Carousel rec center plans; Franklin Field’s first; TSA checkpoint reopens

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Stoop magic
(Photo by @walking_philly)

The city’s recreation center for people with disabilities has been closed for six years. Now, designs for a $44 million expansion are finished.

The long-shuttered center will more than double in size, with a new pool, gym and playground. Continue reading…

A rendering shows the planned new entrance area and multipurpose room at A rendering shows the computer room at the Carousel House recreation center in Philadelphia. (City of Philadelphia)

From Eagles football, the Democratic National Convention and, of course, the Penn Relays, Franklin Field has thrilled thousands of spectators since its inception.

But did you know the Penn facility lays claim as the first sports stadium in the nation? This weekend’s Philly “Firstival” celebrates all the ways Franklin Field set the bar for Philly (and the nation’s) sports culture. Continue reading…

The Penn Relays, an iconic track and field competition, are hosted at Franklin Field (Bastiaan Slabbers/WHYY)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• The TSA security checkpoint at Terminal A-West at PHL is scheduled to reopen today, with Terminal F set to reopen next week. Terminal C reopened yesterday. [NBC10]

• Pennsylvania’s first-ever investment in public defense allowed offices to hire attorneys, improve case management. [Spotlight PA]

• “Ridiculous, absurd”: Philadelphia-area gas prices top $4 a gallon for the first time in 4 years. [WHYY]

• Germantown nonprofit Center in the Park expands its reach to senior care facilities across the city as the new citywide subcontractor for Philly’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. [Germantown Info Hub]

• Meet the voracious food mappers trying to make it easier to find Pa.’s best eats, from fish fries and niche hot dogs to Philadelphia eateries. [Spotlight PA]

• Cyrus Bustill baked for Washington’s army and helped them fend off disease and starvation during the winter of 1777-1778. Then he built Philly’s free Black Renaissance. [WHYY]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Friday.

ON THE CALENDAR

⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🌸 Cherry blossoms around town
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

For the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar, visit BillyPenn.com!

Friday, April 3: Illuminate Kensington
An immersive night of projection mapping and light installations stretching across East Kensington. Presented by East Kensington Arts. Head to Philadelphia Brewing’s parking lot to grab a map at the WKAC booth, then wander the route. (7 to 11 p.m.)

Saturday, April 4: Shop Queer Art Market
A day full of queer art, community, and vibes at Wissahickon Brewing. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Saturday, April 4: Furry Friends of Frankford Avenue
A day dedicated to good beer, great music, and finding forever homes for some very good animals. This pet adoption beer festival brings together local rescues, adoptable pets, live music, and cold beer at Philadelphia Brewing. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Saturday, April 4: Queer Country Western Dancing
Join Val’s Lesbian Bar for their inaugural Tush Push. Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer, or stepping out for the first time, all are welcome in a community in the city that never stops pushin’. $8 tickets. Ages 21+. (8 p.m. to midnight)

Sunday, April 5: 93rd Annual Easter Promenade
Hop on over to South Street for this popular, free Philadelphia tradition full of family-friendly fun and fashion. Free bunny ears, candy and a costume contest! The promenade kicks off at 12:30PM at 5th & South Street, and ends at Headhouse Plaza on 2nd & Lombard Street. (12 to 3 p.m.)

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