The Friends of Tip Top Playground, a group aiming to improve the Northern Liberties playground, held a virtual meeting on Monday, Aug. 8.
Moderated by chairperson Pier Derrickson, the group discussed the latest proposals for the revitalization of the space bordered by Allen, Hope and Wildey streets along Front Street. Renovations would include an upgraded play area with new equipment, a multi-sport court, a picnic area and an adult fitness section.
“With all the building of all these apartments, all these buildings and all these houses, it is another welcomed area that people need,” said Fishtown native Robert Serrano.
The additions to the space would all be part of a multi-phase project. The play area, featuring swing sets, mounds and spinning cups among other amenities, would be completed in the first phase. Everything else, including multiple trees around the playground, would be added in the second phase.
Efforts by the Friends of Tip Top to improve the space have been ongoing since the group’s founding in 2017. In addition to working in conjunction with Councilman Mark Squilla and Parks & Recreation, organizing events such as movie nights and cleanups to raise awareness and build a sense of community has been a top priority over the last few months.
The group is currently working to finalize designs with the city. Once a more concrete timeline is established, fundraising efforts will commence soon after.
Tip Top would be yet another public space in the River Wards to receive significant upgrades to its facilities. Along with the reopening of the newly renovated Swimmo in Fishtown, Samuel Recreation Center in Port Richmond debuted a revamped playground and athletic field back in June.
“It’s right in the middle of three neighborhoods when you think about it,” Serrano said. “It’s touching South Kensington, Northern Liberties and Fishtown. So this will be a great amenity for all the families in those areas to make use of this.”
