City of Philadelphia - File #: 230724

• File #: 230724
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 10/19/2023
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Final action: 10/19/2023
• Title: Authorizing the Joint Committees on Education and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings to examine the cost and liabilities for the School District and the Department of Parks and Recreation to ease the barriers of access to youth sports.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Vaughn, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Thomas

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
10/19/2023	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED
10/19/2023	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar

Title
Authorizing the Joint Committees on Education and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings to examine the cost and liabilities for the School District and the Department of Parks and Recreation to ease the barriers of access to youth sports.

Body
WHEREAS, Philadelphia youth sports programs lack access to areas to in order conduct consistent team practices. The youth in Philadelphia face increased great disparate access to sports programs and opportunities, due to a multitude of socioeconomic factors. Currently, there is no common facility utilization analysis for underfunded youth sports programs. A large barrier in the youth sports programs is access to facilities where teams can practice, and their accessibility to the children and families they serve; and

WHERAS, Sports are a vital aspect of youth development. Not only is it beneficial for the youth's physical health, but emotional health too. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, youth participation in sports leads to lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, reduced risk of substance abuse and risky behaviors, increased cognitive performance, and more. On the topic of educational and career success, it has been found that youth participation in sports leads to higher levels of academic achievements, improved teamwork and social responsibility, improved educational and occupational skills, and a higher likelihood of attending and graduating college. Sports are a gateway to success among the youth; therefore, the City of Philadelphia must ensure the resources needed to provide adequate facilities; and

WHEREAS, In the City of Philadelphia, the sports facility shortage affects and despairs many sports leagues across the city. The Parkside Saints, a football and cheerleading league that serves over 200 kids ages 5-18 each year. Currently, they play on makeshift fields on Belmont Avenue, where kids have been injured from tripping over gop...