Q: What has already been decided on for the Carousel House Rebuild project?

A: Rebuild is currently in the design process, so there is still a lot to determine! Sign up to receive updates and stay involved in the project!

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Q: Will the building be in the same location or a different one? 

A: The project will be at the same site as the existing Carousel House. The building's footprint will be responsive to the needs of the community and what the site will allow us. 

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Q: Will the programming and design of the new building allow for people with disabilities and people without disabilities to participate in activities together?

A: The new facility will be all-inclusive and all-accessible. Programming and spaces will be designed to meet all interested participants’ needs. 

 

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Q: How much of the Carousel House programming is going to be dedicated to the same communities it historically served?

A: The new facility will offer a roster of fully inclusive programs as well as disability-specific programs and services. All programming will serve people of all ages and abilities.

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Q: What steps are you taking to build trust with the community so that their feedback and involvement will be meaningful and honored?

A: The Rebuild commitment is to 1) acknowledge history of the site, 2) engage the community, and 3) invest intentionally. The community engagement process for each Rebuild site is unique and tailored to the specific community and users at that site. For the Carousel House project, we are planning for a wide variety of in-person and virtual engagement event types including stakeholder interviews, workshops, and creative art-making sessions. We want all past and future users to find a way to share in the visioning and design process that allows their voice, stories, and hopes to be acknowledged and incorporated into the future building and site plans. 

 

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Q: Can you ensure that all the meetings are universally designed to be accessible for all participants?
A: Yes. We are working closely with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities to ensure meetings and all engagement activities are fully accessible. Please contact Rebuild at rebuild@phila.gov if you would like to request accommodations to participate. 

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Q: Will the building be in the same location or a different one? 

A: The project will be at the same site as the existing Carousel House. The building's footprint will be responsive to the needs of the community and what the site will allow us. 

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Q: What is the total project budget?

A: The total estimated project budget for Carousel House is $40 million.

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Q: Would it be possible during the construction phase to have an accessible path/verbal describers so the community can experience the build in progress?

A: During the construction phase, Rebuild will continue to provide the community with updates about the progress of the site using a variety of means, including sharing photos, videos, and reports. We will ensure that all communication is fully accessible. Due to safety concerns, we cannot take participants onto an active construction site. At the ribbon-cutting, we will be able to have participants tour the complete indoor and outdoor spaces. We will ensure this event has an accessible pathway and verbal describers, as well as any other accommodations needed for all community members to fully participate. 

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Q: Will the Carousel House Rebuild project continue when the mayor's administration changes?

A: Yes. With the support of City Council, Rebuild and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation are committed to seeing this project to completion.

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Q: Where can people with disabilities access recreation programs during the Rebuild process?

A: Erica Young from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) is supporting the Carousel House programs that have been temporarily relocated to Gustine Recreation Center and is welcoming Carousel House participants into this space. Gustine Recreation Center (4868 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129) is a wheelchair-accessible site. PPR is also working to increase the amount of inclusive programming across the city in different rec centers. Please call your local rec center to discuss opportunities and reach out to PPR's Director of Inclusion, Gwenn Vilade (Gwendolyn.Vilade@phila.gov). To receive information about adaptive and inclusive recreation programs, you can also sign up for the PPR newsletter.

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Q: How can I learn more and get involved in Philadelphia Parks and Recreation’s efforts to increase the amount of inclusive programming at rec centers across the city?

A: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation’s (PPR) organizes a quarterly Inclusion Stakeholder meeting. PPR and its partners will be sharing updates about ongoing work to increase inclusive programming and make current programs more accessible. If you would like to learn more, please email PPR’s Director of Inclusion, Gwen Vilade (Gwendolyn.Vilade@phila.gov). 

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Q: Is PPR taking steps to hire people from the disability community? 

A: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) launched its Inclusion Ambassador program in 2021 and has hired young adults with disabilities to serve as recreation center staff. They are responsible for greeting participants, running activities, and supporting other duties. PPR has also hired a person with lived experience in its Strategy and Engagement division. PPR looks forward to expanding its Inclusion Ambassador program in the future.

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Last Updated: March 2024