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Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 am
Declaration & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
At The Launch Pad
Sister Cities Park
18th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hear ye, hear ye!
On June 11, 2026, International Day of Play, Philadelphia will be proclaimed the World’s First Playful Learning City, a historic distinction that invites residents and visitors alike to discover a new side of Philly where families learn, explore, and play together. This is a moment for the history books!
Speakers include:
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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker
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Michael Newmuis, Director, Philadelphia 2026
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El Shafiyq Asad Ali, Chief of Staff, on behalf of Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr.
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Cykhira Walton, Senior Policy Advisor, on behalf of Councilman Dr. Anthony A. Phillips
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Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO, Center City District
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Ashley Carter, Sr. Communications Manager, Visit Philadelphia
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Dr. Sarah Lytle, Executive Director, Playful Learning Landscapes
Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the launch of the Launch Pad with local preschoolers from Friends Child Care Center as they welcome families into this interactive Playful Learning hub featuring Philly-born “firsts” and inventions MADE BY KIDS! Created in honor of America’s 250th birthday, the Launch Pad was designed by FIFTEEN Architecture + Design with ideas gathered from children across Philadelphia and inspired by the revolving door, invented right here in Philly.
Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the launch of the Launch Pad with local preschoolers from Friends Child Care Center as they welcome families into this interactive Playful Learning hub featuring Philly-born “firsts” and inventions MADE BY KIDS!
Created in honor of America’s 250th birthday, the Launch Pad was designed by FIFTEEN Architecture + Design with ideas gathered from children across Philadelphia and inspired by the revolving door, invented right here in Philly.
Video and Photo: Derek Weston Fabrication Studio
FEATURING
Miss. Mary’s Reading Corner * Popsicles * Fun with Slinkies
Special guests: Ben Franklin and Gritty!
SHOWCASE
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