On August 3, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Rebuild Philadelphia joined Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Senator Anthony H. Williams, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, community leaders, and Cobbs Creek families to officially cut the ribbon on the renovated Johnny Sample Recreation Center in Cobbs Creek Park.
Fairmount Park Conservancy served as the Project User for the renovation, overseeing community engagement, design process, and construction of the capital improvements. This $15 million project introduced accessibility upgrades, new activity rooms, a boxing ring, an updated gymnasium, a new roof and HVAC system, pool upgrades, and a redesigned outdoor landscape with native plantings that connect the recreation center to the rest of the 851-acre Cobbs Creek Park in West Philadelphia.
The reopening celebration took place in the rec center’s new lobby amid the custom millwork – seating, lockers, and more – created by Tiny WPA’s Building Heroes using wood reclaimed from the old gymnasium.
This project gives new life to a community landmark that has served Cobbs Creek for generations. Several officials at the ceremony, including the Conservancy’s CEO Tony Sorrentino, recalled visiting the rec center as children and noted that the renovations would extend the same opportunity to children and families for decades to come. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation oversees the programming and operations for the recreation center.
In 2019, the Cobbs Creek Recreation Center was renamed in honor of Johnny Sample, a professional athlete and radio host who raised his family in Cobbs Creek. Several members of the Sample family participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and shared memories about his impact as a father and community leader.
The Rebuild renovation of Johnny Sample Recreation Center was funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, as well as funding secured by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and grants awarded to Fairmount Park Conservancy from the Pennsylvania State Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account (DCED LSA) and the Knight Foundation.
Completion of the recreation center caps off a series of Rebuild projects in Cobbs Creek, including upgrades to the Cobbs Creek Environmental Center that were also managed by Fairmount Park Conservancy.
Fairmount Park Conservancy regularly organizes volunteer days in Cobbs Creek, along with community stewards led by the Cobbs Creek Ambassadors. A great way to explore Cobbs Creek Park is with We Walk PHL, a weekly walking group program supported by the Conservancy and Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health.
Ready to get involved? Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Cobbs Creek Environmental Center for two community workdays designed to offer a meaningful connection to the park and its environment
Cobbs Creek Community Workday: Stewardship & Nature Walk
Monday, August 10, 9 AM – 12 PM
Tuesday, August 25, 9 AM – 12 PM
Event photography credit: Albert Yee Photo
Before & after photography credit: Rebuild Philadelphia
