In previous years, parents often waited in line for hours in hopes of securing a spot for their children on a first-come, first-served basis.
"It sounds fair, so like that sounds good, but on the other hand, it feels good to also put the effort in and give yourself an advantage," said Jane Durian of Northern Liberties.
The lottery has been introduced at five high-demand summer camp locations in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Kensington. The locations include: Fishtown Rec Center, Northern Liberties Rec Center, Schissler Rec Center, Towey Rec Center, and Hancock Playground.
"The system was formed to provide a fair and equitable solution to some of the issues we ran into last year with parents having to take off of work, waiting in line for camp opportunities," said Robert Jackson, deputy commissioner of programs for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Officials say the decision to implement the lottery came after returning camper numbers were finalized and the remaining capacity at those sites became clearer.
Jackson says his agency began advertising the lottery on social media and in recreation center display boxes on Friday. Entries opened Monday, with selections scheduled for Friday, March 5.
Some parents say they were unaware of the change but remain hopeful they can still secure a spot.
"It is by far the most affordable option, like anywhere around," said Mike Whitson of Port Richmond.
"For working parents, that camp is so important," Durian added.
Elsewhere in the city, officials say the summer camp registration process remains unchanged.
For families who do not secure a spot through the lottery, Parks and Recreation officials recommend considering other recreation centers across the city.
"We still have very much capacity at 95% of our cites, it's just this small pocket of rec centers affected," Jackson said.