Philadelphia, May 20, 2013 – ArtPlace America announced the award of grants totaling $1,195,150 to implement four projects that animate public spaces through art in University City, Frankford, and the Delaware River waterfront.  The projects, River Stage at the Waterfront, FringeArts on the Waterfront, Destination Frankford, and The Department of Making + Doing, were chosen from more than 1,200 applications as exceptional examples of creative placemaking.

“We are committed to beautifying and increasing the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Thanks to the generosity of ArtPlace America, we will be able to do so by leveraging the strength of our arts and culture community.”

ArtPlace America is a collaboration of leading national and regional foundations, banks and federal agencies committed to accelerating creative placemaking – putting art at the heart of a portfolio of strategies designed to revitalize communities.

Philadelphia was awarded the most grant dollars of any community, followed by San Jose, CA ($750,000) and St. Paul, MN ($700,000).  Combined with previous 2011-2012 awards, ArtPlace America has invested $2.8 million in Philadelphia communities.  The 2013 projects use art to connect and animate communities, spark redevelopment, and build civic pride:

FringeArts on the Waterfront, $400,000, FringeArts: FringeArts is awarded $400,000 to construct and activate an outdoor plaza and performance space to serve as a welcoming place for engaging performance, visual art, and socializing year-round at its new location on Philadelphia’s burgeoning Delaware River waterfront.

River Stage at the Waterfront, $310,000, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC): The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and its partners will create a spectacular summer event in July 2014 that will re-imagine and transform the Boat Basin at Penn’s Landing into a “river stage”, artistically exploring the industrial history of Philadelphia’s Central Delaware Waterfront in order to activate public spaces, foster civic engagement, and spur economic development. This project will set the stage, literally, for a future in which the waterfront once again becomes a cultural and economic center of activity.

Destination Frankford, $335,150, Philadelphia City Planning Commission: Through the creation of a vibrant public space, artfully designed signage and street furniture, a storefront dedicated to local artists, and an arts-focused marketing campaign, Destination Frankford will increase exposure to Frankford’s growing arts scene, add vibrancy to Frankford’s commercial corridor, and attract new artists, businesses, and residents to Frankford.

The Department of Making + Doing (DMD), $150,000, Breadboard / University City Science Center: DMD will support collaborative place-making activities on the University City Science Center campus in West Philadelphia. DMD partners will leverage combined skills and expertise to design and fabricate a unique, highly visible and versatile POD, or temporary structure, along Market Street. DMD will invite members from the surrounding communities to participate in POD building activities, creating early opportunities for stakeholder development. DMD channels the brain trust and assets of four dynamic Philadelphia-based art, design and technology organizations: the Science Center’s Breadboard program, The Hacktory, Public Workshop and NextFab Studio.

“These awards are a testament to the strength of the arts in Philadelphia,” said Gary Steuer, Chief Cultural Officer for the City of Philadelphia.  “The projects showcase the creativity of our arts community and their ability to enhance our public spaces in innovative ways.”

“ArtPlace America recognizes the central role arts and cultural activities can have in the revitalization of American cities.” Said Rip Rapson, chair of ArtPlace America’s Presidents’ Council. “With this grant award ArtPlace America is directing individual project support to scores of creative, high-impact projects throughout the country.”

“ArtPlace America is also continuing to break new ground in drawing together some of the nation’s leading foundations to think — in a concerted way — about how these kind of projects can become more widespread,” continued Rapson.

“These projects will serve as a portal, turning public spaces into places that weave the arts into people’s everyday lives and make Philadelphia an even more vibrant city,” said Dennis Scholl, Vice President of Arts for The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

The complete list of 2013/2014 ArtPlace America awards can be found at www.artplaceamerica.org

About ArtPlace America

ArtPlace America provides grants and loans, supports research, and conducts outreach and advocacy. To date, ArtPlace America has awarded 134 grants totaling $42.1 million to 124 organizations in 79 U.S. communities (and a statewide project in the state of Connecticut).

Foundations participating in ArtPlace America include Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Ford Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The William Penn Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, The Surdna Foundation, and two anonymous donors.

ArtPlace America also seeks advice and counsel from close working relationships with various federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, along with leadership from the White House Office of Management and Budget and the Domestic Policy Council.

