Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson approved a series of renovations to Ashburn Field in FDR Park on Monday, September 14, 2026. The approval was given despite the absence of required state permits, a procedural step normally needed for such projects. The work is intended to ready the field for the upcoming Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
The decision was made by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, which has moved forward with the upgrades to meet the demands of the high-profile sporting event. The department’s actions have been noted as occurring without the standard permitting process that state authorities typically require for construction or major alterations to public facilities.
Ashburn Field, located within the larger FDR Park complex in Philadelphia, is slated to receive improvements aimed at supporting the All-Star Game’s operational needs. The specific nature of the renovations has not been detailed beyond the intent to accommodate the event.
The timing of the approval aligns with the city’s preparations for the All-Star Game, an event that draws significant attention and attendance. The lack of state permits has been highlighted as a departure from usual regulatory compliance, though the department has proceeded with the project regardless.
City officials have not provided additional comment on the permitting issue. The focus remains on completing the field upgrades in time for the baseball showcase. The situation underscores the balance the Parks and Recreation Department is attempting to strike between meeting event requirements and adhering to state regulatory processes.
The MLB All-Star Game is scheduled to take place later this year, and the renovated Ashburn Field is expected to play a central role in the event’s execution.