November 02, 2016
Renovations at Bella Vista's Palumbo Park are complete, wrapping up a nearly year-long project to spruce up the grounds of the recreation center at 723 Catherine Street.
The announcement came last week from the Friends of Palumbo Park, which released several photos of the renovations on Facebook.
The site of Palumbo Park, part of the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, was purchased by the Philadelphia School Board in 1875 for the construction of Thomas B. Florence public school and later deeded for park use in 1954.
An $81,000 overhaul in 1978 dedicated the park in honor of philanthropist and restauranteur Frank Palumbo Sr., who ran a boarding house and kitchen for Italian immigrant laborers in Bella Vista.
Visitors of Palumbo Park now enjoy a playground, a great place to walk dogs and an open space for the arts and fundraising activities. The recreation center offers afterschool, athletic and summer camp programs.
