Community Rallies to Support the Water Tower Recreation Center

by Mary Pomichter, chair of the “Light Up the Tower” committee
Posted 5/19/22

Thursday’s dinner was the first event of an effort to fund components of a Master Plan developed to improve the recreation center and grounds now and in the coming years.

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Community Rallies to Support the Water Tower Recreation Center

Posted

On Thursday May 12 a sold-out crowd celebrated the Water Tower Recreation Center at a dinner at Philadelphia Cricket Club. 

Guests heard about the Water Tower Advisory Council’s fundraising project, “Light Up the Tower”, and plans to add much needed lighting and other enhancements to the area around the water tower and WWll Memorial. They also saw a fact-filled presentation of fascinating Water Tower history by Jean McCoubrey, Chestnut Hill Conservancy board member. 

Thursday’s dinner was the first event of an effort to fund components of a Master Plan developed to improve the recreation center and grounds now and in the coming years. Among the guests were community members who are currently involved with sports and activities and many who have fond memories of the recreation center. 

Special thanks went out to those who have pledged funds, including the project’s major sponsor Bowman Properties, along with Bird in Hand Consignment Shops, Burke Brothers Landscape Design, and Linda’s Table, among others. Many very generous merchants on the avenue and beyond donated gifts which were included in a raffle to raise more funds. 

The “Light Up the Tower” project organizers expressed their gratitude for a Chestnut Hill Community Fund Grant of $5000. Kathi Clayton, President of the Chestnut Hill Community Association, addressed the crowd regarding the grant and the fund’s commitment to projects like this.  

State Representative Chris Rabb and Philadelphia Councilmember Cindy Bass also attended and affirmed their commitment to helping with efforts to seek additional funding from the city, the state, and other grant opportunities. Chestnut Hill Youth Sports Club, Jenks Academy for the Arts and Sciences, The Chestnut Hill Branch of the Philadelphia Library, and members of Chestnut Hill VFW Post 5205 were also in attendance.

Following this first kick off event, The “Light up the Tower” campaign will continue. Over the next few months there will be more opportunities to contribute  through sponsorships, donations, or attending events. 

Next up is A Night of Music and Celebration at the Bocce Club on Saturday, June 18. Tickets are available online at watertower.ticketleap.com  

The Water Tower Advisory Council is a 501c3 charitable organization, and all donations are tax deductible.  The Water Tower Recreation Center is a treasure with a rich and vibrant history. Efforts like this will help ensure that it will continue to benefit many in the community now and in the future.

To learn more about sponsorship and other ways to support this project, email watertowerwtac@gmail.com. Donations are also accepted online at  wtrec.org.