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Welcoming hundreds of users daily, Guerin Recreation Center, 2201 S. 16th St., has developed a reputation as an athletic and creative haven, resulting in readers voting for the Newbold location as South Philly’s top recreation center.
“We have a good spot with an abundance of positive energy,” sixth-year leader Debbie Darroyo said. “That we draw so many people is great because we know they are doing constructive things.”
The Northeast Philly resident oversees numerous activities, including basketball, the most popular sport, and fitness classes. A former bus depot, the 1.8-acre space, which consists of a bocce court, a clubhouse and a gymnasium, also educates students by offering homework assistance and provides cultural knowledge through a Wolf Street mural.
“We’re also anticipating capital improvements and are hoping for more good news, too,” Darroyo said, adding Guerin’s involvement in a competition that will select a destination to receive an upgraded look.
Guerin, named for former Councilman Thomas Guerin, who died two years prior to its 1958 construction, has proven so popular that the administrator has needed to tell space seekers that she cannot accommodate their requests. Darroyo sees that chore as a testament to her quarters’ appeal.
“It feels terrific to win and to hear people appreciate Guerin because we owe our success to their interests in working toward their goals,” she said.
Murphy Recreation Center stayed fit in second, and FDR Park explored third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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