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Mayor Kenney Helps Kick Off Spring in Strawberry Mansion


Mayor Jim Kenney was at hand in Strawberry Mansion last weekend to help kickoff Philly’s 9th Annual Spring Cleanup. The daylong event, put on by the Philadelphia Streets Department, was focused on bringing communities together to remove litter and debris in neighborhoods throughout the entire city.

Kenney Speaking

Mayor Jim Kenney speaks during the kickoff of the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup in Strawberry Mansion April 16, 2016. / Daniel Rainville

This year’s event had a record setting 900-plus planned cleanup projects citywide and was projected to remove over 1 million pounds of trash. Since its beginning in 2008, the Spring Cleanup has brought together over 60,000 volunteers to remove nearly 8 million pounds of trash and recycled materials off the streets.

Trash

Piles of trash accumulate on the sidewalk at the intersection of 16th and Montgomery Avenue following the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup April 16, 2016./Daniel Rainville

The kickoff event took place at a newly renovated basketball court located at W. York Street and N. 31st Street in Strawberry Mansion. As part of ongoing beautification efforts, litter and debris were removed from the area, the court was given a fresh coat of paint and sealed, and lights, rims, and nets were fixed or replaced.   

Basketball Strawberry Mansion

A group of community members play basketball following the kickoff of the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup in Strawberry Mansion April 16, 2016./Daniel Rainville

Joining the mayor in the kickoff celebration were dozens of volunteers, city officials, community leaders, and corporate sponsors. Council President Darrell Clarke was at hand as well, remarking that the cleanup effort is, “Not a one-day thing, it’s an everyday thing.” Clarke, a native of Strawberry Mansion, spoke about his love for the neighborhood and thanked the community for the work they do each and every day.

Stop and Surrender

A member of Stop and Surrender is honored during the kickoff of the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup in Strawberry Mansion April 16, 2016./Daniel Rainville

“Being from Strawberry Mansion, I have a special feel about this particular community,” Clarke said. “Knowing all of the wonderful people who over the years have continued to hold the neighborhood together, I want to thank you all so much for all of the great work you have done.”

Darrell Clarke Jump Shot

Council President Darrell Clarke practices his jump shot as he and Mayor Kenney prepare to play some basketball following the kickoff of the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup in Strawberry Mansion April 16, 2016./Daniel Rainville

Mayor Kenney opened with an admission that he was in fact a South Philly guy, but that he loves being in North Philly, which garnered laughs from the crowd. The mayor spoke about the importance of every zip code in the city and the pressing needs of the community in Strawberry Mansion.

“This neighborhood deserves everything better than what it’s been getting over the years, and we’re going to work on getting it done,” Kenney said. “Your children, our children matter; these kids matter to us and we’re going to do our best working with Council President Clarke — this is one of the best relationships and partnerships that we’ve had since Ed Rendell and John Street, and we’re back together working on the same page.”

Curby Bucket

Philadelphia Recycling mascot, Curby Bucket, listens to speakers during the kickoff of the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup in Strawberry Mansion April 16, 2016./Daniel Rainville

Following the remarks, the court wat opened up for play and the mayor walked around the neighborhood greeting residents, including Helen McKeither, who excitedly gave the mayor a hug. McKeither, a resident of Strawberry Mansion for more than 50 years, lives right across from the basketball court and watched the kickoff event from her porch. “The block cleanup is beautiful, I’m so glad they thought of us.”

Kenney Hugs Resident

Strawberry Mansion resident Helen McKeither hugs Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney during the start of Philly’s 9th Annual Spring Cleanup April 16, 2016./Daniel Rainville

This year’s Spring Cleanup was originally planned to take place on April 9, but was postponed one week due to inclement weather.

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