A $15M horse park; Journey Arts preview; Iverson era jerseys return | Morning roundup

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Not tip-toeing around in Grays Ferry
(Photo by @city_of_architectural_love)

Whoa! A state-of-the-art equestrian park opens in Fairmount Park

A 44,000-square-foot indoor horse arena has opened in Fairmount Park in time for its first public event this weekend, the Philadelphia Arena Polo Championship.

“Our mission is to serve Philadelphia youth using sports and horses,” said Lezlie Hiner, who has spent nearly three decades trying to make this dream a reality. “We were limited because when cold weather comes, kids don’t want to be outside in the freezing weather in December, January, February and March. This right here will allow us to expand our programming tri-fold.” Continue reading ….

The Chamounix Equestrian Center has offered the Work to Ride program for 30 years, teaching horsemanship to under-resourced youth in Philadelphia. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

This nonprofit’s upcoming season explores themes of identity, community in Philadelphia

West Philly-based Journey Arts kicks off its 2025-26 season this November. The three productions will “explore the enduring strength of identity, heritage and community.” First up is “Miwa,” which will focus on the women in Haiti and Haitian-American women in Philadelphia. And there’s more to come. Continue reading …

Melanie Hsu performs at Table Sessions in January 2023. (Journey Arts)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Pennsylvania’s autistic lawmakers condemn Trump and RFK Jr.’s approach to “politicize” and “weaponize” the disorder to control healthcare access for women. [Capital-Star]

• Major school systems including Philadelphia, Boston, Houston and Norfolk, Va., are considering shuttering schools. [Chalkbeat/AP] 

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved long-awaited protections for endangered fish in the Delaware River. [WHYY] 

• Philly is suing the parent companies of Ziploc and a Horsham-based bread brand over “misleading” recycling symbols. [WHYY] 

• The School District of Philadelphia relaunched its Parent and Family University, wagering that reinvestment in parent education will improve student outcomes and build trust between families and the district. [Chalkbeat]

• Sixers announced the return of throwback “Iverson Era” jerseys to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the team. [PhillyVoice] 

• WHYY wins Mid-Atlantic Emmy awards for Arts and Interview programs. [WHYY] 

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker and other city officials will welcome the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to Philadelphia at City Hall. (2:15 p.m.)

ON THE CALENDAR

🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🚦 10/2: Safer Streets: A Billy Penn Town Hall
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

Friday, Sept. 26: Art After Dark Happy Hour 
Meet under the giant paintbrush at PAFA for this night of art, music, shopping, food and drinks in the outdoor courtyard. Museum admission included. RSVP Pay-what-you-wish/$10 suggested donation. (5 to 8 p.m.)

Friday, Sept. 26: Germantown Art & Sound
Support talented artists in the heart of Germantown at this interactive community art show. Free. (7 to 10 p.m.) 

Saturday, Sept. 27: Drexel University Vintage and Antique Flea Market
Love fashion? Who doesn’t love a vintage designer handbag?
Find old-school video game consoles, rare anime figures, retro toys, and hard-to-find comics. Find home decor with a retro/mid-century vibe. Plus, bling in every style you can imagine. At 3400 Lancaster Ave. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 

Saturday, Sept. 27: Streets Dept Excursion: Fishtown Murals
Conrad Benner’s Streets Dept started in Fishtown, where he was born and raised. It’s a neighborhood now full of murals, including a number that were curated/co-curated by Conrad himself. On this tour, you’ll explore the work of over a dozen Philly-based artists and see an array of murals that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, honor the work of neighborhood nonprofits, call for the end of gun violence, and much more. $19.36 tickets. (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) 

Saturday, Sept. 27: 3rd annual Mt. Airy Arts Festival
Art-making stations with painting, printmaking, fiber arts, ceramic, sculpture, nature art, drumming, cyanotypes, and — for the young and young at heart — chalk painting, swirl painting, Gelli printing, mask-making, fan-making, community quilting and music and creative movement. Plus outdoor stage performances, an art market, food and ice cream trucks, games, and more. At Allens Lane Park. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 27: Kimchi Fest
Learn how to make kimchi, watch Kpop dance performances and traditional dances, admire hanbok and hanji fashion shows, and enjoy a food festival across LOVE Park. Free to attend. Registration required for cooking and doll making workshops. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 27: Omo Naija Festival
A vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture, unity and creativity in the heart of Philly. A full day of rich music, authentic food, cultural showcases, live music, bold fashion, art and good vibes. $22.99 tickets; Free for kids under 12. At One Art Community Center near Cathedral Park. (12 to 9 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 27: South Street Fall Fest 
From S. 8th to Front streets, there will be Oktoberfest at Brauhaus Schmitz, a macabre masquerade at Atomic City Comics x DreamEerie, a skate park pop-up, food trucks, live music, kids maker market and dance party, and a Fantasy Renn Faire at Queen & Rook. (12 to 8 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 27: Pop Art art show 
Equilibrium Dance Company’s fall show series showcases work that reflect Pop Art culture through bold colors, popular artists and popular music. Fellow artists receive a $10 discount on their ticket by using code POPART25. Parental advisory is suggested due to explicit content. $31.60 tickets. (3 to 4:30 p.m. OR 7 to 8:30 p.m.) 

Saturday, Sept. 27: Opera On Tap: Epitaphs from a Forgotten Cemetery
Join performers at Mount Vernon Cemetery to usher in spooky season! Enjoy classical singing by Isabelle Zeledón, Valentina Sierra, Samual Keeler, and Kyle Chastulik as the sun sets on a tour of this historical graveyard. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with the cemetery tour to begin around 6 p.m. and conclude back at the cemetery gate at around 7:30 p.m. $17.85 for 1 person, $28.52 for 2 people. 

The post A $15M horse park; Journey Arts preview; Iverson era jerseys return | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.

Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.