The Cordish Companies has donated $750,000 to Rebuild Philadelphia as part of its second anniversary celebrations.
The donation will go towards the renovation of Murphy Recreation Center, located in South Philadelphia and will allow Rebuild to complete the $4.5m project, set to be concluded in the fall.
“Live! Philadelphia is proud to partner with Rebuild Philadelphia to help bring such a worthwhile project to fruition,” said Joe Billhimer, Chief Operating & Development Officer at Cordish Gaming Group.
“Murphy Recreation Center has served as a hub for community gathering for decades in South Philly. As a family-owned business, we can appreciate how important it is for families to have a safe place to come together.
“They deserve the best and we look forward to going on this transformational journey with them.”
Proposed site improvements at Murphy Recreation Center include a brand-new turf field for football, baseball, softball, and soccer, along with brand-new basketball courts. New sidewalks, fencing and landscaping round out the planned renovations.
Billhimer was joined by the Cordish Companies’ Principal, Jon Cordish, Live! Philadelphia’s General Manager, Craig Clark, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia City Council members Kenyatta Johnson and Mark Squilla; Kira Strong, Executive Director of Rebuild; and Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, at a ceremony where details of the investment were confirmed.
Rebuild Philadelphia is Mayor Kenney’s initiative to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Philadelphia neighbourhood parks, recreation centres, and libraries. Through these investments, Rebuild aims to improve 70-plus public spaces, empower and engage communities and promote diversity and economic opportunity in the design and construction industries.
“The energy in our city is electric right now and today’s celebration fuels even more excitement, especially in South Philadelphia,” added Mayor Kenney. “The soon-to-be improved recreation centre is a dynamic, accessible hub for children, families, and residents to play and gather.
“The upgrades make room for new opportunities and connections, and it may even be the homefield of the next NFL star. My administration and I are looking forward to seeing the memories that will be made in this space.”
Live! Casino & Hotel opened to the public on February 11, 2021. Two years later, it has established partnerships with dozens of regional tourism, business and non-profit organisations.
With the Rebuild donation, total contributions to date top more than $2.3m in cash and in-kind support.
“Rebuild is proud to invest in the improvements at Murphy Recreation Center and it would not be possible without the generous contribution from Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia,” concluded Strong.
“Through the combination of City and Rebuild funding, and incredible community partnerships like Live!, we are able to deliver on the Rebuild promise to engage with the community to understand their vision and invest intentionally to deliver a quality resource in their neighbourhood.”