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From YouTube: Philadelphia City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs 5-23-2016
Description
Public Hearing of the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs held Monday, May 23, 2016.
Testimony on the following:
Resolution no. 160388:
Resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings for applicants seeking nomination to serve on the Commission on Parks and Recreation, and further authorizing the Committee to recommend for Council's consideration nominations to be forwarded to the Mayor.
www.phlcouncil.com
A
In
your
written
testimony
and
any
letters
of
recommendation,
so
if
you
did
not
submit
your
letters
of
recommendation
previously
feel
free
to,
let
us
know
that
you
have
it
today
and
we'll
be
happy
to
send
someone
around
to
pick
it
up
that,
and
also
any
other
pertinent
information
that
you
brought
with.
You
will
have
the
first
three
applicants,
whose
name
alcohol
approach,
the
witness
table
and
be
seated,
and
also
we're
going
to
call
out
the
following
three
folks
to
testify
after
the
next
three
folks
to
testify
after
the
first
three.
A
But
what
we'd
like
for
you
to
do
is
have
a
seat
right
behind
the
speaker's
table
and
these
seats
sort
of
right
here
in
the
in
the
front,
and
that
way
we
can
move
a
little
bit
quicker
and
also
prior
to
commencing.
With
your
testimony.
We
ask
that
you
state
your
name
for
the
record,
even
if
we
know
you
already
and
also
remember
that
that
the
stenographer
needs
to
both
hear
and
understand
your
testimony
as
she's
taking
it
down
and
with
that
we're
going
to
go
ahead
and
get
started.
A
B
Name
is
Gregory
Allen
good
morning,
members
of
City
Council
Committee
on
parks,
recreation
and
cultural
affairs.
This
is
bernard
Jamal,
Scott
BJ
to
all
his
friends.
From
all
accounts.
Bernard
was
a
good
kid
Saturday
mornings.
I
would
see
him
and
his
friends
and
their
dress
greens
preparing
for
army
rotc
cleaner
than
the
Board
of
Health.
Good
morning,
sir
I
love
your
dogs,
they're
beautiful.
Can
my
friends
and
I
pet
them
good
morning.
Of
course
you
can
I
love
your
uniforms.
You
are
so
mannerly
and
well-spoken.
B
Is
james,
patrick
stohlman,
I'm
told,
but
people
who
knew
him
that
he
loved
his
family
and
that
he
was
a
good
neighbor
and
friend
James
was
a
horticulturist,
a
lover
of
trees.
His
favorite
was
the
Japanese
maple
mine
too.
He
lived
a
few
blocks
from
our
church.
The
historic
African
Episcopal
Church
of
st.
B
Thomas
I
never
had
the
pleasure
to
meet
James,
but
he
sounds
like
one
of
those
people
you
meet,
who
make
you
feel
better
about
yourself,
although
more
than
30
years
of
living
separated,
Bernard
and
James,
they
have
a
lot
of
things
in
common
from
what
I
know
they
were
both
good
people
they're
both
care
for
their
community
and
for
their
friends.
They
both
lived
in
the
West
Philadelphia
communities
of
overbrook
and
Winfield.
They
both
loved
and
were
loved
by
their
families.
They
are
both
deeply
missed.
B
You
see,
regrettably,
they
were
both
killed
around
this
time
of
year,
Bernard
on
April,
12,
2013
James,
on
March,
19,
2015
and
their
deaths
have
another
unfortunate
connection.
Tustin
recreation
center
I
live
across
the
street.
My
friends
jokingly
call
me
the
guardian
of
the
playground.
The
mayor
of
overbrook,
no
tustin
was
not
directly
involved
in
their
deaths.
Bernard
was
an
innocent
bystander
to
a
fight
shot
on
the
baseball
field.
After
school,
the
teenagers
who
killed
James
visited
tustin
that
day
he
was
killed
in
fact
hours
before
he
was
murdered.
B
Still
I,
always
wonder
what
would
have
happened
if
the
young
men
who
killed
Bernard
and
James
would
have
had
something
better
to
do
that
day.
What
Bernards
and
James
families
have
been
spared
the
unimaginable
grief
they
are
surely
experiencing.
To
this
day,
I
asked
to
be
considered
as
a
member
of
the
Commission
on
parks
and
recreation,
since
I
believe
I
can
make
a
real
active
contribution
to
ensure
that
young
people
receive
the
type
of
high-quality
out-of-school
time,
youth
development
activities
that
are
proven
to
impact
lives.
B
My
entire
career
has
focused
on
helping
young
people
and
their
families.
If
Philadelphia's
children
are
not
safe
in
the
places
where
they
learn
and
play,
then
no
one
is
safe
anywhere.
Thank
you
for
your
time
and
consideration.
I
pray
that
my
testimony
honors
the
lives,
legacies
and
families
of
Bernard,
Jamal,
Scott
and
James
Patrick
stohlman.
May
they
rest
in
peace.
A
C
Name
is
Supriya
palau,
I'm
block
captain
for
the
sudden
will
not
to
block
a
forest
avenue
an
additional
service.
President,
the
west
oak
lane
civic
association
that
encompasses
the
10th
ward
I've,
been
a
community
organized
an
advocate
for
decades.
As
president
of
the
west
oak
lane,
Civic
Association
I
have
set
guidelines
established
to
ensure
definition
to
the
roles
and
responsibilities
of
the
board,
as
key
person
in
the
neighborhood
watch
group
have
been
an
integral
component
to
keeping
a
block
events
current
by
putting
flyers
in
the
residents
door,
keeping
crime
prevention
efforts.
C
I
encourage
the
younger
residents
to
vote
the
voter
registration
and
notify
them
with
job
opportunities
as
they
are
announced.
The
younger
voters
in
my
community
have
asked
that
I
keep
them
notified
the
availability
to
work
on
poles
or
cameras
during
election
time.
They
have
also
made
it
in
practice
to
solicit
my
direct
and
my
direction
and
input
on
community
issues.
I've
been
elected
committee
person
in
my
division
to
service
the
political
agenda.
C
My
ward
I
placed
my
name
is
Candice
II,
a
state
and
city
public
office
and
have
assisted
other
candidates
with
their
election
or
re-election.
Efforts
I
have
served
as
executive
board
member
of
my
union
and
have
advised
representing
assistant
members
in
their
grievance
procedure,
have
demonstrated
an
interest
to
be
part
of
the
community.
Organizing
efforts
I'm,
confident
that
I
can
make
a
contribution
to
the
Commission
some
recreation,
okay,.
A
C
You,
my
name,
is
Michael
birch
Thank,
You,
council
members
who
are
seeing
us
this
morning.
I
had
my
longtime
resident
of
Philadelphia
I
live
in
the
park
side,
section
of
Philadelphia
I'm
a
recent
transplant.
I
have
been
gone
from
the
city
for
a
few
years,
I've
returned
about
ten
years
ago,
when
my
mother
passed
and
moved
back
into
the
same
home.
That
I
grew
up
in
the
neighborhood
is
still
beautiful,
but
they've
been
a
lot
of
changes.
C
C
There
I
have
a
lot
of
experience
working
with
programming
over
20
years
of
young
people
coming
to
my
programs
at
the
Franklin,
Institute
and
I'm,
a
product
of
what
Parks
and
Rec
or
the
recreation
program
was
when
I
was
a
child
for
using
the
public
system
as
a
kid
growing
up
in
West
Philadelphia.
These
programs
are
definitely
important
and
I
want
to
contribute
my
experience,
both
as
a
young
person
growing
up
through
the
system
and
as
a
director
of
youth
programming.
C
D
You,
madam
chair,
and
thank
you
all
for
your
interest
and
being
a
part
of
your
continued
interest
in
being
part
of
our
Recreation
Department
of
Parks
and
molding,
more
importantly,
molding
of
young
people's
lives.
When
you
held
up
a
nard
Scott's
a
photo,
it
gave
me
a
flashback
to
when
it
happened
at
tustin
and
it
changed
things
some
foot
better
and
some
set
in
reality
of
what
we
were
dealing
with.
What
our
young
people
first
thing
we
did
was
thanks
to
the
chairwoman
was
place,
the
emphasis
on
cameras.
D
We
received
the
first
batch
of
twelve
that
came
out
as
a
result
of
his
untimely
demise.
He
was
a
good
kid
did
what
a
lot
of
kids
do,
which
is
stiff,
set
and
watch
the
fight?
I've
done
it
on
numerous
occasions,
and
it
shouldn't
be
a
death
sentence.
