SquashSmarts’s Lenfest Center, the home of the Squash and Education Alliance program for the past fifteen years in North Philadelphia, has joined the US Squash Community Affiliate Network.
Constructed in 2007, the Lenfest Center houses eight squash courts, two educational learning centers, a study lounge, locker area, common areas, meeting rooms and staff offices. Founded in 2001, SquashSmarts is a free intensive out-of-school time program that has served thousands of Philadelphia youth.
As a part of the Community Affiliate model, the Lenfest Center will now expand programming to kids and adults of all ages.
“If there’s one thing twenty years of programs and the pandemic have taught us, it’s the importance of our neighbors,” said Stephen Gregg, Executive Director. “SquashSmarts’ mission is more effective when we focus on both our young people AND the families, households and neighborhood institutions.”
Last month, the Lenfest Center held its first community hit where parents, alumni and their children, students or siblings could jump on court.
“The programs SquashSmarts can now offer to kids and adults of all age at the Lenfest Center is building trust through a network of squash,” said Tate Miller, Community Program Director.
The SquashSmarts Lenfest Center becomes the seventh SEA facility location to join the Community Affiliate Network, alongside Chicago’s MetroSquash, Harlem’s SL Green StreetSquash Center, Portland Community Squash in Maine, Access Youth Academy in San Diego, Urban Squash Cleveland and Mission Squash in Houston.
No matter where you play squash–outdoor courts, universities, independent schools, SEA facilities, community centers, or commercial courts–if you are committed to building an inclusive community, learn more about joining the Community Affiliate Network.
