Weccacoe Volunteers Team with USTA

Embiid’s impromptu Weccacoe visit attracted dozens of autograph-seeking fans.

Photo by Libbi Skivo

Joel Embiid, Center for the Philadelphia 76ers, fondly known as "The Process," enjoyed some down time at Weccacoe’s tennis court in May 2018.

Photo by Imali Sirisena

By Eleanor Ingersoll

As the city begins its search for an artistic team that will ultimately create the Historic Bethel Burying Ground Memorial in the southwest corner of Weccacoe Playground, the neighborhood resolved a decision for an amenity left in the space outside of the memorial’s boundaries.

At the October Community meeting, Friends of Weccacoe volunteer Donna Pancari presented an option for redesign of the tennis court. Currently, Weccacoe’s tennis court measures 78 feet and sits atop 20 feet of the burial ground. The proposed court redesign will measure sixty feet; the suggested size by the United States Tennis Association’s for nonranking and junior play, and no longer impede upon the sacred space.

Other considerations for a park amenity included a stand-alone bathroom building. Neighbors learned that the standard bathroom was a non-negotiable 12x20-foot prefab building without windows. In addition, It would have to be maintained by the neighborhood for cleanliness, access and safety, as Weccacoe is not a city-staffed recreation site. After further discussion with Councilman Squilla and Aparna Palantino (Parks & Recreation), as well as a rep from USTA, the room of more than 45 neighbors had no opposition to the amenity of a resized tennis court at Weccacoe playground.

Work on the tennis court will begin in tandem with the work on the Memorial. The placement of the new court will be slightly north of its current location, but still in the northwest corner of the playground. The USTA will also help fund the lining of two children’s courts within the new design.

Friend of Weccacoe volunteers Donna and her husband Kevin Parker volunteer each year to manage the court’s sign-up sheet for tennis game players and student classes. Located at 400 Catherine Street, Weccacoe is one of four parks in South Philly that offers free public tennis courts. No matter your skill level, if you’re interested in the game of tennis, you’re welcome to play at Weccacoe (even if you’re a pro like Joel Embiid). ■

This 60' design is the preferred standard size by the USTA. Image courtesy of USTA.