The
other
thing
that
it
did
was
show
that
we
need
more
activity
around
there.
D
Many
of
those
young
people
in
that
area
of
the
park
site
as
well
they're
not
going
to
make
it
to
Disney
World
their
disney
world
oil
encompass
whatever
activities
we
put
at
those
rec
centers,
whether
it's
a
amateur
sports
team
or
mentoring,
or
you
know
male
and
female
engagement.
So
one
of
the
debates
that
we
are
having
here-
and
I
think
all
of
our
council
agrees
that
we
need
to
do
more.
D
The
question
is
how
we
pay
for
more,
which
is
always
something
that
we
have
to
struggle
with.
But
there
is
no
question
that
we
need
partners
in
a
committee.
And,
yes,
you
are
the
mayor
of
tustin
Nova
Brook
on
I,
got
pictures
of
you
and
I
cleaning
up
on
a
Saturday
morning
when
we
could
have
been
watching
cartoons
or
something
else,
but
you've
made
a
commitment
to
that
area,
and
so
will
we.
So
we
appreciate
your
coming
on
board.
But
let
me
ask
you
this,
and
all
of
this
is
for
all
of
you.
D
C
What
comes
to
mind
for
me:
are
mentoring,
programs
right
away.
You've
got
to
get
older
adults
interested
in
working
with
younger
people.
First
and
foremost,
the
programs
that
I
run
at
the
Franklin
Institute
I
have
mentors
people
who
are
volunteering
their
time
time
to
come
in
on
Saturdays
and
work
with
these
young
people.
That
is
so
important.
Those
things
can
take.
Just
big
brother,
big
sister
type
programs,
can
take
children
so
far.
It's
amazing
what
you
see.
That's
one,
that's
one.
C
A
Reading
Club
like
a
father-son
Reading
Club
for
after
school
there's,
no
more
than
a
father
than
a
sunset,
now
reading
a
chapter
here
at
the
Rec
Center.
That
gives
them
some
some
quality
time
together
and
it's
also
an
the
recreation
atmosphere
if
they
want
to
be
are
often
to
spending
some
time
playing,
basketball
or
whatever.
I
think
I'd
like
to
see
file
of
father
and
son
effort
at
the
center
itself
at
the
rec
center
gun.
B
For
me,
I
think
it'd
be
as
practical
as
possible
because
a
lot
of
the
young
people
are
struggling
with
coming
home
from
juvenile
justice
facilities
or
maybe
even
prison
and
they're
not
able
to
find
jobs.
So
there's
got
to
be
a
way
to
engage
them
because
not
only
was
Bernards
family
destroyed,
but
the
family
of
the
boys
who
killed
Bernard
or
killed
James
Patrick
stohlman,
whose
uncle
I
know
I'm
they're
destroyed
too
so
there's
got
to
be
a
way
to
engage
them,
because
if
that
we
don't,
then
they
go
back
and
do
what
they
knew.
A
You
and
I
want
to
thank
you
for
your
testimony.
I
think
it's
very,
very
powerful,
and
you
know,
especially
when
we
talk
about
spending
close
to
six
hundred
million
dollars
to
rebuild
recreation
centers
here
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia,
I'm
glad
to
hear
you
all
say
to
some
degree:
community
involvement,
its
emphasis
so
important
in
our
rec
centers,
because
it
doesn't
matter
how
nice
and
neat
and
shiny
the
building
is.
If
there's
no
one
in
it
or
you
know,
there's
there's
no
programs
go
on
one.
A
F
Morning
my
name
is
Rebecca
Byron,
but
I
go
by
rudy
Thank
You
council
members
for
taking
the
time
to
meet
with
all
the
applicants.
It
was
exciting
to
see
so
many
people
want
to
take
a
larger
role
in
the
management
management
of
their
cities,
park
and
recreation
facilities.
I'm
a
Philly
area
native
I
grew
up
in
Montgomery
County
and
I
am
also
a
senior
environmental
planner
working
nationwide
for
federal
clients.
My
biggest
client
is
the
National
Park
Service.
F
A
position
on
the
commission
would
allow
me
to
combine
my
professional
background,
including
a
decade
of
experience
with
environmental
planning,
with
my
passion
for
my
home
city
and
its
park
and
recreation
facilities.
I
began
my
with
my
company
as
an
intern
in
2005
and
I
am
now
a
senior
project
manager.
F
It's
national
park
from
transmission
line
development
on
an
in
holding
and
developing
off-road
vehicle
management
frameworks
at
multiple
parks
to
balance,
resource
protection
within
visitor
use
and
experience
over
the
course
of
each
project
that
I've
managed
or
contributed
to
I
learned
that
each
Park
and
Planning
challenge
is
unique.
There
is
no
one-size-fits-all
approach
to
managing
park
and
recreational
facilities,
but,
with
my
experience,
I
can
bring
solutions
that
have
worked
in
other
locations
that
could
be
tailored
and
adapted
to
Philadelphia
park
system.
F
E
My
name
is
heather
calvert
I'm,
an
administrator
of
an
hiv/aids
program
at
the
University
of
Pennsylvania.
That's
focused
on
Botswana,
in
addition
to
20
years
of
nonprofit
management,
work
experience,
I
have
a
master's
in
public
administration
from
the
fells
institute
of
government.
I
have
extensive
experience
in
marketing
and
public
relations
in
my
current
role
as
a
staff
director
at
penn,
I'm
responsible
for
all
communications
and
the
social
media
for
my
organization
and
oversee
all
special
projects
and
program
administration
HR
and
supervise
the
grants
and
finance
staff.
E
In
my
previous
role
as
the
director
for
a
foundation,
I
was
responsible
for
all
fundraising
through
grant
applications,
corporate
gifts
and
individual
gifts.
I'm
a
former
volunteer
tour
guide
with
the
now
defunct
foundation
for
architecture
where
I
specialized
in
giving
neighborhood
historical
tours,
focusing
on
the
city's
federal
and
art
art
deco
architecture.
E
I
am
knowledgeable
about
preservation
issues
in
Philadelphia
and
have
been
the
convener
for
meetings
among
elected
official
staff
and
local
preservationist
to
discuss
new
preservation
legislation
I'm
an
avid
gardener
who
has
served
as
a
volunteer
judge
for
the
Pennsylvania,
horticultural,
society's
neighborhood
gardening
contest
and
I'm.
A
tree
tender
I
chaired
the
gardening
committee
at
the
PAL
elementary
school
in
palitan
village
for
a
number
of
years,
where
I
organized
garden,
related
programming
for
children
and
school
volunteers.
E
As
a
member
of
the
board
of
directors
for
Calgary
Center
for
culture
and
community
I'm,
charged
with
helping
determine
how
best
the
community
center
can
serve
as
a
neighborhood
resource
and
working
to
maintain
and
preserve
the
historic
church
building.
I
was
the
chair
of
the
gala
committee,
which
raised
more
than
forty
thousand
dollars
for
Calvary
center.
E
I
have
also
been
a
member
of
the
gala
committee
for
the
woodland,
a
historic
house
in
cemetery
in
West
Philadelphia
in
closing
of
the
nine
areas
listed
for
qualifications
sought,
I,
have
demonstrated
skills
and
experience
in
seven
tourism,
marketing
and
public
relations,
Business
and
Finance
neighborhood,
revitalization,
community
leadership,
historical
and
architectural
preservation,
landscaping
and
horticulture,
and
fundraising.
I
would
be
proud
to
serve
as
a
member
of
the
Commission
great.
G
Okay,
I'm
here
to
say
today
that
I
would
be
honored
to
serve
the
city.
Our
parks
in
my
fellow
Philadelphians
as
a
member
of
the
Commission
and
I
believe
I
should
be
nominated
for
my
demonstrated
commitment
to
greening
the
urban
environment
and
my
passion
and
for
preserving
and
improving
public
green
spaces.
G
My
experience
and
skills
position
me
to
bring
significant
knowledge
and
to
the
table
and
value
as
a
valuable
asset
to
the
Commission
green
space
is
vital
to
the
well-being
of
our
seating
of
our
city,
good
stewardship
of
this
resource,
and
the
focus
has
been
a
focus
of
my
work
and
studies.
One
of
my
top
priorities
is
to
cultivate
natural
environments
within
the
city.
If
nominated
I
would
put
my
education
in
horticultural
science
and
my
knowledge
of
landscape
design
to
work
in
order
to
make
the
city
I
love
a
better
place.
