Not only does the College have gorgeous grounds, but it has a fantastic gymnasium with a nice hardwood floor (for basketball players out there). I coach basketball at a fancy private school, and our team was drooling over the gym at Girard College.

What's the student population like? How do kids apply and get in? Just curious.

Some day realtors will be selling houses in the "Girard College area." We'll know that area has come up in the world when houses at 8th & Girard are advertised as being in the "Girard College area."

LOL

You just know that this is right around the corner.

Could always check out their website.

http://www.girardcollege.com/

But seriously folks and those at Girard College, any possibility of outsiders, thinking of neighborhood kids specifically, being allowed to use the facility for sports?

I remember playing a high school soccer game there. At the time, I couldn't figure out why a high school team was playing a "college" team. Can't remenber much more except it was like entering the grounds of the Naval Academy.

Funny you should mention the Naval Academy, since the recent film "Annapolis" (which must have tanked fast, since I don't remember it being in theaters at all) was in fact filmed partially at GC & GC was supposed to be doubling for the Naval Academy.

As for outsiders coming in to use the facilities, unlikely. The whole point of the walled GC campus is to provide a safe, protected environment for the kids who live and go to school there. They do let visitors in, but only in a controlled fashion. I don't see them letting bunches of people in to use the athletic fields.

I agree, any access to and through the college would have to be controlled. There are legitimate safety and vandalism concerns.

But if these things could be worked out, it would be a great asset for the community – all surrounding communities. Get the kids off the street and into something beneficial. Maybe escorting kids in bunches and under adult supervision during scheduled times (practice, games, and general recreation) would be acceptable. Responsible supervision is the key.

What a shame to waste such a needed resource.

I think that the neighborhood associations should open a dialog with the college about this.

I think even betteris fixing up the Recreation Center at 26th and Jefferson. The Brewerytown/Sharswood Civic Association has been trying to get money for that from the city and state. They want to reopen the pool and enclose it so that way the surrounding schools can also use the pool as part of their facilities. There are indoor courts there as well. There are also a large outside grassed lot a block away. Imagine having that whole area cleaned up and turned into a playing field. A two block large sports facility area for the whole neighborhood would be great. From soccer to football to basketball to swimming, etc.

I would think the Girard College idea would be a no go. It is a private institution that works off of endowments and part of it is keeping the kids inside separate from the negative surrounding influences. I would assume letting public in, even controlled, would be against their charter of some sorts.

It isn't a private institution's responsibility or obligation to provide such a service to the general public. The city has fallen down in its provision of such services. If you think it's a good idea to have more recreation opportunities in the area, let City Hall know.

I agree with you. It isn't a private institution's responsibility or obligation to provide such a service to the general public.

It would be nice if they voluntarily did this, however. I’d have no objection.

But let’s not give up this alternative knowing how long it will take the city to act, if at all.

Thanks for the information on your sites. I wasn't aware of their existence. Maybe, a couple of associations could get together to support it even if it isn't within its own boundaries but yet close enough to get to.