ArtPlace America is also supported by a $12 million loan fund capitalized by six major financial institutions and managed by the Nonprofit Finance Fund. Participating institutions are Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Chase, MetLife, and Morgan Stanley.

“I’m thrilled once again to lead Bike to Work Day with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater

Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter. “Biking to work is a green and healthy choice for many Philadelphians, and I am encouraged to see so many people taking advantage of Philadelphia’s bike lanes and paths. Philadelphia has a strong bicycling community, and I hope it continues to grow.”

Bicycling rates have risen dramatically in Philadelphia over the past ten years. In 2011 the US Census found that the city had the highest per capita bicycle commuting rate of the nation’s ten biggest cities. The announced bike share system will further increase that number.

“Mayor Nutter and his administration deserve a lot of credit for making Philadelphia a safer, better place to ride a bicycle,” said Alex Doty, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, which organized the ride. “When you support bicycling through infrastructure and education, more people ride, and as bicycling rates go up, people feel safer – and actually are safer.”

Councilman Mark Squilla, Councilman Dennis O’Brien, Superintendent Dr. William Hite and Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis also participated Friday morning, alongside members of the public and students from Meade and Meredith Elementary Schools.

“We are fortunate to live in a city that encourages sharing the road with cyclists,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “Promoting and supporting safe bicycle commuting benefits adults and children alike. I commend Mayor Nutter, City Council, our students at Meade and Meredith elementary schools, and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia for setting a great example.”

The Meade Bike Club and Meredith Safe Routes Ambassadors are two extracurricular bicycling clubs organized and funded at those schools through $10,000 grants the Bicycle Coalition helped the schools seek and win.

“The Philadelphia cycling tradition is rich and our recent ranking as the #4 most bikeable city in the country is earned on merit,” said Councilman O’Brien, a newcomer to the ride. “A bike is a vehicle to good physical and mental health, and riding a bike to work makes for happier and more productive workers. Today, I am pedaling into City Hall before I shift into my work duties. I encourage all Philadelphians to consider taking a spin to work because it’s a great way to start the day, or as President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Nothing compares with the simple pleasure of a bike ride.’”

Councilman Mark Squilla said, “I am happy to be riding bikes with the wonderful Meredith students to promote health, fitness and safe bicycle routes.” He has participated in the ride in each of his two years in City Council.

‘The Largest Free Concert in America,’ the nation’s most diverse Independence Day Parade and an unparalleled Taste of Philadelphia food event

(PHILADELPHIA) May 9, 2013 – The City of Brotherly Love invites Philadelphia residents and visitors alike to make lifelong memories at Wawa Welcome America! from July 1 to July 7, 2013. The 2013 schedule brings festival attendees seven days of FREE, family-friendly events, including the weekend after the Fourth of July, and will prove why Philadelphia is the only place to celebrate America’s birthday. A detailed event schedule follows below.  All events are free, unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY, JULY 1, 2013

Go 4^th & Learn: Wawa Dairy

Franklin Square, 6^th & Race Streets

10 a.m. – Noon Storytelling, Wawa Interactive Dairy and History Area will continue until 3 p.m.

Go 4^th & Learn is an exciting series of interactive, educational programs for young children and their parents.  The first Go 4^th & Learn installment, Go 4^th & Learn: Wawa Dairy, will be held at Franklin Square. Children will hear stories and also learn about the history of dairy, courtesy of Wawa. Lessons in cow milking, photo opportunities with a milkmaid, arts and crafts, face painting and more will be available throughout the day.

*First 200 children receive a free book.

Philly @ the Movies: “Silver Linings Playbook”

Rittenhouse Square, 18^th & Walnut Streets

9 p.m.

The Philly @ the Movies series offers visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly cinematic classics on the big screen at great venues across the city. For the exciting kickoff to the 2013 Philly @ the Movies program, bring the whole family to Rittenhouse Square to take in one of this year’s must-see films, “Silver Linings Playbook.”

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013

Go 4^th & Learn: History

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

10 a.m. – Noon

Go 4^th & Learn continues with a morning of special programming, live musical performances, and an exhibition on the history of the hoagie. Free admission to the National Constitution Center will be provided all day, courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day!

