Wright Rec Center

City Council District 3

Jan 1

Written By Alex Doty

3320 Haverford Ave
Philadelphia PA 19104

(215) 685-7686

Shaggy Hoffer, Rec Leader

This 3-room building has a gymnasium, multi-purpose spaces, and a computer room. Named in honor of James L. Wright. Located in the same facility with the Charles L. Durham Branch of the Free Library. Hydration station available. This site opened as the Mantua Recreation Center in 1978. That same year James Lee Wright, a former teacher, became the site's recreation director. Wright, who played as a forward for Overbrook High School, started a basketball program to provide area youth with a constructive outlet. For 25 years Wright dedicated himself to producing some of the most talented basketball players to emerge from Philly. After his death in 2004 the site was renamed in his honor to acknowledge his commitment and contributions to the Mantua area.