The $750,000 pledged the donation in February 2023 to celebrate its two-year anniversary.
The entire project costed $7.5 million to the rec center, as Live! Casino Philadelphia delivered a large portion of the proceeds. The casino partnered with Rebuild Philadelphia, an organization that invests funds and resources into rebuilding neighborhood parks, recreation centers and libraries in Philadelphia for the youth.
Craig Clark, Live! Casino Philadelphia general manager, said in a statement:
“At Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, we believe in the power of investing in our community’s future. These important renovations will provide a safe and enriching space for South Philly’s children to thrive, learn, and grow.
“We’re excited about the positive impact Murphy Rec will continue to have on our neighbors for generations to come.”
New improvements to Murphy Rec Center
The Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center has become a state-of-the-art park in the South Philadelphia area. The $7.5 million went towards the following improvements:
- 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
Philadelphia Mayor, Charelle Parker, was on-hand for the event, and spoke about the importance of the upgrades in a statement:
“Murphy Rec has always been a cornerstone for youth and families in South Philly—and now, with this $7.5 million investment, this community has the top-tier fields and facilities they deserve.
“Whether it’s soccer, football, baseball, or a pick-up game on a summer night, this investment is about keeping our young people active, safe, and ed.
“And today, we’re celebrating in signature Philly style – with a Tush Push and a touchdown in South Philadelphia.”
Live! Casino Philadelphia’s core values and principles
By the time Live! Casino Philadelphia had been operating for two years, it had already donated $2.3 million back to the community.
The Cordish Companies, a family-owned business, runs Live! properties all across the country. Jon Cordish, Principle of The Cordish Companies, told PlayPennsylvania back in February 2023 that giving back is the family’s calling card:
“It speaks to our core family and corporate values which are one in the same. It’s one of the things that’s central to being a family-owned business.
“We’ve been in this for multi-generational time periods and to build projects that are going to last, you have to make them win-win for the communities around you. You’ve got to give back and do things the right way. To us, it was a no-brainer to celebrate this milestone.”
Live! Casino Philadelphia filled a budgeting gap for Rebuild Philadelphia at the time. The project was supposed to cost $4.5 million. However, the final tabulation came to $7.5 million.
Nevertheless, Live! Casino Philadelphia stepped in when needed and helped generate a state-of-the-art recreation center for kids in the very neighborhood it serves.
