Miles Mack  Playground

Welcome to Miles Mack Playground 

Miles Mack Playground bears the name of a man who devoted his time and resources to the youth, families and friends of the Mantua community and surrounding neighborhoods.  The Playground is located on 36^th and Aspen Street in the West Philadelphia section of the city.  For decades this playground has been the foundation for many community endeavors.  During the Sixties and Seventies it was home to the world renowned Young Great Society Organization.  YGS was founded by the late Dr. Herman Wrice.  It consisted of youth leadership programs, football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and a host of other activities.  Due to its significance, YGS became a recognized structure/prototype for positively impacting youth.  It provided an outlet for thousands of youth during one of the most disadvantageous time in our cities history.  Positively impacting the youth ultimately has the capability to transform into improving the family.  YGS existed during the time the playground housed one of Philadelphia most recognizable structures (The Tee Pee).  The Tee Pee was a landmark in the city and was the locations for many camps, shelter and assemblies.    Post YGS Mr. Keith Robinson formed the Upward Bound Society.  This organization existed in the Eighties.  Mr. Robinson was a student of countless leaders of the Mantua community including his mother (Mrs Thomas).  He used his athletic and leadership gifts to motivate a group of young men on the football field.  Under his tenure his teams were able to top many organizations that existed for many years.  During the nineties and beyond there have been multiple individuals whom dedicated their time and energy at this much-loved playground.  Mr. Sal, Mr. Duckett, Mr. Mack and the list goes on.  After years of coaching Mr. Mack began hosting leagues in the nineties.  The league always included his teams known as “Ten Deep”.  The name represented a team that had no weaknesses.  Each player was good at what they did.  During the years he competed vigorously for titles.  In the new millennium the basketball league formed into the Xtra-Miles Developmental Basketball League.  This league hosted hundreds of participants each summer.  His friends and former players became daily volunteers and helped in any capacity available.  They all understood the magnitude of Mr. Macks Passion.  

Miles Mack was there for the kids.  He listened, fed them and provided words of encouragement when needed.