South Philadelphia's Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center Unveils $7.5M Renovation with Eagles Legend Ron Jaworski and Key Community Partners

Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski led the celebration Murphy Recreation Center unveiled $7.5 million transformation

South Philadelphia’s Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center celebrated the grand reopening of its $7.5 million renovation, supported by a $750,000 contribution from Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. The center now features synthetic turf fields, new basketball courts, and enhanced lighting, providing a modern recreational facility for the community.

The comprehensive improvements to Murphy Recreation Center include:

• Synthetic turf athletic fields for baseball, softball, football, and soccer

• New baseball and softball backstops and ball control netting

• New site lighting, team benches, and spectator bleachers

• Prefabricated storage building with electrical connection

• Combination soccer/football goalposts

• New chain link fencing and concrete sidewalks

• New outdoor basketball courts with new standards

• Replacement of below-grade areaway drains and associated piping

• New exterior steps from the sidewalk

• New louvered steel door and frame

• Masonry repairs

The renovation also included sidewalk reconstruction around the perimeter of the site, expanded tree pits, and replacement of select trees. Additionally, the center received a maintenance vehicle for servicing and maintaining the synthetic turf field.

The grand reopening celebration led by former Eagles Quarterback Ron Jaworski featured a Philadelphia-style "Tush Push" ribbon cutting with some of the kids who use the center.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted the investment’s impact on keeping youth active and safe in the community, emphasizing the facility's significance as a cornerstone for South Philly's families. Councilmember Mark Squilla expressed his delight at the center’s transformation, underlining its multi-generational significance within the community.

The Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center's renovation serves as a powerful symbol of collaborative efforts between the City, local businesses, community organizations, and residents, affirming a commitment to providing a vibrant and healthy environment for South Philadelphia.

Murphy Recreation Center is the 2nd Rebuild-renovated recreation center to reopen this spring. Rivera Recreation Center and the Mann Older Adult Center, a $16.8 million project located in Fairhill, reopened on April 4, 2025.

About Rebuild

Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity for all.

About Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort and Best Overall in Dining and Entertainment in PA by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is a one-stop destination in South Philly’s Stadium District to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, memorable entertainment, premier dining, upscale accommodations, and world-class gaming. Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, approximately 2,000 slots and more than 130 table games, including a dedicated poker room. Award-winning dining and entertainment options include The Prime Rib®, named Best South Philly Steakhouse by Philadelphia Magazine; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring a taste of classic Philly favorites like Geno’s Steaks, Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, and Termini Bros. Bakery; plus Luckie’s Liquor. A spirited nightlife scene at Center Bar and R Bar rounds out the Live! experience. The Live! Event Center offers more than 15,500-square-feet of customizable meeting and event space with ample, secure parking. Guests can also PlayLive.com, a real money wagering online casino in the Commonwealth of PA. Live! Casino & Hotel is owned and managed by Stadium Casino RE, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, the premier developer of Live! dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. For reservations, call 1-833-472-5483 or visit Philadelphia.LiveCasinoHotel.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram @livecasinophl