Philadelphia leaders focus on rec center safety following quintuple shooting
The Christy Rec Center, where five people were shot on Wednesday in West Philadelphia , sat empty on Thursday.
The center and its pool were both closed as police investigate the shooting and continue the search for suspects.
Investigators say the shooting may have been the result of a fight that had been broken up earlier. As police continue their investigation, city leaders double down on their efforts to make recreation centers safe spaces.
MORE | Children among 5 shot at rec center; Philly police release video of wanted suspects
"It's devastating," said Philadelphia's Chief of Public Safety Adam Geer in reaction to the shooting.
Geer spent much of Wednesday at the scene of the shooting. Four of the victims are children who range in age from 10 to 16.
A 32-year-old man who worked at the rec center was also hit. Geer spoke with him after the shooting.
"He was really just protecting, looking out for all those kids when really it went down," Geer said.
Police are still searching for a group of suspects seen in surveillance video. Investigators believe one of them is the shooter.
WATCH: Police release video of suspects wanted in rec center shooting
The group of people is seen approaching the recreation center at around 4 p.m. Seconds later, they can be seen running away.
It's the type of activity Philadelphia leaders hate to see anywhere, but especially at recreation centers, which the city relies on heavily as safe spaces in the summer months.
"In the summer hours into the evening is when we have more unfortunate incidents for our youth, so it's important that we have opportunities and options for them like these rec centers," said Geer.
"We've been, for the past four months, working with the administration and union affinities to figure out how we can make safety a priority in our rec centers," said Philadelphia City Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D - Dist 9).
Phillips is chair of the council's Committee on Parks and Recreation. He says the city has worked on securing rec centers, putting forth $4 million for new lighting outside of rec centers. The city has also worked with police to increase patrols.
"There are conversations with the city about increasing the level of high-quality security guards at our rec centers," Phillips said. "We're also looking to figure out how we can get more mentorship programs."
Dozens of kids and adults were in the pool at Christy Rec Center when the shooting happened. It was opening day for the pool, which city leaders say will reopen Friday.
"This is one of our cherished public spaces," said Geer.
As investigators work to solve the shooting, city leaders work to restore a feeling of safety at recreation centers.
"If you're going to go to a rec center, you have to feel safe," said Phillips.
Police urge anyone with information to call their anonymous tipline at 215-686-TIPS.
