Escape the heat with Philly’s spraygrounds

🧹 Parker’s Plan to Conquer “Filthadelphia”

Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker has pledged to expand a trash clean-up program that she launched while on City Council. Called PHL Taking Care of Business, it started in her district and now has 200 part-time employees cleaning 85 commercial corridors across the city. [Inquirer 🔒]

• Why is it so difficult to keep our streets clean? 🎧

💧 Staying Cool with Spraygrounds

Philadelphia will turn on its 90 spraygrounds (outdoor recreational water features) on Friday and they’ll stay open through Labor Day. Summer temperatures in Philly have gotten significantly hotter over the past few decades, according to a 2022 report from Climate Central. The spraygrounds, which can be found on this interactive map, will be open weekdays from 11 a.m to 7 p.m, and on weekends from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Stay cool! [WHYY]

🏫 Philly's Growing School Asbestos Crisis

Northeast Philly’s Frankford High School, which was already closed due to asbestos, will likely not re-open for the next school year either. In a letter, the School District of Philadelphia said the asbestos damage is widespread, and that officials are searching for an alternate location for in-person learning. So far this year, six Philly schools have closed due to asbestos. [Inquirer 🔒]

💰 Buying a Home is Cheaper Than Renting in Philly

Philadelphia is one of four major U.S cities where it’s less expensive to own a home than to rent, according to a new report from the real estate company Redfin. As of March, Philly’s median monthly mortgage payment was $1,869, and the estimated monthly rental cost for similar properties was $2,000, giving homeowners a 6.6% discount. [PhillyVoice]

• Housing and community development reporter Aaron Moselle breaks down the battle between affordable housing and rising rents 🎧

🎣 Fishing Lesson | Thursday | 5:30 p.m.

Head to Lardner’s Point Park and learn to fish on the Delaware River. Supplies and basic instruction will be provided. [free, Tacony]

💃 Bailar en FDR | Friday | 7:30 p.m.

Loosen up your hips at FDR Park and learn to dance salsa and bachata. [free, South Philly]

📸 Photographers Walk | Saturday | 10 a.m.

Join photography enthusiast Krystle Griffin at the corner of 8th and South Street for a two hour photo walk to improve your skills and make new friends. Bring a camera or just your phone, and look out for inspiration. [free, South Philly]

What do the Grays Ferry, Fairmount, and Tioga neighborhoods have in common? Taney Street. But that name triggers a racist history. Neighbors have voted to rename the street after Caroline LeCount, who’s considered “Philly’s Rosa Parks” and fought to integrate the city’s streetcars in the 1860s.

Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Samaya Brown, a member of the Rename Taney Coalition, about the years-long fight to get the street renamed, and what's holding up the change.