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Parks & Recreation leaders and MDO outline rebuild progress, summer hiring and Philly Flush restroom plans
Summary
Parks and Recreation officials described the Rebuild program status, summer staffing goals, hiring innovations and the Philly Flush public-restroom rollout; the managing director's office said the Portland Loo model is no longer used and repair contracts have been renegotiated.
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slauson and managing director staff updated council on Rebuild, summer hiring, and the Philly Flush public-restroom program during the FY26 hearing.
Slauson said the city will open more pools this year (63, up from 59) and hire at least 400 lifeguards, 400 pool maintenance attendants and approximately 1,200 youth through the citys youth employment programs. She described grants to community organizations ($5,000 to $25,000, with some up to $50,000) to support neighborhood summer programming and coach training.
On Rebuild, Deputy Managing Director for Capital Programs Aparna Palantino said of the original 72 sites, about 36 are complete, roughly 16 are in construction or about to start construction, and the remainder are in design and engagement. Palantino said the administration is using different contracting methods to accelerate projects and that additional bond financing is anticipated this fall to complete the program.
On public restrooms, the managing director's office said the city is no longer using the Portland Loo model. Deputy Managing Director Crystal (Bridal) Yates Gail said the Philly Flush program currently has three operational units, with another under construction in West Philadelphia and community engagement planned for the next site in South Philadelphia. Officials said the units take time to install because they are hard-plumbed and require community engagement, and that a new repair contract provides quicker response for maintenance.
Why it matters: Parks and Rec services and Rebuild investments affect summer programming and long-term recreation access across neighborhoods. Public restroom availability and maintenance are also issues council members raised in the context of visitor-facing infrastructure for 2026 events.
What’s next: The administration agreed to provide more detailed rebuild financing and vendor information to council and to coordinate on the planned roster of Philly Flush locations and maintenance protocols.
