Fattah Celebrates Completion of Team Vick Field, Capstone of Hunting Park's Revitalization Efforts

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Fattah (PA-02) joined with Philadelphia community leaders today to celebrate the dedication of the new Team Vick Field at Hunting Park. The completion of the football field marks the culmination of the three-year Phase One revitalization of the park, located within Fattah's district. 

Fattah praised the collaboration of the many community members— lead by the leadership of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and a critical donation from Michael Vick's foundation—that together recognized the benefits of a safe, inviting green space in creating a more vibrant urban neighborhood for residents of the Hunting Park community.

As Chairman of the House Urban Caucus, Fattah is a strong advocate of urban revitalization and neighborhood renewal. Fattah has helped deliver federal grants to the Hunting Park community, including more than $5 million for the revitalization of the nearby Bakers Centre redevelopment project that opened last month.

"The transformation of Hunting Park is a shining example of cooperation between the city and state, community leaders, area businesses and private citizens coming together to revive a community," Congressman Fattah said. "Today is about creating hope and opportunity for the thousands of children who will use this field, and the surrounding park, for generations to come. Everyone involved on this project understands that parks and green areas offering opportunities for exercise and recreation are central to the broader urban revitalization efforts in our city."

Funding for the $1.4 million project came from individuals and organizations across the city. The Philadelphia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) funded the football field with a $100,000 grant. Fattah is a longtime supporter of LISC's national and local efforts, helping to steer funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support LISC's investments throughout the community.  Michael Vick contributed $200,000 to the project, through his Team Vick Foundation.

Congressman Fattah specifically thanked Vick for focusing on what he can do to help the area's youth. "No matter what their future, it's brighter because of this field," Fattah said.

Congruent to his urban renewal efforts, Congressman Fattah has long promoted legislation to help communities build and rehabilitate more parks and green spaces. Fattah is currently co-sponsoring H.R 2424 the Community Parks Revitalization Act, introduced in June 2013. The legislation would provide grants for communities to rehabilitate existing and develop new community parks and recreational infrastructure.  States and localities would be required to provide matching funds.

Additional information on the Hunting Park revitalization efforts can be found here: http://www.fairmountparkconservancy.org/project/RevitalizingHuntingPark.php

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah