The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Parks and Recreation (PPR) engaged ESI to provide professional consulting services in support of their Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) application for the Christy Recreation Center, the success of which has led to additional support and grant applications, including for Local Shares Account (LSA) Statewide funding. Our engagements have aimed to secure crucial funding for comprehensive renovations to this community facility located in West Philadelphia. Through this engagement, ESI assisted in developing, submitting, and managing the RACP application process, as well as the RACP Project Management proposal process after the award.
ESI guided Philadelphia Parks and Recreation through the complete RACP application process, leveraging our expertise in state funding mechanisms and capital project development. In addition to preparing and submitting the complete RACP application—including the development of detailed project narratives highlighting community benefits—our team provided strategic advice on maximizing the potential award by optimizing matching requirements and ensuring compliance with state regulations including bidding, wage, and material requirements. After securing the $2.75 million award in late 2024, ESI transitioned to supporting the Project Management Plan development—the critical next phase required for the city to receive reimbursement once construction is completed.
ESI’s support helped secure $2.75 million in RACP funding for the Christy Recreation Center renovation, providing the financial resources needed to transform this aging facility into a modern, safe, and accessible community asset.
The renovation will deliver significant quality-of-life improvements to neighborhood residents, including a modern playground with safety surface, an accessible sprayground for summer recreation, upgraded tennis courts, improved lighting for evening activities, and comprehensive building improvements that will enhance programming capabilities. These enhancements will create a welcoming community hub that promotes physical activity, social connection, and youth development in West Philadelphia.
