The Problem:

The continued closure of the playground at Chester A. Arthur school (2000 Catherine St) has eliminated a much needed community resource and outdoor space for children and parents in the Graduate Hosptial neighborhood during the pandemic. This closure remains in effect despite guidance from the City of Philadelphia which has opened ALL city parks to outdoor activities and the CDC recommendation that outdoor play, with masks and distance, is healthy and needed for children during the pandemic.

The Request:

As neighbors living near Chester Arthur we are requesting that the District no longer restrict community access to the the playground during non-school hours.  We are asking the District to please stop treating this critical community playground and resource differently from other city and District playgrounds. 

Next Steps 

Once signatures are gathered in support of re-opening the playground during non-school hours this petition with be presented to Tim Holman – Director of Facilities for the Philadelphia School District as well as Vernon Palmer the Facilities Area Coordinator responsible for Chester Arthur.  

Sources:

- Philly Parks and Rec Guidance on open playgrounds: https://www.phila.gov/2020-11-20-stay-safe-at-parks-rec-sites-this-winter/
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html