Serving Philly Together: MLK Day of Service at Philadelphia Parks & Rec Sites

On Monday, January 19, 2026, join us in honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day through a Day of Service. This national holiday is dedicated to service, equity and community action.

Philadelphia is home to the oldest Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in the nation. For more than 31 years, over 80,000 volunteers annually have participated across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware during this holiday.

Join us for a signature event on Monday, January 19, 2026 at MLK Recreation Center.

• 2101 Cecil B Moore, 19121.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Registration is not required.

Connect with local employers, explore community resources, and learn about programs, designed to uplift and empower families. All are welcome, let's honor Dr.King's legacy through service, opportunity and unity. Presented in partnership with Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Urban League of Greater Philadelphia, NOMO Foundation, NET Centers.

Whatever your passions or interests, there's a Day of Service activity for you. You can help with:

• Food distribution and donation.
• Equitable information sessions.
• Philadelphia green space preservation.
• Voter registration.

Visit the Global Citizen website for information about Day of Service opportunities at Parks & Rec sites and beyond.

The following events on January 19, 2026 are opportunities hosted or sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation:

District 1

Tarken Recreation Center
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tarken Recreation Center-6250 Frontenac St., 19111.

Join Tarken Ice Rink and Recreation Center staff and fellow volunteers for a hands-on MLK Day of Service focused on caring for our shared community space. Volunteers will help clean indoor areas, organize storage rooms, and, weather permitting, pick up trash around the facility. This is a great opportunity to give back, take pride in our neighborhood rec center and ice rink, and honor Dr. King's legacy through service. Learn more and register on Global Citizen.

Fox Chase
10 a.m. to 1p.m.
Fox Chase Recreation Center-7901 Ridgeway St., 19111.

Join Fox Chase Recreation Center for a service project supporting the unhoused community. Volunteers and staff will assemble "blessing bags" filled with food, snacks, toiletries, and other essential items. Registration is not required.

Columbus Square Recreation Center
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Columbus Square Recreation Center-1200 Wharton St., 19147.

In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are honoring Dr. King's commitment to service by hosting a toiletry donation drive. Every donated item supports older adults in need and helps strengthen our community awareness. Toiletry Drive Drop offs by Friday, January 16, 2026. See more details on Global Citizens.

District 3

Finley Recreation Center
9 a.m. to Noon
Finley Recreation Center-7701 Mansfield Ave., 19150.

Join Finley Recreation Center with cleaning, both indoors and outdoors, and painting projects. Registration for captains starts at 8:30am. Register online at Global Citizen.

Mount Airy Playground
10a.m. to 1p.m.
Mount Airy Playground-7001 Germantown Ave, 19119.

Come join the Mt Airy Playground Advisory Council as volunteers to help clean up the athletic fields, playground and recreation center. Outdoor activities if the weather permits. Indoor activities if it is too cold or rainy. Learn more and register on Global Citizen

District 5

Hunting Park United - MLK Day of Service Community Clean Up
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hunting Park-900 W. Hunting Park, 19140.

Each year, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by bringing community partners, residents, and volunteers together in service. This clean-up is an opportunity to support neighborhood beautification, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate our shared commitment to the Hunting Park-East Tioga community. Additional details, including final meet-up location, will be shared closer to the event. Registration required through email [email protected].

District 10

Christy Rec Center in partnership with 18th Police District
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christy Recreation Center-728 S. 55th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19143.

Clean up one of West Philly's best recreation centers with staff! Learn more and register on Global Citizen.

Laura Sims Skate House in partnership with 18th Police District
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Laura Sims Skate House-300 S. Cobbs Creek Parkway, 19139.

Join the Laura Sims Skate House in partnership with the 18th Police District with the MLK Service Day improvement project. Registration is not required.

Tiffany Fletcher Recreation Center
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tiffany Fletcher Recreation Center-4700 Brown Street, 19139.

Join the Tiffany Fletcher Recreation Center with a MLK Service Day improvement project. Registration is not required.

Suffolk Park
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Suffolk Park -7553 Lindbergh Ave, 19153.

Join the Suffolk Park staff with a MLK Service Day improvement project. Registration is not required.

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for a day of giving back at the following sites:

• Meadow Lake in FDR Park from 9a.m. to noon.
• Walnut St & S 63rd St at Cobbs Creek Park from 10a.m. to noon.
• Discovery Center in East Fairmount Park from 9a.m. to 11a.m.

Registration is not required.