Block Party in a Box Program Boosts Summer Tradition in West Philadelphia

The Block Party in a Box also contains a block party diorama. Photo via Knight Foundation blog.

The People’s Emergency Center (PEC) assists West Philadelphia residents through a mix of community development, housing services and other health, educational and financial services. So why not help the community have a little fun?

PEC’s Block Party in a Box program offers residents a package of essential block party supplies. The 6-foot-square package contains a $150 gift card for food, a free moon bounce, popcorn machine rental, balloons, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, tote bags and the choice between a disc jockey, clown or photo booth.

The Knight Foundation developed the program and partnered with PEC to bring it to West Philadelphia. The 4000 block of Green Street, located in the Saunders Park neighborhood, was the first recipient. It held its block party during the weekend of July 4th.

“We developed this project to provide additional opportunities for neighbors to interact and exchange ideas on the vision they have for their community. It’s a simple and easily replicable way to plan events and engage with neighbors through the long-established and much-loved neighborhood block party,” wrote Kevin Musselman, manager of neighborhood and resource planning for PEC, in a post on the Knight Foundation blog.

Blocks must be located between 37th to 48th streets and Market Street and Girard/Mantua avenues to be eligible. They must also obtain a permit for the block party from the Streets Department, though PEC will reimburse the cost of the permit. The block party must be held between June 1 and October 31.

More information is available at PEC. Permits and applications for public events are available here.