The project is part of a year-long commitment called “MLK 365” organized by Temple’s University Community Collaborative of Philadelphia (UCCP) to revitalize the playground and recreation center located at 12th Street and Susquehanna Avenue, near Temple’s Main Campus. The program began in January on Martin Luther King Day, when UCCP kicked off MLK 365 with a service project to refurbish the kitchen and build a community library at the Penrose Recreation Center.

The grassroots concept was conceived last fall when UCCP brought together youth leaders from several organizations, including Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, the Greater Philadelphia Federation of Settlement’s Teens 4 Good program, and Students Run Philly Style, to brainstorm ways to re-invigorate Penrose Playground. The young people met regularly at Temple for several months developing the concept of Teen Health Cafés, which are now held monthly at Penrose around themes, such as “healthy relationships” and “HIV Awareness.”

City Year Greater Philadelphia members who participated in the kick-off event for MLK 365 committed to the Penrose Playground as one of their sites for 100 Hours of Power, which is sponsored by T-Mobile and coordinated through the UCCP.

“It’s inspiring to see these young people get involved with their community. Giving youth the opportunity to have an impact on their neighborhoods and make a difference is what UCCP is all about,” said UCCP Director Barbara Ferman, who is also a professor of political science in Temple’s College of Liberal Arts, specializing in urban politics.