Hutch Gym opens doors to kids

When Glenn Bryan was growing up in West Philadelphia, there were almost no playgrounds or basketball courts for him to use. The University had facilities right around the corner, but they were open only to University faculty and staff. Bryan said that "the community having some kind of access to Penn" has been a topic of recent discussions between himself and community group leaders. Spruce Hill Community Association President Linda Blythe was enthusiastic about the plan. "It's great because the community doesn't really have any facilities to play on," she said. John Hamrick, assistant director of recreation for Hutch, said due to "limited space," children will be able to use "primarily just the basketball and volleyball courts." Although Hutch will open its facilities, the "supervision will be provided by the groups themselves," Bryan said. Hamrick said the community groups will rotate when they use the gym, so "everyone [will have] a little bit of an opportunity." –ABBY BESHKIN