January 22, 2016
Contributed Art/Grays Ferry Civic Association
Map of proposed renovations of Lanier Playground in South Philadelphia.
As Philadelphia residents and neighborhood groups continue to push for park renovations throughout the city, the latest project to secure new funding is the Lanier Playground in the Grays Ferry section of South Philadelphia.
According to the Passyunk Post, the playground at 29th and Tasker streets will receive up to $1.2 million toward a new baseball field, dog park, walking path, and sprinkler park, among other improvements.
In a post on Facebook earlier this month, the Grays Ferry Civic Association confirmed that a Water Department construction zone at the park is connected to a federally mandated water filtration system that will improve stormwater management in the area.
The filtration system is intended to decrease flooding and remove stormwater from treatment plants by filtering 40,000 gallons of water from the park.
Other additions to Lanier Playground may include designated areas for large gatherings, a toddler playground and a tree garden.
While the Water Department project is expected to be complete by April or May, funding for the remainder of the improvements will depend on a timely resolution to Pennsylvania's ongoing budget impasse.
The Grays Ferry Civic Association plans to work with local organizations and City Council to create two committees that will act as stewards of the park.
