Rebuild Cherashore

City Officials and Olney Community Break Ground on a $4-Million Renovation of Cherashore Playground 

Renovation will transform the 5.2-acre site, creating a safer, more accessible space for children, families, and the broader Mt. Airy community

PHILADELPHIA, PA — On May 13, 2026, the City’s Capital Program Office and Mt. Airy CDC broke ground on a major renovation at Cherashore Playground that will modernize the five-acre site and recreation center building, creating a safer, more accessible, and more vibrant space for the Olney community. The project is funded through the City’s Rebuild initiative — a historic investment of more than $500 million in 72 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia, supported by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

The renovations at Cherashore Playground will include:

Site Improvements:

  • Improvements to basketball, tennis, and new multi-purpose courts
  • Improvements to the playground, a new adult exercise area, and walking path replacement
  • New outdoor furniture, hard surfaces, and landscaping

Building Improvements:

  • Upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • ADA compliance upgrades

“Every neighborhood in Philadelphia deserves safe, vibrant, and accessible outdoor spaces,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The investment in the Cherashore Playground is a perfect example of the kind of work we are doing across Philadelphia to transform community spaces into safe and modern places where all are welcome.” 

Cherashore Playground, named after a WWII veteran and the City’s first Commissioner of Records, is a vital hub for recreation and community connection in Olney. The courts at 10th and Olney have long been home to some of the city’s most competitive outdoor basketball, including the nationally recognized Chosen League – once featured on ESPN and in an NBA video game – where top high school players and NBA talent competed. 

“Cherashore Playground has been a cornerstone of the Olney community for generations, and this investment will ensure it continues to serve our neighbors for many years to come,” said Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District). “Residents around Cherashore Playground have asked for a more refined recreation center, and I’m happy today that we are delivering on their request. These improvements will make Cherashore a safer, more welcoming space where children can play, and the whole community can thrive.” 

In addition to funding from Rebuild Philadelphia, the project received two Pennsylvania State Government grants, totalling $400,000, awarded to Mt. Airy CDC:

  • $150,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) 
  • $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development Local Share Account (LSA) State program

City and community leaders celebrated the investment and its impact on the Olney neighborhood: 

“Recreation centers are the heartbeat of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. These improvements at Cherashore reflect the community’s input and demonstrate the City’s commitment to creating clean, safe, and accessible spaces for all residents,” said Aparna Palantino, Deputy Managing Director, Capital Program Office. “We are proud to support this investment in Olney and look forward to seeing the community enjoy these upgraded spaces.”

“Cherashore Playground has been a beloved part of Olney for generations, and these renovations will make the site even better for the community members who rely on it every day,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “With improved courts, a refreshed playground, a new adult fitness area, and upgraded recreation center facilities, Cherashore will be a space where everyone in the community will feel at home.”

“Mt. Airy CDC knows that safe and inviting recreational spaces are a key element of vibrant neighborhoods across our City,” said Philip Dawson, Executive Director of Mt. Airy CDC.  “We are proud to oversee this project to bring these needed amenities to families in the Olney area.”

For updates on Cherashore or another capital project near you, visit the City’s Capital Projects Dashboard. This easy-to-use map-based tool centralizes information on all active and recently completed capital projects across Philadelphia. Residents can search by address and filter by location, Council district, status, and project type.

CHERASHORE PLAYGROUND

Cherashore Playground is a 5.2-acre site that includes a pool, sports fields, and tennis and basketball courts. It also features a three-room building with a computer room and multipurpose space. It’s located at 851 West Olney Avenue — a straight shot down Chew Avenue from Mt. Airy on the 18 bus, right next to Fern Rock Transportation Center. Visit the official Cherashore Facebook page HERE, and show the City Youth Association Gators (who call Cherashore home) some love HERE. Mt. Airy CDC was selected as a Rebuild Project User in 2017 and awarded the Cherashore project in 2019.

ABOUT REBUILD PHILADELPHIA

Rebuild is the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to, and investment in, the critical network of playgrounds, rec centers, libraries, and green spaces that serve the people in our city of neighborhoods. Rebuild was made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax and aims to make improvements on these facilities, promote diversity and economic inclusion, and engage with the communities the places serve. Learn more HERE.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community engagement for the Rebuild Cherashore project kicked off in April 2022 with a survey mailed to near neighbors.  In June 2022, the first live public engagement event for the project was held in order to collect feedback on the community’s usage of the site and ideas for making it better. In June 2023, a second engagement event was held at Cherashore during the Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia Community Day, giving the public an opportunity to weigh in on draft conceptual designs. A second survey effort, focused on residential blocks adjacent to the site, was completed in November 2023. A third engagement event was held on Wednesday, December 6 from 6:00-7:30pm at the rec center building. Residents and site users reviewed schematic designs for the project and voted on options for court improvements and new play equipment.

Project Team

Mt. Airy CDC has engaged an expert team of design professionals through Rebuild’s open RFP process. These experienced Philadelphia firms are helping to turn the community’s hopes for Cherashore into reality! Mt. Airy CDC is proud to have a diverse project design team that exceeds Rebuild’s benchmarks for minority and disadvantaged business participation.