New Study shows inequality in funding of city recreation programs
A new study has found that sports facilities in Philadelphia neighborhoods with higher percentages of white residents tend to be of higher quality than those in areas with fewer white residents.
The study, conducted by Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, began in 2023 and observed 1,400 sports facilities across the city that are managed by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Its findings were stark: White neighborhoods had better quality sports facilities, more sports fields, and more permitted sports.
“Moving forward, we know that a larger investment is needed.” said Dontae Privette, the Director of Community Engagement, at Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative. He says that in affluent neighborhoods, recreation programs rely on volunteer support and resources but in lower income neighborhoods working parents may not have the time.