Benjamin Franklin Parkway Action Plan

Over the past decade a great deal of work has been completed on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — improvements to pedestrian crossings, addition of bike lanes, and planting new street trees. In addition, new amenities, such as the Barnes, Rodin, and the pop-up playspace at 22nd have helped to activate the Parkway in new ways. Now is the time to think about the future. What is next for the Parkway?

Parks and Recreation will work with the PennPraxis, the Penn Project on Civic Engagement, and the community to develop some initial guiding principles for projects which can be actionable in the next few years and projects that help to improve/enhance connections to neighborhoods. The ideas that are generated out of this project will have a structure and core groups of leaders to help make them happen.

Four community meetings were held in July 2012. 

July 23rd at Second Pilgrim Baptist Church

854 North 15th Street

View the presentation from the July 23rd community meeting and view what your neighbors are thinking about the Parkway.

We have compiled the notes from the moderators of each small group session.  Click here to read what your neighbors discussed during the July 23rd community meeting.

July 24th at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

100 N. 20th Street – 5th Floor

View the presentation from the July 24th community meeting and view what your neighbors are thinking about the Parkway.

We have compiled the notes from the moderators of each small group session.  Click here to read what your neighbors discussed during the July 24th community meeting.

Trish Thompson, a resident of Logan Square, submitted this video highlighting cafes and life on streets around the world.

July 30th at Olivet Convenant Presbyterian Church

22nd and Mt. Vernon Street

View the presentation from the July 30th community meeting and view what your neighbors are thinking about the Parkway.

We have compiled the notes from the moderators of each small group session.  Click here to read what your neighbors discussed during the July 30th community meeting. 

July 31st at Next American City Storefront

2816 West Girard Avenue

View the presentation from the July 31st community meeting and view what your neighbors are thinking about the Parkway.

We have compiled the notes from the moderators of each small group session.  Click here to read what your neighbors discussed during the July 31st community meeting. 

In addition to being led by Parks & Recreation, City Planning Department, the Art Museum, PA Horticultural Society, and Center City District are also providing their leadership. These partners have proven records of collaboration to get projects done.

Do you have ideas for the Parkway?  Share them with us!  Complete this postcard and email it back to us by August 17th.  Our email address is praxis@design.upenn.edu.

Media Coverage:

PlanPhilly – July 23rd, July 25th, and July 31st

Flying Kite Media

Daily News

City Paper

Next American City

Inquirer

Newsworks – July 23rdJuly 30th

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