G
I
understand
that
service
on
the
commission
would
be
to
benefit
Philadelphia
and
in
support
of
the
commissioner,
and
my
goal
would
be
to
work
collaboratively
to
protect
and
prove
the
treasure
that
are
our
public
parks.
Service
is
a
key
factor
by
life
and
serving
on
this
commission
would
be
the
opportunity
to
be
of
Greater
service.
To
my
commute
d,
I
reside
in
West
Philadelphia
and
my
home
is
within
a
block
of
malcolm
x
park.
I
see
firsthand.
G
G
This
is
this
I
consider
this
park
an
extension
of
my
home
as
I
walk
my
dogs
and
enjoy
the
green
space
and
very
much
I
very
much
want
to
protect
it,
along
with
other
parks
across
the
city,
while
appreciate,
while
I
appreciate
the
positive
impact
that
comes
from
the
active,
vibrant
part,
I
see
the
opposite,
taking
place
and
underutilized
under
read
resource
parks.
The
negatives
are
unfortunately
far-reaching.
Instead
of
being
assets
that
become
blighted
instead
of
creating
community,
they
become
the
setting
for
crime.
G
Dilapidated
parks
affect
our
city's
children's
when
the
child
sees
a
park
without
swings,
a
basketball
courts,
so
cracked
that
it
cannot
bounce
a
ball.
How
are
these
children
supposed
to
believe
that
our
city
is
here
to
support
them?
We
should
be
able
to
look
at
our
neighborhood
parks
and
recreation
centers
as
assets,
places
of
hope
and
respite
from.
For
these
many
reasons,
I
wish
to
serve
it
serve
on
the
Commission
and
while
I
know
the
solutions
are
not
simple
and
will
take
hard
work.
G
I
believe
that
that
we
can
revitalize
the
entire
park
systems
not
only
to
be
world
class
in
its
own
right,
but
also
as
an
exemplary
model
for
other
cities.
We
must
work
together
so
that
no
child
has
to
see
a
park
without
swings.
So
no
community
has
to
look
at
their
park,
is
a
glaring
example
of
how
they
have
been
forgotten,
but
rather
a
beacon
of
hope
for
what
might
be
possible.
Thank
you
for
your
time
and
consideration.
Thank.
A
You
very
much
for
your
testimony
and
we're
going
to
call
the
next
three
panelist
over,
but
thank
you
very
much,
this
very
informative
and
and
and
great
experience
that
you're
bringing
to
the
table.
We
really
appreciate
you
being
here
the
next
three
coming
for
would
be
Barbara
capozzi,
Susan,
dannenberg
and
Beth
Ann
divine
and
following
those
three
would
be
Hakeem,
Dixon,
Wanda,
Gloria,
fortnight
and
derrick
ford.
A
H
Morning,
thank
you
for
your
time.
I
imagine
you're
sitting
here
for
many
many
hours,
but
it's
a
fascinating
already
to
learn
the
diversity
of
the
people.
Here.
It's
wonderful
I've
in
esteem
is
Barbara
Capozzi,
see
apos
easy
I
have
been
a
strong
Parks
and
Rec
advocate
for
many
many
years.
I've
served
briefly
on
the
Commission
2009
to
11
and
welcome
the
opportunity
to
serve
again
at
this
critical
time.
H
This
is
the
Commission
serves
a
vital
roles,
the
steward
of
Philadelphia,
most
precious
community
resources,
and
now,
more
than
ever,
with
the
new
emphasis
on
revitalizing,
the
Parks
and
Rec
system.
It's
more
important
than
ever
old
parks
and
rec
advocates
hope
that
this
increased
funding,
in
whatever
form
that
it
takes,
will
soon
be
approved
by
council,
so
that
the
important
work
of
improving
these
many
sites
after
decades
of
deferred
maintenance
can
finally
be
funded.
H
No
one
knows
better
than
the
district
council
people
that
the
precious
parks
and
rec
centers
in
your
districts
are
the
glue
that
holds
the
community
together
and
every
community
can
use
stronger
glue.
These
sites
should
be
havens
of
pure
fun,
joy,
relaxation
and
education
in
a
safe
and
physically
maintained
setting
and
a
strong
Commission
can
be
an
ally
in
this
new
endeavor
for
the
increased
rehabilitation
of
these
sites.
H
Patching
and
painting
the
needs
are
great,
the
funds
are
limited
and
a
diverse
and
strong
Commission
can
be
the
best
safeguard
to
ensure
that
these
precious
new
tax
revenue
will
be
used
for
the
broadest
impact
in
every
neighborhood
and
community
around
the
city.
The
critical
oversight
is
necessary
on
behalf
of
the
Parks
and
Rec
system,
for
all
its
users,
who
are
also
taxpayers
of
Philadelphia.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
every
dollar
works
for
us.
H
My
strongest
assets
to
assist
the
Commission's
efforts
are
community
leadership,
public
relations,
neighborhood,
revitalization,
business,
common
sense,
fundraising
and
fiscal
responsibility.
My
passion
and
enthusiasm
for
the
parks
and
rec
system,
and
my
very
very
deep
respect
and
appreciation
for
the
leaders
of
this
department
are
the
reasons
I
continue
to
volunteer
joyfully
my
time
and
energy
to
several
friends
groups,
most
especially
FDR
park,
which
is
both
blessed
and
cursed
by
being
next
to
the
sports
complex,
which
is
a
handful
to
deal
with.
I
led
the
last
cleanup
of
about
60
volunteers
and
I.
H
Have
the
poison
ivy
to
prove
it.
The
parks
and
rec
centers
throughout
the
city
are
the
hearts
of
each
community,
and
these
safe
havens
must
survive
and
thrive
to
become
a
healthy
alternative
and
a
lifeline
to
every
resident
for
fun.
Adventure
and
enriching
community
life.
Children
after
school
teens
and
the
seniors
especially
need
these
safe
locations
to
gather
socialize,
learn
and
grow.
My
previous
student
tour
of
duty
as
commissioner,
it
was
absolutely
inspiring
to
tour
these
centers
and
see
the
lifers
who
have
spent
decades
and
decades
at
these
sites.
H
Without
a
doubt,
the
parks
and
recs
staffers
on
all
levels
are
the
most
dedicated
and
enthusiastic
workers.
Workers
I
have
met
in
city
government
and
that's
a
fact.
They
are
a
joy
and
an
inspiration
to
work
with
as
a
volunteer
and
I
would
love
to
serve
on
the
Commission
again
to
assist
them
in
every
effort.
I
did
not
get
recommendations.
I
did
not
want
to
bother
my
friends
because,
frankly,
the
current
board
is
excellent.
H
I
don't
see
how
any
of
them
gets
replaced,
so
I
didn't
bring
recommendations,
I
I,
think
they're,
all
terrific
and
they
all
serve
a
purpose
as
to
what
needs
I
see
in
the
parks.
Fdr
is
blessed
with
tennis
and
golf
and
skateboarding
and
ball
fields
which
are
a
lot
to
manage,
of
course,
with
lots
of
efforts.
We
just
got
bikes
and
soon
to
haves
boat
concessions.
That's
in
the
last
two
weeks,
and
that
has
taken
years
to
do.
H
Fishing
programs
at
FDR
park
we're
working
on
those
and
bird-watching,
of
course,
but
but
just
let
me
get
this
plug-in
for
FDR
park.
My
biggest
wish
for
FDR
park
is
that
it
become
at
least
a
mini
station
for
the
police
horses,
because
we
are
next
to
the
sports
complex,
which
could
really
use
that
security,
but
the
police
horses
were
originally
in
FDR
park.
There's
old,
stables
there
with
a
great
fundraising
effort,
the
symbolism
and
the
presence
of
the
police
horses
at
FDR
park
would
be
thrilling.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Three
of
time,
Thank.
H
Morning
morning,
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
testify
here
today.
My
name
is
Susan.
Dannenberg
I
have
lived
in
Philadelphia
since
1978
I
was
eager
to
live
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia
due
to
the
vibrant
walkable
downtown,
the
diversity
of
people,
the
excellent
public
transit,
affordable
housing
options
and
the
availability
of
job
opportunities.
But
what
has
kept
me
in
Philadelphia
for
almost
four
decades
has
been
the
quality
and
quantity
of
Philadelphia's
recreational
options
and
natural
areas.
I'm
excited
to
have
the
opportunity
to
apply
to
serve
Commission
on
parks
and
recreation.
H
I
feel
I
bring
a
valuable
and
unique
set
of
skills
to
the
Commission
Fairmount
Park
was
originally
created
to
protect
our
drinking
water
and,
by
its
very
nature,
as
a
watershed
park.
My
undergraduate
degree
in
geology
prepares
me
to
understand
the
hydrologic
issues
that
threaten
our
park
system
through
my
studies
in
landscape
architecture
at
Temple,
University,
I
developed,
a
deep
appreciation
of
ecology
and
a
strong
working
knowledge
of
plants,
both
native
and
non-native,
which
are
key
to
the
health
of
the
ecosystem
of
the
park.
H
My
master's
degree
in
planning
has
fostered
my
ability
to
evaluate
complex
systems,
analyze
options.
Taking
into
the
account
the
needs
and
desires
of
the
various
stakeholders,
I
believe
these
skills
will
serve
me
well
in
the
performance
of
my
duties
on
the
Commission.
I
am
committed
to
both
preserving
our
cherished
Fairmont
Park
and
providing
our
young
Philadelphians
with
quality
recreational
opportunities.
Studies
have
shown
that
our
children
are
not
getting
enough
time
out
of
doors
and
that
exercise
and
exposure
to
nature
can
both
reduce
stress
and
raise
academic
achievement.
H
Philadelphia
is
blessed
with
one
of
the
largest
urban
parks
in
the
world,
making
sure
all
our
citizens,
especially
our
youngest,
have
access
to
parks
and
recreation
must
be
a
priority
to
that
end.
I
have
served
and
continue
to
serve
on
a
working
group
called
nature.
Rx
working
closely
with
many
partners,
including
Philadelphia,
Parks
and
Recreation
nature.
Rx
has
created
a
program
where,
by
pediatricians
can
write
a
prescription
for
children
to
spend
time
in
parks
and
trails
shortly.
H
Nature
rx
will
begin
a
pilot
program
in
Children's
Hospital
of
Pennsylvania
of
Philadelphia's
pediatric
offices,
starting
in
Cobbs
Creek
neighborhood
of
West
Philadelphia
patients
will
leave
the
pediatricians
office
with
a
piece
of
paper
tailored
to
their
needs
and
location.
Providing
information
on
recreational
facilities
and
NAT
excuse
me
natural
areas
within
a
half
mile
of
their
home,
since
the
1800s
Fairmount
Park
has
drawn
visitors
to
Philadelphia
from
far
and
wide
making
the
park
a
boon
not
only
to
Philadelphia
citizens,
but
also
to
its
coffers
through
tourist
dollars.
H
We
are
all
stewards
of
this
Park
in
its
recreational
facilities
for
the
next
generation,
with
an
obligation
to
keeping
it
forever
green
and
to
providing
our
children
with
opportunities
for
quality,
recreation
and
access
to
nature,
if
selected,
I
look
forward
to
personally
furthering
that
stewardship
by
serving
on
the
Commission
on
parks
and
recreation.
Thank
you
thank.
I
Since
then,
our
organization
has
grown
to
work
with
over
a
thousand
girls
a
year
in
various
settings,
including
rec
centers
schools
and
community
centers,
like
the
eom
in
South
Philadelphia
this
month.
That
was
named
to
be
the
executive
director
of
the
Philadelphia
youth
sports
collaborative,
which
has
over
40
members
in
the
city
who
deliver
sports-based
youth
programming.
I
The
issue
of
programming
has
come
up
multiple
times
today,
so
I'll
just
address
kind
of
where
we're
headed
with
that
partnerships
are
obviously
key
to
delivering
and
engaging
kids
through
the
rec
centers,
because
what
we
know
is
the
rec
centers
staffing
doesn't
always
allow
them
to
run
their
own
programming.
So
our
organization,
py
SC,
has
40
plus
members
who
deliver
programming
in
these
various
settings
and
I
think
part
building.
Partnerships
is
really
a
way
to
engage
more
children
throughout
the
city.
I
I
served
as
the
co-chair
of
the
transition
team
Committee
on
community
culture
and
records
at
recreation
and
took
a
deep
dive
into
both
budgeting
for
programming
and
just
general
information
out
there
from
all
the
stakeholders
in
all
these
different
areas-
and
you
know
I
feel
I
learned
a
lot
in
that
experience.
In
addition,
my
resume
includes
years
of
experience
in
the
following
areas
that
I
think
might
be
helpful.
Obviously,
youth
programming
program,
design
and
program
site
relationships,
particularly
I
worked
in
west
philly
and
the
Sailor
Mars
rec
center.
I
I
worked
in
west
oak
lane
at
the
simon
center
and
extensively
at
the
guerin
rec
center
in
south
philadelphia.
I
worked
for
a
firm
that
did
brownfield
redevelopment
and
was
involved
at
the
in
the
process
from
basically
soup
to
nuts
I
helped
manage
all
the
different
teams,
including
the
land
planners
sales
and
marketing,
and
just
the
basic
process
from
taking
a
land
that
nobody
wants
and
making
it
land
that
is
viable
again.
I
So
I
feel
that
working
knowledge
in
that
area
would
be
helpful,
especially
with
the
bond
and
all
of
the
improvements
that
are
planned
for
all
the
different
locations.
I've
been
a
director
of
marketing
using
multiple
channels
and
I
know.
That
was
something
that
was
of
interest
in
the
application
and
then
also
fundraising,
a
fundraiser,
not
always
by
choice,
but
by
what
I
do
it's
it's
essential,
so
I've
done
that
through
grant
grant
writing
event,
fundraising
individual
asks
and
donor
and
larger
gifts.
I
I
believe
that
this
oh
I
also
grew
up
in
an
HVAC
family,
since
1918
divine
brothers
has
served
Philadelphia
and
we've
also
built
it's
a
commercial
HVAC
firm
and
has
done
extensive
work
with
the
city
in
Septon.
Even
though
I
didn't
officially
join
the
firm
till
I
was
born
in
nineteen.
Seventy
I've
been
working
there
off
and
on
all
my
life,
so
I
have
a
working
knowledge
of
the
building
issues
that
come
up
and
thought
that
that
might
be
helpful.
I
A
You
very
much
for
your
testimony.
I
have
to
say
why
everyone
is
still
here.
This
is
going
to
be
really
hard
to
everyone
who
has
presented
so
far
is
just
outstanding
in
the
work
that
they've
done
in
the
community
and
what
they
bring
to
the
table.
So
I
just
want
that
everybody
is
going
to
be
really
really
hard
to
find
non
names
out
of
all
the
great
quality,
a
crop
of
candidates
that
we
have.
A
But
one
thing
does
come
to
my
mind,
which
is
that
I
remember
when
we
did
this
for
years
ago
and
I
remember
thinking
the
same
thing.
We
have
so
much
talent
and
so
many
people
who
want
to
be
involved
so
I'm
hopeful
that
you
know
we
can
only
you
know,
have
nine
names
but
I'm
hopeful
that
there
will
be
a
way
to
engage
everyone,
whether
they're,
making
whether
they
make
it
on
this
commission
or
not.
A
There's
got
to
be
a
way
to
keep
everyone
engaged
because
you
all
are
doing
so
much
as
it
is
right
now.
But
thank
you
for
your
testimony
and
for
being
here
today
and
I'm,
going
to
ask
the
next
three
panelists
to
come
forward
that
will
be
Hakeem,
Dixon,
Wanda,
Gloria,
fortnight
and
Derek
for
and
afterwards
we'll
have
Michael
Froelich,
Jeff,
Hackett
and
Brandon
Johnson.
If
they
could
come,
have
a
seat
and
this
the
back
row
so
to
speak.
A
J
My
name
is
Hakeem
Dixon
good
morning
my
name
is
Hakeem.
I
work
at
the
enterprise
center
serve
as
the
52nd
Street
commercial
corridor
manager
that
is
funded
by
a
Philadelphia,
listen
to
the
Department
of
Commerce,
I'm
also
a
a
a
night
fun
day
at
work:
shop,
school
board,
member,
a
north
central
empowerment
zone
board
member
and
a
rotten
to
go
ambassador.
J
So,
as
you
can
see,
I
have
a
habit
of
trying
to
find
a
ways
to
get
involved
to
be
a
bridge
the
community,
so
that
I
can
relay
the
resources
that
are
available
to
them
so
that
they
could
become
more
empowered,
I'm
engaged
and
motivated
I'm
and
changing
their
communities
so
long.
The
feed
second
Street
corridor.
There
is
a
malcolm
x
park.
J
I
mean
it's
one
of
the
largest
parks
in
the
city,
but
it's
also
been
one
of
the
parks
that
has
not
had
to
type
of
community
engagement
that
the
community
residents
would
like
to
see.
So.
For
that
reason,
I'm
I've,
gotten
involved
with
the
friends
and
Malcolm
s
park
and
the
Fairmount
Park
Conservancy
to
work
with
them
to
help
see
the
park,
be
a
change
of
renovated.
I've
also
worked
with
to
business
owners
and
to
developers
that
have
new
properties
around
the
corridor.
J
I've
also
worked
with
of
various
departments
along
the
city
government,
including
the
Department
of
Commerce
parks
and
recreations
in
the
past
I'm
in
the
Fairmont
Park
Conservancy
and
today,
n
in
real
time,
I
have
experience
working
with
the
Mariposa
chop
and
cedar
park
to
help
bring
resources
to
low
in
the
corridor.
So
we're
not
just
talking
about
problem,
but
we're
also
trying
to
build
those
bridges
that
offer
the
resources.
They
don't
need
it
to
move
the
park
alone.
Okay,.
C
Close
I
am
Wanda
G
Fonteneau,
a
lady
born
and
raised
in
Philadelphia.
Currently,
I
am
serving
as
a
block
captain
in
the
Southwest
section
of
the
city.
I
do
my
best
to
make
my
neighbors
aware
of
the
benefits
of
a
clean
block.
Some
years
ago,
I
assisted
another
block
captain
and
dressing
up
a
vacant
lot
together
with
her
mother
and
a
few
children.
The
garden
oasis
won
a
third
prize
from
the
Philadelphia
horticultural
society.
That
block
captain
has
moved
on
and
her
mother
is
deceased.
C
K
K
As
we
sit
here
this
very
moment
today
as
the
summer
fast
approaches,
kids
need
a
wonderful
place
to
go
and,
as
we
talk
about
funding
and
programming
in
the
city
of
philip,
I
think
it's
equally
important
that
we
do
more
in
terms
of
providing
those
avenues
for
kids.
Recently
I
created
a
baseball
league
in
story
mansion,
probably
in
about
reanalyzing
baseball
back
end
somewhere
mention.
K
We
have
395
kids
playing
the
wonderful
game
of
baseball
in
addition
to
that
we're
playing
football
every
year
we
do
an
annual
game
with
the
FBI
called
step
up
to
the
plate
and
strikeout
violence,
and
it's
really
about
killing
the
stigma.
How
in
the
city,
kids
view
law
enforcement
parks
and
recs
means
a
lot
to
me,
I
have
a
passion
for
what
I
do
born
and
again.
K
I'll
reiterate
when
it
reads
the
supreme
ranch
and
not
even
living
here
at
this
current
moment,
but
I'm
near
every
day,
because
leadership
needs
to
be
there
working
alone
without
playground,
Directorate
manager,
Alex
and
everybody
in
that
corridor.
There
We
strongly
believe
that,
as
we
move
along
time
is
critical
to
helping
the
youth
and
not
only
you
but
the
seniors
in
our
community,
so
I'm
just
glad
to
be
a
part
of
this
core
group
of
people
applying
to
be
on
the
Commission
I'm
working
alone,
for
the
greater
good
for
the
greater
number
of
people.
A
A
A
A
L
Morning
so
my
name
is
Michael
Froelich.
Let
me
first
start
by
this
saying
this
is
a
heck
of
a
way
to
start
a
monday
morning.
I
wish
every
Monday
could
start
with
sort
of
listening
to
wonderful
Philadelphians,
talking
about
how
passionate
they
are
about
their
they're
sitting
in
their
neighborhood.
Not
only
am
silly
munda
usually
starts,
so
I
am
a
managing
attorney
at
Community
Legal
Services
office
in
North
Philadelphia,
where
Sir
by
day
I
work
to
represent
low-income
Philadelphians,
who
are
struggling
with
mortgage
foreclosures
and
predatory
consumer
scams.
L
However,
today
I'm
here
in
my
personal
capacity
in
support
of
my
application
of
my
desire
to
serve
on
the
Commission
on
parks
and
recreation,
the
app
of
my
application
resume
has
more
of
my
information
about
my
community
activities.
I
live
in
the
Cedar
Park
neighborhood
of
West
Philadelphia
in
the
third
councilman
I
district.
As
I
will
note.
L
But
what
really
drives
my
passion
for
parks?
And
what
brought
me
here
is
that,
a
few
years
ago,
when
my
now
seven-year-old
daughter,
Zora,
was
for
we
embarked
on
this
project
to
visit
every
playground
in
Philadelphia
and
so
far,
we've
visited
a
hundred
and
sixty-two
playgrounds
with
plans
to
visit
all
of
them.
We
sort
track
our
progress
and
give
reviews
of
all
the
playgrounds
on
our
website,
which
is
Zora,
plays
calm
and
we
draw
maps
of
the
playgrounds
and
she
takes
pictures
of
what
she
likes
about
the
playgrounds.
L
So
it's
this
project
has
taken
us
from
you
know:
Junod
playground
in
the
Far
Northeast
to
Jenks
playground
and
chestnut
hill
gunned
down
to
you
know:
Marconi
plaza
near
the
stadium's
at
FDR
park
and
Pascal
playground
in
southwest
Philly
and
everything
in
between
and
through
the
project.
We've
learned
sorta
like
what
we
like
about
playgrounds
and
what,
but
also
have
seen
the
really
the
great
differences
in
the
playgrounds
you
know.
Unfortunately,
there
is
great
inequities
and
some
are
absolutely
beautiful
and
stunning
and
others
need
serious
care
and
upkeep
and
cleaning,
and
so
what
I?
L
The
reason
why
I
believe
that
I
would
like
to
be
considered
for
the
Commission
is
I.
Think
my
skills
and
experience
as
a
CLS
lawyer
would
be
a
good
match
for
the
Commission,
but
more
important
than
that,
though,
is
because
I'm
passionate
about
parks
and
green
spaces
and
recreation
and
gains
and
playgrounds
and
everything
that
the
department
stands
for.
L
As
a
legal
aid
lawyer,
I
work
hard
every
day
to
make
sure
that
everyone
has
has
equal
opportunity
who
has
a
material
benefits
like
housing
and
food
and
income,
and
these
things
are
important,
they're
they're
critical,
but
I
would
like
to
serve
on
the
commission
because
I
believe
we
need
equitable
support
for
all
of
our
parks
and
all
philadelphia
neighborhoods,
and
I
believe
that
a
quality
life
means
more
than
just
access
to
these
material
resources.
It's
also
about
relaxing
in
a
quality
neighborhood
park.
It's
about
ensuring
that
everyone
can
enjoy
our
park
system.
Thank
you.
A
M
K
N
Commission
I've
made
us
a
middle,
but
I
would
like
to
really
come
from
the
heart
because
I
believe
what
comes
from
the
heart
really
touches
a
heart
and
with
three
minutes
I
just
want
to
give
a
few
brief
stories
of
stuff
that
we
know
that
happens
and
Councilman
jones
had
made
a
statement
of
asked
the
question
about
what
would
be
an
improvement
and
one
of
the
things
that
I've
known
from
my
experience
of
over
25
years.
Working
with
view
is
that
we
need
longer
hours.
I
believe
that
the
rec
centers
should
be
like
the
community.
N
It
should
be
seven
days
a
week
and
they
should
meet
the
curfew
hours,
because
it
only
takes
five
minutes
for
trouble
to
find
somebody
that
is
at
idle
time
and
what
I
would
like
to
say.
It
is
that,
with
what's
going
on,
one
of
the
relationships
with
and
partnerships
with
staff
is
that
there's
a
conflict.
Sometimes
it
just
needs
to
be
addressed
in
ironed
out
a
lot
of
times.
N
What
is
best
for
the
community,
like
my
community
itself,
is
up
in
the
ninth,
even
though
most
of
my
stakeholder
ship
is
in
your
district
council
woman
in
the
eighth,
so
I
have
a
double
compassion
for
what's
going
on,
but
I
took
a
risk
and
win
against
the
odds.
We
have
every
program
up
there
with
zero
tolerance.
All
of
the
children
are
mindful
of
their
language.
N
There
is
racial
harmony,
cultural
harmony,
gender
harmony,
age,
harmony
and
it
works
in,
and
if
you
are
free
to
come
up
to
Sturgis
playground,
you
will
see
that
it
does
work.
When
you
have
great
partnerships,
we
took
our
basketball
league
and
took
a
great
dress
and
raise
the
age
to
22.
I
had
a
whole
team
that
we
took
off
a
fourth
street
in
Philadelphia's
Olney
section
that
were
drug
dealers.
There
was
no
profanity,
there
were
no
guns,
three
of
them,
and
this
is
the
greatest
moment.
N
I
ever
had
my
25
years,
three
of
them
are
in
Community
College.
So
what
I
would
like
to
do
is
continue
to
what
we
are
doing
and
in
show
Philadelphia
through
bottle
that
the
community
needs
to
take
hold
of
their
community.
We
should
work
with
the
staff
members,
but
we
should
have
a
greater
passion
as
stakeholders
in
that
community
to
volunteer
our
time.
N
I
have
more
volunteer
hours
than
I,
have
actual
work
hours
and
I'm,
proud
of
that
and
I'm
just
lucky
to
have
a
type
of
family
did
baxa
me
in
what
we're
doing
and
what
we've
done
now
and
if
it's
rural
strange
shall
Brett
Brown
of
the
coach
of
the
Sixers
was
up
in
our
playground.
I
asked
him
to
do
a
workshop.
N
He
gave
me
three
days
and
Brett
Brown
port
Okla
for
an
up
to
the
playground
and
he
stayed
for
a
partnership
with
our
playground,
and
that
was
like
just
amazing
just
out
of
general
conversation,
the
people
of
the
city
that
are
willing
to
help
if
we
just
ask
them
to
get
involved.
You
know
so
with
that.
N
I
would
just
like
to
have
the
opportunity
to
continue
to
work
with
the
new
administration
with
the
things
that
are
going
on
and
our
ideas
that
would
involve
the
better
partnership
where
we
have
a
lot
of
a
lot
of
my
bad
boys,
so-called
bad
boys.
I
found
the
solution.
All
I
do
is
make
coaches
of
younger
teams
and
they
pick
up
a
responsibility.
So,
instead
of
creating
chaos,
there
are
actually
becoming
junior
leaders
and
it's
a
model
that
could
be
followed
throughout
the
city.
It
doesn't
matter
what
your
income
is.
N
It
doesn't
matter
what
your
background
is.
It
doesn't
matter
at
all,
but
most
children
just
want
to
be
recognized
and
if
you
hang
around
a
monkey
long
enough,
you'll
acquire
taste
for
bananas
and
we
just
give
them
better
monkeys
to
hang
with
all
right
and
it
works.
You
know.
Well
you
gotta
with
kids.
You
got
to
get
a
little
funny,
sometimes
so
they
can
remember,
and
they
don't
really
understand
the
metaphor,
but
they
can
relate
right,
so
I'm
I'm,
just
Pro
children,
yes,
well,.
A
O
O
Just
because
if
I
can
be
frank,
I
look
like
them
and
say:
hey
can
I,
do
that
and
I
absolutely
am
in
a
access
point
and
I
really
think
it's
important
that
we
understand
that
whenever
we
are
out
in
the
park
and
whenever
we're
walking
around
and
the
park
is
really
a
resource
and
it's
a
really
valuable
one
and
I
think
that
this
administration
is
done
a
really
good
job
of
doing
what
we
can
with
what
we
have
and
I
really
want
to
be.
A
part
of
that.
O
So
I
think
that
you're
all
doing
a
great
job,
I
think
that
you
know
working
in
non-profit
is
really
made
me
have
to
stick
to
a
budget.
I've
really
had
to
understand
all
of
the
nuances
and
multifaceted
system,
but
at
the
same
time,
I'm
passionate
because
I
understand
whenever
you
get
the
opportunity
to
turn
your
life
around
and
you
have
a
vehicle
to
a
better
life.
I
was
the
first
person
in
my
family
to
go
to
college
because
I
was
walking
through
the
park
and
I
happen
to
see
something
and
I
happen
to
get
involved.
A
Wonderful,
wonderful,
excellent
testimonies,
I'll
take
everybody,
who's
testified
so
far,
but
but
thank
you
so
much
for
all
of
your
testimonies,
I
mean
I,
really
am
quite
filled
up
from
all
the
things
that
we've
heard
today
and
everything
that's
being
brought
to
the
table.
So
again,
many
many
thanks
for
taking
time
out
and
sharing
your
stories
and
experiences
with
us
and
you
know
wish
you
the
best
a
lot.
Absolutely
thank
you
for
being
here
and
so
next
we're
going
to
hear
from
Debra,
wolf,
goldstein
and.
P
Morning,
I'm
Deborah,
wolf
goldstein,
madam
chairwoman
and
Councilman.
Oh,
it's
an
honor
to
be
before
you
today
and
to
be
part
of
this
amazing
outpouring
of
enthusiasm
and
passion
and
great
ideas
that
everyone
who's
testifying
today
has
about
our
cities,
park
and
recreation
facilities
for
the
last
25
years,
I've
dedicated
both
my
professional
life
and
countless
hours
of
volunteer
time
to
help
improve
our
cities
and
regions,
parks
and
recreation
facilities.
I
truly
believe
that
our
Park
and
Recreation
system
can
be
polished
to
be
one
of
the
best
systems
in
the
country.
P
I
currently
am
a
member
of
the
Commission
on
parks
and
recreation
and
I
serve
as
chair
of
its
land
use,
planning
and
design
committee.
In
that
capacity,
I
spearheaded
and
helped
to
draft
the
open
lands
protection
ordinance
that
un
city
council
signed
into
law
a
few
years
ago,
relying
on
that
ordinance.
The
Commission
successfully
guided
development
proposals
in
the
park
for
the
last
five
years,
including
creating
the
West
Park
Discovery
Center
temple
university's
decision
to
relocate
into
the
historic
canoe
house
on
Kelly
Drive
and
creating
a
much-needed
parking
lot
for
the
Philadelphia
Zoo.
P
I
served
as
general
counsel
to
a
regional
land
trust
preserved,
hundreds
of
acres
of
open
space
farms,
historic
buildings,
and
before
that
I
was
the
regional
advisor
for
the
state
department
of
conservation
and
natural
resources
taught
at
Temple
and
planning
law
and
written
many
articles
on
open
space
preservation
and
recreational
liability.
I
would
love
the
opportunity
to
continue
working
to
make
our
vitally
important
cities
Park
and
Recreation
system
the
best
in
the
country.
Thank
you
very
much
for
your
time
and
consideration.
Thank.
Q
A
Q
Q
I
am
not
like
a
lot
of
the
other
candidates.
You
have
heard
from
at
this
point
seeking
a
position
on
the
Commission,
but
I
do
have
personal
experiences
that
bring
a
unique
perspective.
I
am
a
Philadelphian
I
was
born
in
frankfurt
and
graduated
from
neshaminy
high
school
I
ran
track
at
Duke
University
and
a
compete
at
numerous
times
at
the
penn
relays,
and
one
of
these
days,
when
I'm
healthy
again
will
compete
as
a
master's
athlete.
Q
I've
also
earned
my
masters
in
sports
administration,
and
my
MBA
I
have
worked
for
various
companies
up
and
down
the
East
Coast
and
currently
work
in
a
law
firm
on
Washington
Square,
as
both
the
director
of
sport
and
athlete
relations
and
the
director
of
human
resources.
I
live
with
my
two-year-old
son
Mason
in
the
washington
square
west
section
of
the
city,
maybe
one
of
the
few
who
aren't
in
west
philly
from
today
when
I
came
back
home
and
became
a
homeowner
and
mother
of
a
small
child
in
the
city.
Q
I
realized
how
much
Philadelphia
has
to
offer
everyone,
but
especially
a
running
mom
with
an
obsession
for
outdoor
life
and
my
dear
son
Mason,
who
I
can
assure
the
council
not
long
from
now
we'll
be
out
running
me,
maybe
is
already
out
running
me.
I
have
submitted
a
CV
with
these
remarks,
so
the
council
can
see
my
background.
More
specifically,
my
business
background
gives
me
a
well-educated
perspective,
unbalanced
budgets,
marketing
strategies
and
how
to
manage
long-term
goals.
Q
I've
created
and
executed,
multiple
major
events
and
partnerships,
while
at
starwood
hotels,
I,
have
advised
on
multi-million
dollar
sponsorships,
but
have
also
secured
small
incremental
deals
that
still
make
a
difference,
such
as
ongoing
discount
for
bagels
of
all
things
for
races
in
an
effort
to
keep
costs
and
therefore,
registration
fees,
as
well
as
possible.
I've
been
responsible
for
securing
locations.