*First 200 children receive a free book.

Wawa Hoagie Day

Independence Visitor Center Lawn, Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets

Noon – 2:00 p.m.

Wawa Hoagie Day returns to the Independence Visitor Center’s lawn across the street from the Liberty Bell. Mayor Nutter will join Wawa associates and hoagie-lovers from across the Philadelphia region to celebrate our famous Hoagie Day! 4.5 tons worth of hoagies will be served for free to thousands. Join in this patriotic event as Wawa salutes our military, fire and police. Take part in the “mail call” station collecting letters for troops; Hoagies for Heroes charitable hoagie building contest to honor our local heroes; and a concert by the Liberty Belles.

PHL Photo Exhibit

Philadelphia’s Literary Legacy: Selected Authors, Playwrights, and Poets

Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A-East)

10 a.m.

Since the writing of the nation’s Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Philadelphia has been home to many celebrated authors. Fifty authors were selected by librarians from the Free Library of Philadelphia who represent the breadth of the region’s literary creativity past and present. Note: The PHL Photo Exhibit is only open to ticketed guests due to its location within the airport terminal.

Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert – Presented by Wells Fargo

The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.

8:05 p.m.

The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra will treat festival attendees to a FREE Neighborhood Concert on the RiverStage at The Great Plaza, followed by a small land-side fireworks salute.

Philly @ the Movies: “Rocky”

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26^th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

9 p.m.

The free Philly @ the Movies series continues with “Rocky,” the beloved boxing film shot in and around Philadelphia. Bring your friends and family and watch this iconic film from the famous steps that made Rocky a lifelong legend.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013

Go 4^th & Learn: Fitness

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, East Fairmount Park

10 a.m. – Noon

Break a sweat in the third installment of the Go 4^th & Learn educational series! Kids can enjoy the 6.5 acre playground which includes the legendary, one-of-a-kind Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide and more than 50 unique, age-appropriate and accessible pieces of play equipment.

*First 200 children receive a free book.

“POPS! on Independence”

Independence Hall, 6th & Market Streets

8 p.m.

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops!^® return to celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace with “POPS! on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. As one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions, seating is first come, first served. Note: Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

Celebration of Freedom Ceremony

Steps of Independence Hall, 6^th & Market Streets

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Pay tribute to our great nation at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, featuring music, inspiring remarks and a reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, among other special elements. This year’s ceremony will feature programming to honor the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.

Philadelphia Independence Day Parade

Throughout Historic Philadelphia

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stepping off in front of Independence Hall, this annual Philadelphia classic takes to the streets with thousands of participants from states across the nation, including marching bands, floats, military organizations and several special performance teams. People of all ages will surely enjoy the patriotic pageantry of the most diverse Independence Day Parade in the country as it winds through the nation’s most historic square mile. This year’s parade features more than 5,000 participants. You won’t want to miss the 2013 Independence Day Parade!

Let Freedom Ring

Independence Square, 5th & Market Streets

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

The ceremony starts on Independence Square and concludes with a symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell. To view the bell tapping, you must be in the Liberty Bell Center by 1:30 p.m.

Party on the Parkway

Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20^th Street to Eakins Oval

Noon – 7 p.m.

The highly anticipated, day-long Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20^th Street to Eakins Oval, featuring blocks of exciting activities, games, entertainment and food for the whole family!

Party on the Parkway offers a wealth of music programming throughout the day, sporting events, and many more activities. A Go 4^th & Learn area for children will also be offered, bringing education to life through interactive games, arts and crafts and face-painting. Food vendors will fill the Parkway cooking up delicious food to delight the whole family. Performers will grace the Global Music and Questlove Stages throughout the day to entertain attendees.

Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks

Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20^th and Eakins Oval

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Roots are back as the house band for the Wawa Welcome America! Philly 4th of July Jam – “The Largest Free Concert in America.” An array of the brightest and boldest talent on the national music scene will perform alongside The Roots on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A spectacular fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art will follow the performance and cap off the day.

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Taste of Philadelphia

Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.

Noon – 10 p.m.

Wawa Welcome America! invites visitors and Philadelphia residents to ignite their taste buds at Taste of Philadelphia, a signature three-day food sampling event. Each year, Taste of Philadelphia continues to expand its food offerings, family friendly activities and free music entertainment – with 2013 set to be the “biggest bite” for food lovers yet.

The grounds at Penn’s Landing will be filled with traditional festival foods and representatives from some of Philadelphia’s favorite restaurants. Philadelphia’s famous food trucks will line the Chestnut Street Bridge, offering a unique twist on the traditional sidewalk cart. As guests dine on local favorites, their eyes and ears will be treated to outstanding musical performances and beautiful views of the Delaware River waterfront. Entertainment and admission to Penn’s Landing for Taste of Philadelphia are free — with bite-sized dishes from restaurants and food trucks offered at a few dollars each.

Throughout the duration of Taste of Philadelphia, local and national artists will entertain guests on two stages — the RiverStage at Penn’s Landing and the Old City Stage at Front and Chestnut Streets.

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2013

Taste of Philadelphia

Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.

11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Local culinary favorites are served up for another day as our headliner lights up the stage with a soulful performance. Taste will end with a bang – literally – as the Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Spectacular illuminates the sky over the Delaware River.

SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2013

Taste of Philadelphia

Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Enjoy the final day of Taste weekend while taking in the sights and sounds of local talent along the waterfront at the RiverStage.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia. In 2013, Welcome America, Inc. is proud to celebrate 20 years as the producer of Philadelphia’s Fourth of July festival. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wawawelcomeamerica and follow us on Twitter at @July4thPhilly.

Demi Lovato, Ne-Yo, Grace Potter, J. Cole, Ben Taylor and Marsha Ambrosius

(PHILADELPHIA) May 9, 2013 – Once again, Philadelphia is celebrating the nation’s birthday in style by putting on “The Largest Free Concert in America,” as part of the Wawa Welcome America! festival. Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the Philly 4th of July Jam will feature a number of top musical artists, including: The Roots, John Mayer, Jill Scott, Demi Lovato, Ne-Yo, Grace Potter and J. Cole, along with Ben Taylor and other surprise guests. An additional performance by Marsha Ambrosius will take place on July 6 during the Taste of Philadelphia.

“The City of Philadelphia is proud to welcome an incredibly talented group of musicians to our city this Fourth of July,” said Mayor Nutter. “We believe that this year’s festival will go down in history as the best yet. We know that Philadelphia is the foremost place to celebrate our nation’s birthday. With this superb lineup of talent, we have an opportunity to prove it to the world.”

Philadelphia’s own The Roots, will return as the house band for the Philly 4th of July Jam. This year’s guest artists will join The Roots on stage in a series of nonstop, electrifying performances.

John Mayer is one of few musicians to achieve both critical acclaim and popular appeal. A seven-time Grammy Award winner, Mayer has earned accolades for each album release while selling more than 20 million albums worldwide. Known as a musician who defies genre boundaries, he has collaborated with a range of artists, including Eric Clapton, B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.  His most recent album—Born and Raised—is nearing platinum and he kicks off his first tour in three years on July 6 in Milwaukee, WI.

Jill Scott, a Philadelphia native and accomplished R&B songstress, has filled the airwaves with her music for more than a decade. With four studio albums and several Grammy awards, she has proven that she is here to stay. Scott has also been seen recently on HBO’s Number One Ladies Detective Agency, Lifetime’s Steel Magnolias, and numerous other film and TV projects.

After launching her career through several projects with the Disney Channel, Demi Lovato made a smooth transition into the world of Pop music before she even turned 20. With three successful albums under her belt and a fourth on the way, Lovato is a force to be reckoned with. In 2012, Demi was hired as a judge for the second season of the American version of The X Factor, and it has been confirmed that she will return for the show’s third season. “Heart Attack,” the lead single from her upcoming album, Demi, sold more than 500,000 copies and was certified Gold in just four weeks! Demi is scheduled to be released on May 14.

A Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, composer and producer, Ne-Yo is one of the most talented artists in music today. With tracks such as “Give Me Everything” and “Let Me Love You,” Ne-Yo continues to dominate the Pop and R&B charts. When the R&B superstar isn’t recording platinum albums and Top 10 singles of his own, he lends his talents to others in the industry. For years, Ne-Yo has penned hits for Pop’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher and others.

