Celebrating 125 Years of Play
For 125 years, we've brought joy and play to Philadelphia families. Smith, unlike other city playgrounds, is a nonprofit relying solely on grants and donations. That's why we have launched a special anniversary campaign to raise $2 million to secure our future. Your support is vital in continuing our legacy.
What will your donation support?
- Essential repairs to keep Smith safe
- Free educational programming
- Innovative and exciting ways to play, including a new zipline
- Smith’s legacy for another 125 years
For more information on how you can help Smith reach our goal between now and June 2025, contact Cheryl Carson at
cheryl@smithplayground.org or (215) 765-4325.
Committee Members
125th Anniversary Committee
Cheryl Carson
Nan Feyler
Anna Forrester
Sofia Ginzburg
Frances Hoover
Barbara Klock
Tia Mathisen
Kathy Ochroch
John Polk
Ashley Primis-Martin
125th Anniversary Advisory Committee
Hanley Bodek
Liz Cohen
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
Deb Valentine
Smith’s 125th Anniversary Time Capsule
Sealing Ceremony: Friday, November 1, 2025
To mark 125 years of play, Smith is creating a Time Capsule to be sealed at the Playground and opened in 2075. The capsule will include artwork, letters, and reflections from children, families, and community partners - capturing what life and play look like in 2025 and what they think it will look like in 2075.
In partnership with local schools, children will share their hopes for the future and memories of the past. The project celebrates Smith’s legacy and the power of play to connect generations.
To learn more about the Time Capsule project or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please inquire at timecapsule@smithplayground.org.
Join us on November 1 for a special ceremony to honor this milestone and the community voices shaping Smith’s next 50 years.