After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.
Bamm Jones, head coach of the Silverbacks with Kensington Soccer Club, watches a playback of the game on his phone with team players during Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
On Friday, Impact Services hosted an “End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway” at Hissey Playground on Indiana Avenue and C Street.
Otherwise, check out our photos of the event below... 👇
Children and families create art together at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)(Left to right) Mary and Maddison pose for a portrait at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Free food and refreshments are distributed at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Free backpacks are distributed to children and families at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Free books are distributed to children and families at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Free books are distributed to children and families at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Children greet each other at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Children greet each other at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Children greet each other at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Families and children play together as a baby goes down a slide at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Attendees pose for a group photo at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)(Lefy) Coach Tim Summiel of Kensington Soccer Club and (right) Bamm Jones, head coach of the Silverbacks for Kensington Soccer, pose for a portrait with Raymond at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Back-to-school gift bags are given away at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Members of the Global United Soccer Team play a game at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)(Left to right) Jean, Edison, Michael, and Alexis from Kensington Soccer Club pose for a portrait at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Kensington Soccer Club plays a game at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Global United Soccer Team plays soccer at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Bamm Jones, head coach of the Silverbacks with Kensington Soccer Club, watches a playback of the game on his phone with team players during Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Global United Soccer Team plays goof around before a portrait at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Global United Soccer Team plays poses for a portrait at Impact Services’ "End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway" at Hissey Playground on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
Solmaira Valerio is a North Philly–born photographer and musician whose work draws on their cultural roots to capture the energy, vulnerability, and authenticity of communities while challenging stereotypes and stigma.
The 2025 Norris Square Neighborhood Profile sought to capture information on the area’s population, quality of life, and economic status and spark dialogue among community leaders and residents.