When Grace Potter began performing with her band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in 2002, they were self-producing albums and touring extensively on the festival circuit, sometimes doing more than 200 shows a year. Today, the Vermont-based band has taken its place among music industry peers, creating critically acclaimed albums and having their music featured on hit TV shows like The Voice and The X Factor. Grace’s unique voice has landed her numerous comparisons to legendary rock blues singers such as Janis Joplin.

J. Cole, the first artist to sign to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label, is one of the most successful emerging hip-hop artists in the game today.  After releasing several successful mixtapes on his own, the young rapper’s long-awaited debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Top 200 charts, and sold more than 200,000 copies in the first week. J. Cole also received a nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards in 2012.

Ben Taylor, the son of legendary folk rock artists James Taylor and Carly Simon, is currently on tour promoting his album Listening – his first in four years. After self-producing his music for more than a decade, Listening is Taylor’s first album with Iris Records.

“We are excited to be back celebrating the Fourth of July in our hometown and we can’t wait to put on another great show for everyone on the Parkway this year,” said The Roots’ Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson. “These artists, who represent a variety of genres, are a perfect fit for the eclectic musical community that can be found in Philadelphia.”

This year, Wawa Welcome America! is giving festival attendees more reasons to celebrate with free events and performances extending past the Fourth of July. One of those performances will be that of Marsha Ambrosius, who will fill Penn’s Landing with the sounds of her soulful music on Saturday, July 6, followed by the Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Spectacular. Ambrosius, who made a name for herself as a member of the duo Floetry, released her first solo album, Late Nights & Early Mornings in 2011. The album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard R&B charts, and its second single, “Far Away,” landed her two Grammy nominations.

The 2013 festival calendar provides visitors with enticing reasons to stay in Philadelphia after the Fourth of July holiday and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Wawa Welcome America! encourages travelers to extend their vacation and continue their holiday celebrations after observing the nation’s birthday, in its birthplace.

“Wawa Welcome America! is looking forward to putting on another outstanding festival this year,” said Desiree Peterkin-Bell, City Representative and Executive Director of Welcome America, Inc. “We are determined to provide our guests with the best possible experience during this 20^th anniversary year, and we believe that the musical talent secured for this year’s festival will help us achieve just that.”

Additional details about Wawa Welcome America!’s musical performances, including local acts that will be a part of the festivities, will be available online closer to the start of the festival.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia. In 2013, Welcome America, Inc. is proud to celebrate 20 years as the producer of Philadelphia’s Fourth of July festival. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wawawelcomeamerica and follow us on Twitter at @July4thPhilly.

For this quarter, the Mayor’s VIPs program awarded tickets to juniors from District, charter, private and Archdiocese schools who were selected as “most involved” by their teachers, school administrators and school staff.  Across the City, 80 schools participated in the VIPs program.

“The Mayor’s VIPs program is an opportunity to reward Philadelphia students for their hard work and dedication to their studies and communities and encourage our young people to stay on the right track for a brighter future,” said Mayor Nutter.  “I want to commend the juniors being recognized today for their commitment to their education and their schools and neighborhoods.”

The Philadelphia Soul provided 250 tickets to the Mayor’s VIPs program.  Tickets for the Philadelphia Phillies to the Mayor’s Box were provided by the City of Philadelphia.

For the 2012-2013 school year, 1,790 tickets have been distributed. Since the program’s inception in 2008, 7,286 tickets have been distributed to students.

This school quarter’s Mayor’s VIPs Ceremony was hosted by Temple University’s Athletic Department.

“I have no doubt that Lawrence Nowlan will capture Joe Frazier’s tenacity, energy and spirit in his work,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Mr. Nowlan’s previous work has proven to be exceptional, and I look forward to the finished product. Smokin’ Joe is one of Philadelphia’s great sports icons and deserves to be memorialized this way.

Eight artists were solicited for presentations. Then a statue review panel, which included several representatives from the Frazier family, selected Mr. Nowlan from among the presenting artists.

