UPenn Teams up with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Invites Public to Discuss the Parkway
The international flag-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway not only represents the cultural heart of Philadelphia, but one of the earliest examples of urban renewal in the country.
Over the past year, three notable projects have opened along the mile-long boulevard: the restoration of the Rodin Museum, the creation of Sister Cities Park and the new Barnes Foundation. And yet, the Parkway itself is still in dire need of some dramatic enhancements.
That’s where the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Action Plan comes in.
The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, along with Penn Praxis and the Penn Project for Civic Engagement, are working together to establish this plan — one that includes input from the community.
As reported by Next American City, the partnership has “begun to work to transform the Parkway and turn into a regional attraction, rather than just another one of the city’s corridors.”
Over the next two weeks, Penn Project for Civic Engagement will hold four community meetings to gain input from Philadelphians about the projects and programs they wish to bring to life on the Parkway. Residents will be asked about how they currently use the Parkway, amenities they would like to see added, and what they view as potential barriers to their suggestions.
Registration opens to the general public between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the designated day, with meetings running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, July 23rd
Second Pilgrim Baptist Church
854 North 15th Street
Tuesday, July 24th
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Monday, July 30th
Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church
22nd and Mt. Vernon Streets
Tuesday, July 31st
Next American City
Storefront for Urban Innovation
2816 West Girard Avenue