatives, though reliance on volunteers can be inconsistent.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions