Recent News

Photos of Kensington: Celebrating the Revitalization of Rivera Recreation Center & Mann Older Adult Center

In early April, the Rivera Recreation Center and Mann Older Adult Center in Fairhill hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the completion of their $16 million renovation, funded through the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild initiative.

Event highlights included the ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches from local leaders, and the unveiling of the community-created mural “El Ritmo del Centro.”

View the full event coverage here.

Photos of Kensington: Spring Cleanup at Trenton & Auburn Playground with Mayor Parker’s Support

In early April, community members gathered at Trenton & Auburn Playground for Philadelphia’s annual spring cleanup event. With support from city investments, including opioid settlement funding, community members are working together to revitalize the space and make it a hub for future neighborhood activities.

Event highlights included local volunteers cleaning up the playground, Mayor Cherelle Parker’s visit, and ongoing efforts by the Friends of Trenton & Auburn to improve the space for all.

View the full event coverage here.

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Free Activities & Events

May 5

Cinco De Mayo party hosted by Cantina La Martina at its restaurant from 4 to 10 p.m. There will be face painting, kids’ activities and more.

May 6

Mother’s Day workshop hosted by Impact Services at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants can make Mother’s Day planters and other gifts. Supplies and light refreshments are provided.

May 7

Mother’s Day workshop hosted by Impact Services at Hissey Playground (C Street and Indiana Avenue) from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants can make Mother’s Day planters and other gifts. Supplies and light refreshments are provided.
Miniature Paint Day hosted by Hive 76 at 1821 E. Hagert St. from 7 to 10 p.m. Free event with airbrushes, paintbrushes, and a high-resolution 3D printer provided. Visit this link to register and learn more.

May 8

“Baby Story Time with Ms. AJ” hosted by H&H Books from 1 to 2 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) will read books geared toward infants 12 months and younger. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Mother’s Day workshop hosted by Impact Services at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants can make Mother’s Day planters and other gifts. Supplies and light refreshments are provided.
Small business Information session hosted by Finata from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit this link to register for this week’s session and future ones.

May 9

“Drag: Art, Activism & Community” event hosted by the Writer's Room's UnMapping Project, Drexel's Gender and Sexualities Studies Program and Norris Square Neighborhood Project at the Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden (2241 N. Phillip St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will include performances by local drag artists like Icon Ebony Fierce and Yari, food and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.

May 10

Sip & Shop makers market hosted by Pop Up Gallery at Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Kensington Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be local vendors, free samples of drinks and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Second Chance Market hosted by the East Kensington Arts Committee, Rabbit Recycling and Unless Kids at 2008 E. Arizona St. from 12 to 5 p.m. Attendees can buy, swap and take clothing, books and more.
Mother’s Day workshop hosted by Impact Services at Impact Green Stop (3033 Kensington Ave.) from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants can make Mother’s Day planters and other gifts. Supplies and light refreshments are provided.

Weekly Events

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Free Afterschool Program hosted by CADEkids at Mother of Mercy House (720 E Allegheny Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for youth ages eight to 14, and includes games, snacks and other activities. Go here to register and learn more.

Tuesdays

Harrowgate Run Club at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. The run club begins April 15 and is open to runners and walkers of all levels.

Wednesdays

Free Yoga Classes hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE (3222 H St.) at 5:30 p.m. Free childcare will be provided. Go here to register and learn more.

Fridays

“Edible Alphabet” English and cooking class at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adults are invited to this class to learn English through reading, writing and speaking the language while cooking a meal together. Classes will take place every Friday from April 4 to May 16. Go here to register and learn more.

Fridays and Saturdays

Play Captains games and activities hosted by Fab Youth Philly at McPherson Square Park (601 E. Indiana Ave.) on Fridays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be games, outdoor activities and more.

Monthly Community Meetings

Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.

Free Trainings

Concilio Philly is offering its Summer Career Exploration Camp for students in grades 6 to 12. Participants can earn $445 bi-weekly, with a total of $1,320 over 6 weeks, while learning about various career options through workshops, free field trips and guest speakers. Free breakfast and lunch are included. Visit this link to register your child and learn more.

Jobs

Gloria Casarez Elementary School is hiring for positions like Spanish World Language Teacher, ESOL Co-teacher and School Nurse. To learn more, contact the school’s front desk at 215-400-7160.