STRAWBERRY MANSION (WPVI) -- A brand new, state of the art space is coming to life in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia.
It will be the city's 19th Police Athletic Center, a place where kids can play, learn, and grow in a free and safe environment.
"This is going to be the showpiece. We'll have a hardwood floor and this is where the kids will play basketball, both in-house and citywide leagues. We're gonna have a homework room and a game room," said PAL Executive Director, Ted Qualli.
This space is the old and shuttered LP Hill School, adjacent to Strawberry Mansion High School.
The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia (PAL) reached out to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) for a little help renovating the gym and they took on the project for free.
For the past several months they have been renovating this into a space where all of the neighborhood kids can study and play in their community. Local police say is an under served and they can really use it.
"We will be servicing thousands of kids in the community which is high crime, low income neighborhood. And the youth programming is greatly needed in this community because as we all know its all about cops helping kids. Our programs are fun, safe and free," said Lt. Evelyn Cintron, Philadelphia Police.
PAL tells the work BOMA has put into this space - for free - will exceed $300,000 dollars.
The organization currently services 19,000 kids citywide in its centers.
This will be number 19 and they are already working on a 20th.
The Police Athletic League tells Action New they expect to cut the ribbon and open the doors by the end of May.
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