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A Better Facility for All
The City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild Initiative is leading the Carousel House project in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR). For decades, Carousel House has been an accessible, welcoming, and active place for people with disabilities.
Rebuild and PPR have committed to designing and building a Carousel House facility that will be an inclusive recreation center accessible to everyone. PPR is committed to retaining all of Carousel’s former programming at the facility and providing additional inclusive programs.
About The Project
The Rebuild project at the Carousel House will create a better facility for all. The new building will serve the Carousel House community and residents of the East and West Parkside neighborhoods, ensuring that all who use the space feel welcomed and supported.
The Carousel House Rebuild project is currently in the pre-construction phase. The design team has incorporated feedback from the community, including ideas and priorities shared over several meetings and workshops between 2023 and 2025. In March 2026, Rebuild presented the final design plan to the community.
This is a large and complex project in a historic district, and Rebuild is working hard to make sure the final result reflects the community's priorities and is built to last.
Project Timeline
we are
here!
01
LEARNING •
Fall 2021 - Winter 2022
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Stakeholder Discussions
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Meet and Greet
02
DRAFT DESIGN: CONCEPT •
Spring 2022 - Fall 2022
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Kick-Off Design Workshop
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Celebrating History Pop-ups
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Community Update
03
DRAFT DESIGN: SCHEMATIC •
Winter 2022 - Spring 2024
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Design Workshop
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Public Art Meeting
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Community Update
04
SITE INVESTIGATION & FUNDRAISING •
Summer 2024 - Spring 2025
Site and Building Analysis, Archeological Field Work, Underground Utility Analysis
05
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT •
Summer 2025 - Early 2026
Community Relaunch
06
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS AND BIDDING • Summer 2026
Community Design Review
07
CONSTRUCTION START •
Fall 2026
1. Groundbreaking Ceremony
2. Community Updates
08
PROJECT COMPLETE •
Fall 2028
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration
Budget
The total estimated project budget for Carousel house is $44M. Carousel House is a priority project and the facility will be one of Rebuild's largest investments.
Inclusion at Other PPR Sites
While the Carousel House Rebuild project is underway, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is providing alternate practice and tournament locations and continues to support inclusive programming citywide. To learn more, please reach out to Erica Young at Erica.Young@phila.gov.