Pennsylvania: “Charity To Provide $100M For Philadelphia Parks, Libraries”

From the AP:

A Philadelphia charity said Sunday it will contribute $100 million to help Mayor Jim Kenney renovate city parks, libraries, recreation centers and playgrounds.
The William Penn Foundation said the money committed to the mayor’s “Rebuilding Community Infrastructure Initiative” is the largest single grant in the foundation’s history.

From Philly.com:

The gift, which will be formally announced at a news conference Monday, is a significant vote of confidence from the city’s largest philanthropy at a critical time in the launch of Rebuild. City officials are deep in planning the project and are expected to seek City Council approval of the first of three $100 million bonds early next year.
The program will mean improvements ranging from face-lifts to brand-new facilities at scores of parks, recreation centers, and libraries – city assets that have fallen into deep disrepair due to budget constraints.
Some parks haven’t seen new equipment or substantial upkeep of the old for more than 20 years. And neighborhood libraries last received new paint, lights, and computers two decades ago. Eight branches remained closed last summer because the air-conditioning did not work.

See Also: Learn More from PlanPhilly.com
See Also: Expect Additional Material on William Penn Foundation Website
See Also: From 2014: William Penn Foundation bestows $25 million on Free Library for innovations, renovations (via Newsworks.org)

Filed under: Funding, Libraries, News