Contract
negotiations,
securing
athlete
appearances
travel
approvals
in
every
other
detail
that
comes
with
a
marketing
program,
or
promotion
and
advertising
campaign
to
build
brand
affinity
and
awareness.
Q
But
it's
not
just
my
professional
background
alone
that
will
help
me
make
a
significant
contribution
to
the
park
and
recreation
department.
I
know
from
reading
the
media
and
following
the
issue
that
a
major
goal
of
Philadelphia,
both
when
the
city
was
led
by
Mayor,
Nutter
and
now
by
mayor
Kenny,
is
to
make
this
city
the
greenest
in
America
that
is
greener
than
Minneapolis
greener
than
portland
oregon,
more
parks
for
people
more
trees,
more
access
to
green
spaces.
Q
That
goal
is
what
the
Parks
and
Recreation
Department
is
all
about,
and
I
would
be
delighted
to
help
the
department
achieve
that
goal
for
a
taxpayer
and
homeowner
who
runs
for
exercise
and
peace
of
mind
through
the
city
streets
along
the
rivers
and
through
Philadelphia
sparks
the
city's
goal,
is
my
goal:
I
holy
support
and
no
by
reading
the
work
of
public
and
private
organizations,
including
the
Trust
for
Public
Land,
it
will
become
a
reality.
Let
me
offer
you
my
own
perspective
as
a
true
Road
Runner.
Q
There
are
a
few
cities
in
which
I
have
lived
where
I've
had
the
opportunity
for
so
many
different
experiences
as
a
runner.
As
a
ten-time
finisher
of
the
broad
street
run,
I've
watched
as
the
interest
in
running
in
this
city
has
exploded.
I
clearly
remember
cheering
at
the
start
of
one
of
the
Broad
streets
where
they
announced
that
there
were
10,000
registrants
for
the
race
and
we
thought
that
was
outstanding.
Now
the
city
has
made
it
the
largest
ten
miler
in
the
country.
Q
In
addition,
my
friends
and
I
are
even
more
excited
that
the
city
will
be
taking
over
the
marathon
and
the
related
races
that
weekend
in
november.
I
love
that
I
can
go
a
few
blocks
and
run
the
paths
along
the
delaware
river
or
go
a
bit
in
the
other
direction
and
push
myself
on
some
of
the
hills
in
fairmount
park
along
the
rivers
are
in
the
park.
I
am
grateful
for
the
efforts
of
the
city
to
provide
a
greener
and
therefore
cleaner
environment.
Q
For
me
to
enjoy
these
activities,
I
served
as
the
winter
series
director
for
the
Bucks
County
Road
Runners,
that
was
12
races
in
12
weeks
in
the
dead
of
winter.
In
addition
to
more
than
tripling
our
average
participation,
I
was
tasked
with
working
with
Tyler
State
Parks
management,
to
ensure
that
we
were
meeting
not
only
the
goals
of
the
runners
but
also
of
the
park.
How
do
we
minimize
traffic,
both
pedestrian
and
vehicular,
leave
the
space
better
than
we
started
and
leave
a
legacy
for
future
park
users?
Q
I
have
a
stake
in
the
parks
and
playgrounds,
because,
no
matter
how
important
it
is
that
people
of
all
ages
can
love
and
enjoy
the
parks,
as
we
have
heard
over
and
over
and
over
today,
children
are
the
heart
of
so
many
of
these
initiatives.
Greener
and
cleaner
means
better
lives
for
our
kids
and
future
generations.
Q
Our
lives
are
completely
intertwined
with
the
parts
of
the
city,
whether
it's
star
gardens,
swings,
spruce
street
harbor
park
swan
boats,
which
my
son
can't
reach
the
pedals.
Yet
so
I
get
to
pedal
for
the
whole
hour
flying
down
the
slide
at
smith,
playground
or
so
many
other
places
throughout
the
city.
My
daily
life
and
routine
revolve
around
these
parts,
basketball,
courts,
soccer
fields,
activities
and
events.
The
spray
park
at
reed
street
provides
so
many
a
way
to
cool
off.
In
the
summer
we
enjoy
picnics
in
Washington
Square
Park.
Q
We
run
together
around
the
art
museum
loop
and
my
son
laughs
with
pure
joy
going
around
and
around
on
the
merry-go-round
in
Franklin
Square.
My
son
is
active
and
we
enjoyed
these
spaces
together.
I
want
my
son
to
thrive
and
I
believe
play
at
parks
and
playgrounds
is
a
way
to
help
in
that
goal.
We
live
across
the
street
from
a
playground.
It
was
a
major
factor
in
our
decision
to
move
and
live
in
the
city
to
access
these
spaces.
Q
My
son
and
all
of
the
other
children
in
this
city
benefit
from
the
work
of
this
commission.
Mayor
Nutter
and
mayor
Kenny
have
made
great
strides
to
ensure
that
Philadelphia
continues
to
grow
and
expand
their
parks
and
reach
the
goals
of
becoming
the
greenest
city
in
the
country.
My
father,
craig
Lewis,
was
a
state
senator
for
20
years.
I
grew
up
a
politician's
daughter,
a
politician
who
truly
wanted
to
serve
the
people.
Q
He
continued
to
do
so
in
the
Philadelphia
community,
after
his
retirement,
serving
as
the
chairman
of
the
Philadelphia
Foundation
and
on
the
board
of
the
Philadelphia
Zoo
I
understand
politics,
but
also
understand
the
difference
someone
can
make
because
of
him.
My
father
gave
a
lot
in
public
service.
He
made
a
difference.
Q
A
Thank
you
so
much
for
your
for
your
testimony
and
it's
okay
to
be
passionate
and
emotional
about
something
that
you
care
about,
and
so
you
know
give
you
extra
checkpoint
yeah,
but
no.
But
but
we
appreciate
you
know
your
passion
and
your
commitment
and
it's
clear
and
it's
visible
so
as
the
mother
of
a
six
year
old
who
goes
to
the
park
on
a
regular
basis,
I
appreciate
you
know
all
that
that
you
have
to
offer
and
the
way
you
see
that
our
parks
aren't
just
for
our
enjoyment
but
really
for
the
next
generation.
K
A
K
Name
is
Wanda
low
and
I'm
a
resident
of
nice
sound
tired
at
logan
community,
I'm
interested
in
serving
on
the
full
of
your
parks,
recreation
commission,
because
of
my
love
of
the
city,
the
parks,
the
recreation
and
the
many
sites
and
the
people
that
visit
these
phrases.
I've
been
involved
with
nature
and
history.
My
entire
life
and
I
know
my
education
and
my
work.
Experience
would
be
an
asset
to
this
community.
I
did
not
quote
it
in
here
because
of
what
I've
given
to
you
already
my
history.
K
In
my
background
as
a
member
of
commission,
I
would
relatively
work
for
the
growth
development
in
here
of
the
many
parks
and
recreation
facilities
in
philadelphia.
I'm
excited
about
the
many
new
ventures
and
programs
that
European
you
have
been
putting
in
place
throughout
the
city
living
in
Philadelphia.
My
entire
life
I'm,
aware
of
the
concerns
and
the
desire
that
the
community
members
have
in
regard
to
the
neighborhood
in
parts
I
would
enjoy
and
appreciate
the
privilege
of
serving
this
commission.
Thank
you.
Thank.
A
You
very
much
for
your
testimony.
We
look
forward
to
reading
all
of
the
information
that
you
all
have
submitted
the
bios
and
recommendations
and
so
forth.
So
we'll
certainly
take
it
under
advisement
and
thank
you
so
much
everyone
for
being
here
today.
We
do
have
three
more
I
think
who
just
came
in
laurelin,
Jones,
Carla,
I'm
labeling,
try
to
pronounce
close
last
name:
Carla
J!
That's
you
right
and
Jacob
lifer
for
Leifer.
A
R
Morning,
I'm
good
morning
to
the
council,
people
I'm
lowering
Jones
I,
consider
myself
as
being
the
CEO
of
Philadelphia
I,
tell
people
I'm
Philly
born
Philly
bread
and
when
I
die,
I'll
be
fully
dead.
I
am
a
Philadelphia
School,
District
educated
person
employed
by
the
Philadelphia
School
District
for
42
years.
As
a
teacher
athletic
director
and
coach
I
volunteer
as
I
am
a
volunteer,
a
retired
Philadelphia
volunteer
who
conducts
secular
and
religious
workshops
for
parents
with
teens
I
instruct
CPR.
First
aid
and
AED
classes,
I
cook
and
feed
the
homeless.
