Editing Chew Playground

{{Infobox Park
| name = Chew Playground
| image =
| image_caption = Chew Playground recreation center in Germantown
| type = Recreation center / Playground
| location = Germantown
| coordinates = 40.0360,-75.1750
| area = 3 acres
| established = 1914
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Recreation center, playground, sports courts, swimming pool
| hours = Dawn to dusk; rec center has set hours
| transit = SEPTA Regional Rail to Germantown; buses
| website = https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder
}}

'''Chew Playground''' is a recreation center and park in [[Germantown]], one of Philadelphia's original neighborhood recreation facilities dating to 1914. The park provides indoor and outdoor recreation, including a swimming pool, sports courts, and year-round programming for the Germantown community.<ref name="chew">{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder/#/locationDetails/2797 |title=Chew Playground |publisher=Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Chew Playground has served the Germantown community for over a century.

== History ==

=== Origins ===

'''1914:''' Chew Playground established:
* Progressive Era recreation movement
* Supervised play for children
* Community gathering space
* Named for colonial Chew family (of Cliveden)

=== Development ===

The facility has evolved:
* Recreation center building added
* Pool construction
* Multiple renovations
* Continuous programming

== Features ==

=== Recreation Center ===

'''Chew Recreation Center:'''
* Indoor gymnasium
* Multi-purpose rooms
* Year-round programming
* Youth activities
* Senior programs
* Computer lab

=== Swimming Pool ===

'''Seasonal pool:'''
* Outdoor pool
* Summer operation
* Free admission
* Swim lessons available
* Community gathering

=== Sports Facilities ===

* Basketball courts
* Tennis courts
* Multi-purpose field
* Sports programming

=== Playground ===

* Modern equipment
* Safe surfaces
* Age-appropriate areas

== Programs ==

=== Youth Programs ===

* After-school activities
* Summer camps
* Sports leagues
* Arts and crafts
* Educational support

=== Adult Programs ===

* Fitness classes
* Sports leagues
* Senior activities
* Community events

=== Aquatics ===

* Open swim (summer)
* Swim lessons
* Pool parties (reservation)

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Park: Dawn to dusk
* Recreation center: Check posted hours
* Pool: Summer months (typically June-August)

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Washington Lane and Chew Avenue, Germantown

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Regional Rail to Germantown Station
* SEPTA Bus 18, 23, 26

'''By Car:'''
* Limited parking on site
* Street parking available

=== Tips ===

* Call ahead for program schedules
* Pool is popular in summer—arrive early
* The rec center offers good youth programming
* Combine with visit to historic Cliveden nearby

== Germantown Context ==

'''Historic neighborhood:'''
* Colonial-era origins
* Battle of Germantown (1777) site
* Rich African-American history
* Strong community institutions
* Chew family legacy (Cliveden estate)

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Germantown]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Cliveden]]''' — Historic house
* '''[[Vernon Park]]''' — Nearby park
* '''[[Germantown Avenue]]''' — Historic corridor

== See Also ==

* [[Germantown]]
* [[Cliveden Park]]
* [[Philadelphia Recreation Centers]]
* [[Vernon Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Finder]

{{#seo:
|title=Chew Playground Philadelphia - Germantown Recreation Center & Pool
|description=Guide to Chew Playground in Germantown. Historic recreation center since 1914, swimming pool, sports courts, and community programs.
|keywords=Chew Playground Philadelphia, Germantown recreation center, Philadelphia pools, Germantown parks, Philadelphia recreation
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Germantown]]
[[Category:Recreation]]
[[Category:Swimming]]
[[Category:Family]]