“To kids like me, growing up in Philadelphia in the 1970s, Joe Frazier was a hero. I became aware of Joe Frazier, the athlete and Smokin’ Joe, the personality during an era when the sweet science of boxing was at the forefront of the sporting world,” said Lawrence Nowlan. “To be selected by the Frazier family to create the monument that will forever represent one Philadelphia’s most enduring icons and greatest boxers is a heavyweight honor to me. Words cannot properly describe the gravity and meaning that sculpting this monument will have on this artist.”

The $160,000 raised will cover the cost of the statue and a perpetual maintenance fund administered by the City Board of Trusts. The major contributors to the project are as follows:

• Cordish Family: $70,000;
• Hand family: $27,000;
• Bernard Hopkins and Golden Boy Productions: $25,000;
• Jerry Perenchio: $25,000.

Reed Cordish of the Cordish Company said, “Along with Comcast Spectacor, owning and operating XFINITY Live! has been a great privilege and honor for our family. We welcome this new statue of one of the greatest boxers of all time to the iconic statues of Philadelphia sports heroes at XFINITY Live!.  Being able to give back to the City by honoring one of its great sons is incredibly meaningful and gratifying for us.”

Joe Hand, Sr. of Joe Hand Promotions added, “Back in March 2012, I pledged that a statue would get built so I’m very happy to hear about the progress it has made with the help of Mayor Nutter and the city. Joe never complained or spoke out about not having a statue, but it bothered me. It’s about time we honored him. Joe deserves it. Philadelphia should be very proud of him.”

“The Philadelphia region has enthusiastically embraced the prospect of bidding on and hosting a future Olympic Games, and we look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity to work with the USOC on this project,” said Mayor Nutter.  “The City of Philadelphia shares the USOC’s dedication to building a spectacular experience for the Olympic athletes, the Olympic family, and the watching world.  We have had great success partnering with other organizations to host world-class events and we are committed to working cooperatively and effectively under the direction of the USOC in the months – and hopefully – years ahead.”

The USOC wrote to the 25 largest cities in the United States, together with the cities that have previously expressed interest, to gauge interest in bidding to host the 2024 Olympic Games.

In January, Mayor Michael A. Nutter and WorkReady Philadelphia announced the 10,000 Summer Jobs Challenge, a charge to the City to unite and create 10,000 enhanced WorkReady summer job opportunities for youth ages 14-21 in 2013. 

“Summer jobs provide valuable experiences for our young people and ensure the vitality of our local economy and a brighter future for the entire City of Philadelphia.  I am asking local businesses, non-profits and individuals to take up the charge of investing in our youth through the 10,000 Summer Jobs Challenge,” said Mayor Nutter.  “Our efforts for 2013 have helped us surpass last year’s number of youth internships but we still have work to do to reach our goal.”

At the time the Challenge was launched, WorkReady was projecting less than 5,000 summer internships. Last summer, WorkReady served more than 6,800 youth.  Current and projected funding sources will allow the WorkReady system to provide more than 7,500 youth employment opportunities this year.

“Over the past three months, I have been overwhelmed by the diligent and impressive efforts of our city on behalf of young people. Throughout the past ten years of WorkReady summer programs, we have learned that summer jobs work best when local businesses work together on behalf of youth,” said Stacy E. Holland, President and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network, which serves as the managing partner of WorkReady.  “The next two months are critical as summer quickly approaches and many youth in Philadelphia are seeking employment.”

On the call, President Obama stressed the importance of engaging the business community throughout youth employment efforts. During summer 2012, 146 Philadelphia businesses financially supported more than 1,100 internships.  However, there are more than 30,000 private sector businesses in the City of Philadelphia.

“Everyone in this city has a part in this Challenge,” said John McNeil, President and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA).  “Since first participating in WorkReady seven years ago, we at CTCA have continued to increase the number of interns we hire in order to accommodate the needs of local youth. It’s a privilege to provide them with a platform to develop their work ready skills. And, the benefit is mutual— our organization reaps the rewards from having energetic, bright, young minds contribute to our daily work. As employers in Philadelphia, we all need to unite and participate in this valuable program and do our part to provide opportunities for all youth.”

For more information on the 10,000 Summer Job Challenge, log on to www.phillysummerjobs.org.

Philadelphia, March 28, 2013–  Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City of Philadelphia officials and federal officials gathered in Northwest Philadelphia to cut the ribbon on the newly constructed Shawmont Trail; officially opening it for public use.  The $1.4 million Shawmont Trail project was led by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation along with the Philadelphia Streets Department with funding from the federal government’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant, PennDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration.