R
I
also
found
that
a
nonprofit
that
provides
instructional
programs
for
the
underserved
female
student
athletes
to
help
them
to
navigate
the
athletic
scholarship
venue.
My
experiences
with
the
Department
of
Recreation
again
at
the
age
of
7,
as
a
participant
in
arts
and
crafts
and
games
at
francisville
playground,
I
went
swimming
at
gustine
lake
and
played
at
swiss
very
glam
on
the
giant
slide.
During
and
after
college
I
was
able
to
be
employed
by
the
department
as
a
counselor.
R
They
can't
direct
their
life
guard
and
a
teacher
in
the
summer
programs,
since
1983
I
have
been
a
volunteer
at
mantua.
Simon
belfield
King
Gus
Tina
boathouse
Road,
conducting
a
school
of
skills,
which
is
a
program
given
instruction
skills,
drills
and
nutrition
sessions
to
all
basketball
players
between
the
ages
of
seven
and
18.
R
This
program
is
also
conducted
by
many
of
the
young
ladies
who
have
graduated
from
college,
who
have
played
overseas
and
five
of
them,
who
have
left
our
program
and
have
was
drastic
in
the
WNBA,
my
grandchildren,
my
children
did,
and
now
my
grandchildren
take
advantage
of
the
recreation
centers
by
participating,
Taekwondo,
basketball,
baseball
and
soccer
I
still
use
the
recreation
centers
by
participating
and
the
various
programs
for
adults
line.
Dancing,
aerobics
and
informational
meetings
geared
to
the
community
I
feel
very
strongly
that
I
can
be
of
service
to
the
Commission.
R
My
leadership
skills
experiences
in
programming,
managing
budgets
and
implementing
new
ideas
that
we
can
become
viable
and
successful
programs
could
be
an
asset
to
the
Commission
if
I
am
selected,
I
should
work
diligently
to
ensure
that
all
aspects
of
the
Commission's
activities
will
be
done
in
the
most
efficient
manner
and
I.
Thank
you
for
this
opportunity.
Well,.
A
Thank
you
very
much
for
your
testimony.
Afore
all
of
your
years
of
experience,
and
especially
with
our
young
people
and
I
just
wanted
to
offer
up.
Councilman
david
o,
who
does
take
cuando
and
and
to
have
him
come
out
and
maybe
I'll
participate
in
a
class.
Is
okay,
councilman,
ok,
I'm
going
to
volunteer
his
services
as
well,
but
thank
you
so
much
for
your
service
and
next
we
will
hear
from
Carla.
S
Christine,
yes
hi,
my
name
is
Carla
Kristen
Yannick
I.
Thank
you
for
having
me
here
today.
You
have
my
written
testimony
before
you,
but
I
will
go
ahead
and
summarize
it
briefly.
In
the
time
I
have
available
and
I'm
on
environmental
attorney
for
the
city
of
Philadelphia
and
I
wanted
to
focus
my
testimony
on
my
three
areas
of
my
background.
S
That
I
think
make
me
a
particularly
good
fit
for
the
Commission
and
my
environmental
experience,
my
experience
with
public
resources
and
my
background
with
finance
and
administration
environmental
before
even
coming
into
the
legal
field,
and
knowing
that
I
wanted
to
focus
on
environmental
law
and
this
the
one
great
work
that
the
city
does
to
advocate
for
the
resources
that
it
has
I
had
a
lot
of
hands-on
experience.
I'd
served
us
up
or
a
cultural
fellow
at
a
local
area.
S
So
that
was
sort
of
my
where
I
came
from
as
my
background
and
my
interest
in
working
in
environmental
law
and
as
far
as
public
resources
throughout
my
undergraduate
studies
actually
worked
for
the
athletic
department
at
George,
Washington,
University
and
managed
those
facilities
so
fields
and
recreational
activities.
Both
NCAA
fffff,
letak
saz.
Well
as
intramural
sports,
large
events
for
the
public,
and
you
know
other
venues
and
activities
that
come
other
things
that
come
into
those
venues,
activities
for
the
campus
community,
the
local
community
and
the
city
itself.
S
So
that
that
background
is
sort
of
created,
always
an
appreciation
for
all.
It
goes
into
logistics,
maintenance
and
managing
of
recreational
centers.
As
a
follow-up
to
that
and
I
worked
at
the
National
Trust
for
Historic
Preservation
and
focused
on
preserving
historic
buildings,
something
that
certainly
is
a
important
factor
for
the
city
of
Philadelphia
and
the
parks
and
the
wonderful
buildings
that
we
have
is
a
part
of
our
our
systems
here.
S
A
And
your
experience-
and
you
know
I-
think
that
you
bring
you
know
a
lot
of
assets
to
the
to
looking
at
all
these
candidates.
I
mean
just
your
work
with
the
city
of
Philadelphia
as
an
environmental
attorney.
That's
I
think
that
there
is
a
lot
of
possibilities.
They
are
that
we
should
talk
about,
and
last
but
not
least,
we
have
mr.
M
It's
an
honor
and
privilege
to
be
considered
to
serve
on
the
commission
of
Parks
and
Recreation
today
as
a
point
breeze
resident
residing
in
one
of
the
least
park
and
recreation
accessible
areas
in
the
city.
According
to
pen
practices,
green
2015
plan
I'm
acutely
aware
of
the
need
for
a
thriving
parks
and
recreation
system.
Through
my
demonstrated
experience
in
my
neighborhood
and
citywide
I
believe
I
have
the
skills
and
experience
necessary
to
ensure
a
flourishing
Park
and
Rec
system
on
the
local
level.
M
I
am
the
co-chair
of
the
playard
committee
of
child's
elementary
our
neighborhood
school.
This
work
requires
significant
storm
water
playground
and
fundraising
requirements,
I'm
working
to
ensure
that
an
abundant,
green
and
play
area
can
be
provided
to
our
students
in
the
heart
of
South
Philadelphia.
M
In
addition
to
this,
local
advocacy
I
been
a
consistent
champion
of
parks
and
recreation
system
on
a
citywide
and
state
level,
I'm
submitting
for
the
record
today
at
letter
of
recommendation
from
state
representative
Jordan
Harris,
who
I'm
working
with
closely
on
state
legislation
that
ensures
our
children
have
safe
access
to
rec,
centers
and
parks.
It
is
an
honor
to
see
a
strong
recommendation
which
supports
my
record
of
advocating
and
developing
thriving
public
space
in
the
city
on
the
citywide
level.
M
I've
had
tremendous
success
in
rallying
and
supporting
residents
in
improving
our
neighborhood
streetscapes,
such
as
my
creation
of
open
streets
Philadelphia,
which
received
over
4,500
residents
signatures
news
reports
in
the
Inquirer,
NBC,
ABC
and
Philadelphia
Magazine,
and
has
received
support
from
Otis
and
council
members.
My
work
on
all
levels,
local
city
and
state,
to
develop,
maintain
and
ensure
thriving
public
space
for
our
residents
provides
the
direct
experience
required
to
serve
on
the
Commission
on
parks
and
recreation.
M
A
Well,
thank
you
so
much
at
this
point.
What
I
asked
if
anyone
on
the
panel
has
any
questions
since
we've
held
our
questions
to
the
end,
did
you
have
any
questions?
Councilman
or
council
memory
can
I
sanchez
anything
that
they
wanted
to
add?
Is
there
anyone
else
here
to
testify
who
submitted
an
application?
A
No
okay,
I
want
to
thank
everyone
for
being
here
today.
Thank
you
so
much
for
providing
your
testimony
and
also
providing
the
written
documents
that
will
have
an
opportunity
to
read
and
review
at
a
later
point
and
help
us
to
make
a
very,
very
difficult
decision.
Everyone
who
has
presented
today
has
just
been
excellent
and
if
I
had
my
way,
I
take
everybody,
but
I
don't
think
it's
going
to
work
that
way.
A
So
we
will
figure
things
out
and
get
back
to
you
there's
another
hearing
tomorrow
and
we
look
forward
to
hearing
from
those
applicants
as
well
and
afterwards
we
will
make
some
decisions.
The
exit
is
just
to
you.
I
thought
there
were.
There
are
two
hearings:
there
might
be
three
so
I'm
just
going
to
say
two
or
three
hearings,
anything
there's,
two
more
so
there's
three
altogether
to
just
one
more
okay,
so
just
one
more
tomorrow:
okay,
great,
okay
and
so,
and
with
all
that
being
said.
That
concludes
the
hearing.