The Martha C. Young Community Playground

Young Community Playground, to provide children with a safe place to play and be active. The Martha C. Young Community Playground will play a vital role in the West Oak Lane neighborhood since currently, there is no safe place for the children here to play. Children play in vacant lots filled with broken glass, drug paraphernalia, and dog waste. This neighborhood is home to three schools and a num

ber of early childhood centers that serve youth ranging in age up and through 8th grade. Its our hope that they will all benefit from this safe haven. The playground is also critical in promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles in the West Oak Lane community. Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the country, and obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, disproportionately impact people of color. Exercise and healthy eating is the way to offset these conditions. By providing our youth a safe place to play, we are encouraging them and their families to sit less and move more. About The Martha C. Young Community Playground
The playground is dedicated to Ms. Martha C. Young, a devoted member of the West Oak Lane community. As the first principal of Prince Hall School, Ms. Young - affectionately known as “Marty” - worked tirelessly with community leaders, parents and the school district to not only open the school, but to design the school’s building 40 years ago. During her time as principal, Marty would walk through the neighborhood, forging strong relationships with parents, families, local business owners and political leaders. Marty still lives in the community, and is a founding member of the Prince Hall Alumni Foundation. About the Prince Hall Alumni Foundation
The mission of the Prince Hall Alumni Foundation (PHAF), founded in 2012, is to “help change the lives of Prince Hall students through education, community outreach and advocacy.” In addition to the building of the playground, PHAF has also provided tutoring and after school programming for current students of Prince Hall School. About KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America's children. Their mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. Ultimately, they envision a place to play within walking distance of every child in America.