“The City of Philadelphia is committed to making the great outdoors and healthy recreation a priority in our transportation strategy,” said Mayor Nutter.  “Enormous efforts have been made at local, county, state and federal levels to connect these sections of Schuylkill River Trail, close gaps in the trail, and begin to identify and promote the trail as a single trail and regional asset.”

The Shawmont Trail connects Philadelphia to Montgomery County via a one-mile, natural trail, used heavily by commuters, bicyclists, joggers, runners, hikers and families. The section of trail stretching from Port Royal Avenue to Montgomery County was widened an additional four-feet to comply with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s trail safety standards. The new segment of trail stretching from Shawmont Avenue to Port Royal Avenue allows trail users a safe alternative to sharing the road with automobiles.

Shawmont Trail is part of the larger Schuylkill River Trail and is also part of the Circuit. The Circuit is Greater Philadelphia’s multi-use trail network that connects 250 miles of trails throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with plans to add 500 additional miles of trail to the system over the next 20 years.

“I want to thank the federal government for investing $1.4 Million in constructing the Shawmont Trail through the TIGER grant,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources.  “Investments in trails and open spaces are an investment in the City’s future.  Beautiful trails make neighborhoods more attractive and provide opportunities for adults and children to connect to nature and engage in active and healthy lifestyles.”

New features of the two-year, $1.4 million project include a 13 ft. high retaining wall, fencing that separates the trail from private property, and new native species planting. Trees and shrubbery will soon be planted to provide a more natural ecosystem and to help reduce storm-water runoff. The project supports Mayor Nutter’s goal of becoming America’s greenest City and encouraging a more active and healthy Philadelphia.

The Shawmont Trail project, one of seven projects awarded in 2010 to the City of Philadelphia totaling $17.2 million, was funded by the Federal Highways Administration, with all construction funding coming from the Federal government’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant.  All seven of these projects are either completed or are under construction and will be completed in the near future.

The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) in Philadelphia is primarily owned, managed, and maintained by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, along with non-profit partners. Other sections of the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia have also been constructed with TIGER funds. These include the recently completed Bartram’s Garden Trail, and the Boardwalk and South Street Ramp at the Schuylkill Banks, presently under construction.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA PARKS & RECREATION

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is the City department that is most engaged in the lives of residents and visitors alike on a daily basis. Through its programs, policies and physical amenities, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation promotes the well being of the City, its citizens and visitors, by offering beautiful natural landscapes and parks, historically significant resources, high quality recreation centers and athletic programs, along with enriching cultural and environmental programs. Visit phila.gov/recreation for more information.

ABOUT THE CIRCUIT

The Circuit is a multi-use trail network that connects 250 miles of trails throughout the Greater Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with plans to add 500 additional miles to the system.  When fully complete, The Circuit will help connect people to jobs, recreational opportunities, public transportation and other neighborhoods, and will serve as a gateway to open green space. Support of The Circuit is being led by The Circuit Coalition, a group of nonprofit organizations, foundations and agencies working together to raise the profile of this regional trail network, and educate people about the benefits an increased trail network will bring to the region. For more information please visit www.connectthecircuit.org.

“Tomorrow Philly’s own La Salle University Explorers will take on the Wichita State Shockers in the Sweet Sixteen, and I know this city is eager to see Tyrone Garland, Ramon Galloway, Tyreek Duren and the rest of the Explorers win. La Salle’s team brings excitement and passion to the floor, whether it’s spotting up for a three pointer or scoring off the Southwest Philly Floater.

“On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, I wish Coach John Giannini and the team good luck in their game. I know that the Explorers will continue to show America what Philadelphia’s storied basketball tradition is all about—from watching 76ers legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Dr. J to attending Big 5 basketball nights at the Palestra or cheering on old high school rivalries.

“I encourage all Philadelphians to wear blue and gold tomorrow in support of La Salle’s efforts. I also want to congratulate the Temple University men’s basketball team, the Villanova University men’s and women’s basketball teams and the St. Joseph’s University women’s basketball team on their great seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances.”