Politics & Government

Kendrick Updates A Work In Progress

Some improvement, but a long wish list at recreation center.

With decades of experience with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, Kendrick director Bill Malizia has grown accustomed to the problems that persist at community centers—underfunding, the slow wheels of bureaucracy, poor communication with police. 

So when Roxborough residents raise these complaints about the ancient , Malizia can answer them. However, he remains optimistic about the progress at the Ridge Avenue facility.

"We got thrown together because of an emergency with the leak, but now look where we are: We have a diverse group of people at the table with good ideas," he said at a advisory council meeting Thursday night.

Find out what's happening in Roxborough-Manayunkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since the council formed in , Malizia can report tangible improvements:

  • Money to repair the roof
  • Updates to heating system to stabilize it
  • A new fire alarm system
  • Capital money for a new swing set
  • New trees
  • A pledge to resurface the basketball court

But basic quality of life issues still persist for residents. Graffiti and loitering teens hang around, and neighbors say the police aren't doing enough.

Find out what's happening in Roxborough-Manayunkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"They're never coming at the times when we have problems," Malizia said. "They come at 10 a.m. when there's no one there—not at 4 p.m. when we need it."

Some council members thought writing individual letters to Captain John Cerrone would get his attention.

"What is a priority for these police officers?" one resident asked. "This isn't North Philadelphia... Nothing has changed since our last meeting."

Malizia suggested moving the playground—currently in the back—to the front along Ridge Avenue, so police can patrol it easier. Resident Beth Berry has worked to get the swing set funding. Both Berry and Malizia fear they will be unable to stop the city from installing the playground before a plan can be in place to move the playground.

Though not at the meeting, Berry credited . and his staff member Morgan Cephas for their help thus far—but she wants to keep the pressure on.

"He's made a promise to us, and we have to keep him to it," she said.

Among other accomplishments, the Kendrick Recreation Center Advisory Council is now organized. Individual subcommittee meetings are planned, and the group will kick around fundraising ideas next—with the goal being $10,000 to help with services not provided by the city.

"There's a quick fix and a long fix. Either way it's going to take money, and about four or five years to really implement it," Malizia said.

The council next meets Feb. 16.


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