Philadelphia offering unused rec center space to entrepreneurs
Applications are now open to participate in the program, which also offers a grant to outfit the space.
Rec centers in Philadelphia may soon play host to local startups and creative small businesses, thanks to a new city program launching today.
Called “Making Space: Reimagining Recreation,” the initiative offers local entrepreneurs the chance to apply for a free, “business-ready” space in rooms that currently sit empty, per the program website. Selected applicants will get a year lease and a grant to properly outfit the space.
In exchange, participants are expected to give back to the community by offering educational programming and youth mentorship.
“Making Space will transform some rec centers into the nexus of community space, small business development, and hands-on life skills for youth,” Parks Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell said.
The city has 150+ rec centers, and not all of them fill every single room with programming,