The 'Philly Phlush' Public bathroom is now open in Clark Park!

From left to right, a representative from the City, Ben Sirolly (President of FoCP), and John Schaeffer

It’s been just over a week since the new public bathroom opened, and the reception has been nothing short of stellar! The bathroom officially opened on October 27^th at 9AM to a small crowd of board members, local media, and most importantly the bathroom’s first official user – John Schaeffer! The Friends held a small lottery to determine a winner for who would be ‘The Phirst to Phlush’

After selling tickets, Advisory Council member Carol Jenkins announced the winner at the farmers market on a cool Saturday morning. The selected winner was ecstatic at their selection. But tragically, the winner was unable to make the opening date after short notice from the city. Thankfully, John stepped up to take the honors and cement his name in Clark Park history!

The bathroom is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 8PM and Saturday through Sunday from 9AM to 9PM. Workers from the city will be around regularly to clean, stock, and maintain the bathroom. Inside the stall, users can find emergency naloxone (Narcan), free menstrual products, and of course a working, flush toilet. A hand washing station with soap is located on the exterior. Gone are the days of Porta-Potties in the park, the future is now!

Parktoberfest returns this year on October 18th!

Parktoberfest returns again this year on Saturday, October 18th from 2-8PM! This family-friendly event is hosted by The Friends of Clark Park and will feature beer from local breweries, various foods, a silent auction, and music from local bands! Sponsorships for business entities and organizations are available at different pricing levels and provide a multitude of benefits. Please contact info@friendsofclarkpark if interested. We hope to see you there!

1.4 Million Dollars for The Clark Park Plan

From Left to Right: Representative from State Senator Tony William's Office, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Susan Slawson, State Representative Rick Krajewski, President of Friends of Clark Park Ben Sirolly, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, University City District Director of Planning & Design Nate Hommel

On August 16th, The Friends of Clark Park were happy to announce the securement of approximately 1.4 million dollars in funds for the Clark Park Plan! This announcement was made in conjunction with various political representatives, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and University City District.

500,000 dollars were received from the award of a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the state. This grant was obtained with help from State Representative Rick Krajewski, who represents the park and the surrounding neighborhood in the PA House of Representatives.

Additionally, 150,000 dollars was procured by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier to help fund the initial design phase of the first phase of the plan. Councilmember Gauthier has been a long time supporter, and frequent user, of the park who has been excellent in pushing support for parks in City Council.

A 313,000 dollar grant was awarded to The Friends of Clark Park from the William Penn Foundation under the mission to expand accessibility in the park. Making the park available to all users is an important goal to The Friends and we are extremely grateful to have been able to receive this award.

Finally, we received a 400,000 dollar commitment from local donor Barry Grossbach. Barry is an original founder of The Friends of Clark Park, and a strong champion of Clark Park as a whole, dedicating many years of his life towards improving the park and pushing important civic initiatives.

Together these funds will allow the first phase of The Clark Park Plan to continue forward. The first phase calls for the redesign and rebuilding of the playground near 43rd Street and Regents Square. We at the Friends are thankful for all of the contributions received and cannot wait to start making progress on The Clark Park Plan!