Cobbs Creek Foundation breaks ground on TGR Learning Lab and revitalization of historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course
PHILADELPHIA – Members of the Cobbs Creek Foundation were joined by elected officials, educators, and supporters to celebrate the launch of the foundation’s revitalization of the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a project that will invest at least $100 million into restoring the course and transforming the property into a dynamic golf and education campus.
The groundbreaking marks the start of construction for the Cobbs Creek Campus. The initial phases of development will include building a reservoir and pumphouse, TGR Learning Lab and a driving range building.
The Cobbs Creek Foundation’s state-of-the-art, revitalized campus will include:
- An 18-hole championship course
- A 9-hole course
- A 2-tiered driving range
- A TGR Design short course
- A restaurant and clubhouse
- A TGR Learning Lab
“We are thrilled to begin the first phase of what will be a monumental and exciting project for the community and region,” said Jeff Shanahan, president and CEO of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “By breathing new life into this historic landmark, and returning it to the welcoming, inclusive space that it was when it opened more than a century ago, this will become a place that Philadelphians can enjoy for generations to come.”
Members of the Cobbs Creek Foundation were joined by community members, educators, and local officials including Mayor Jim Kenney, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Visitors Center Corporation – and former Parks and Recreation Commissioner – Kathryn Ott Lovell, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., Sen. Vincent Hughes and Rep. Morgan Cephas.
“A century ago, the Cobbs Creek Golf Course was one of the nation’s finest public courses, welcoming players of all backgrounds, ethnicities and skill levels,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “Today we are embracing that history while investing in the future. This project will return a storied public golf course to its rightful place as a community beacon, and in doing so uplift one of our city’s great sporting legacies and create jobs right here in Cobbs Creek.”
The groundbreaking also marks the start of construction on the TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek, a modern education center to be operated by TGR Foundation. The TGR Learning Lab will be the first operable building on the campus and will provide local youth with access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education as well as college access and career readiness programs.
The 30,000 square-foot TGR Learning Lab will provide opportunities for local students to learn, grow and realize their potential. Programs focused on academic enrichment and tutoring in math, reading and writing subjects will be provided for students in grades 1-4 at local elementary schools while students in grades 5-12 receive school day, after-school and summer programming onsite. Students at the TGR Learning Lab will have access to interactive, project-based classes that help them discover their passions, gain transferable skills and prepare them for careers aligned with their interests. The classes are designed to expose students to in-demand careers in STEM and beyond with subjects such as robotics, cyber security, artificial intelligence, design and more.
Additionally, TGR Design will build a short course to provide opportunities for community members to practice and learn the game. The TGR Learning Lab will provide golf programming to youth, building skills and providing exposure to careers in golf while developing core values.
“We are excited to serve more students in Philadelphia through the TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek,” said Cyndi Court, CEO, TGR Foundation. “Through our partnership with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, we will provide opportunities for students to learn, grow and prepare for their future.”
Construction of the TGR Learning Lab is expected to start in the fall of 2023. The upper Cobbs creek restoration, short course, driving range and new maintenance facility are expected to be completed in 2025, with the lower Cobbs creek restoration, clubhouse, Karakung Course and golf course slated for completion in 2026.
About Cobbs Creek Foundation
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2018 restore the Cobbs Creek Golf Course and to return the site to its status as one of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks. In partnership with local schools and community members, the Foundation’s mission is to create a state-of-the-art, economically sustainable golf and educational campus that provides opportunity for the youth of Philadelphia by serving their academic, athletic, and social-emotional needs. To learn more about the Cobbs Creek Foundation, visit www.cobbscreek.org.
About TGR Foundation, A Tiger Woods Charity
For more than 25 years, TGR Foundation has worked to create a world where opportunity is universal and potential is limitless. With an unwavering commitment to impact youth from under-resourced communities, its mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education. TGR Foundation helps students connect passion with purpose through signature programs focused on in-person project-based learning, skills development, college access, career preparation and educator professional development. For more information visit TGRFoundation.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
