Resolution 180435

..Title Recognizing and honoring Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, for providing Philadelphia children and families with a free, open and safe play space for the past 120 years. ..Body WHEREAS, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse was built with a bequest from Richard & Sarah Smith, and was dedicated to the memory of their adult son, Stanfield; and WHEREAS, Smith's beautiful 16,000 square foot Playhouse was designed solely as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia's most prominent late 19th Century architects, James H. Windrim; and WHEREAS, Smith remains a welcoming, safe and inclusive space to over 200,000 Philadelphians annually where differences are valued. Smith facilitates education and interaction among children and families of different backgrounds in order to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity; and WHEREAS, Smith maintains a long tradition of free admission for families and develops relationships with community organizations in an effort to further the development of healthy children, strong families, and safe communities; and WHEREAS, Smith provides opportunities for children in the Philadelphia Area, and beyond, to grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually; and WHEREAS, Smith is active in an integrated, collaborative group of East Fairmount Park stakeholders, and works to increase access to the park and draw visitors to the area, including residents and tourists, for a variety of outdoor and play-inspired activities and learning; and WHEREAS, Smith provides year-round urban nature play, maximizing the natural resources available to Smith in its unique location, and enabling children and families to enjoy their offerings throughout all four seasons. Smith is a steward of its park and woods, and purposely shapes programs around this tremendous asset; and WHEREAS, Smith offers annual events like "Play-A-Palooza," "Kidchella Music Festival," "Healthy Halloween," and "Winter Wonderland" to provide children and families an opportunity to make new friends and participate in fun activities while learning about the importance of play; and WHEREAS, Smith's reach is national, but it has a special commitment to and relationship with the families and children in the surrounding neighborhoods. Smiths' 200,000 visitors come from 500+ zip codes to see the Playground every year, but Smith feels a sense of "belonging" to the local community in particular and serving them is a priority; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, for providing Philadelphia children and families with free, open and safe play space for the past 120 years. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the staff and board of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse as further evidence of the sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body. ..End