Green spaces for all Philadelphians
Discover our commitment to creating a more livable and equitable Philadelphia through enhanced green spaces. We delve into urban planning, community engagement, and strategic development to connect residents with nature.
Advancing a livable and equitable city
Under the Philadelphia 2035 Comprehensive Plan's goal of “Thrive, Connect, and Renew,” the Sally Blagg Foundation has identified the importance of advancing a more livable and equitable city—one in which neighborhoods are supported by well-maintained, accessible public amenities and connected green-space systems. Despite significant investments in parks, trails, and green infrastructure over the past decade, access to nature remains uneven across Philadelphia.
Addressing disparities in green space access
Residents in Philadelphia's northern districts—Lower North, North, Lower Northwest, Upper Northwest, and Upper North—face persistent challenges related to mobility, safety, and proximity to high-quality public open space. While assets such as the Schuylkill River Trail and the Schuylkill River corridor serve as major recreational and ecological resources, their benefits are not equally distributed.
Our approach to equitable green space
This report examines how existing planning frameworks, community leadership, and institutional processes can better support equitable access to green space in historically underinvested neighborhoods. Specifically, it evaluates opportunities within the Philadelphia 2035 framework to reconnect residents to existing green space and to identify strategic locations for new investments in areas characterized by low mobility and past disinvestment.
- Policy and planning analysis
An evaluation of the opportunities and constraints within the Philadelphia 2035 planning framework.
- Community perspectives
Insights from interviews with key community leaders and stakeholders engaged in neighborhood-level planning and advocacy.
- Recommendations and reflection
Strategic recommendations for advancing equitable green space connectivity, along with reflections on governance, implementation, and long-term feasibility.
Collaborating for community impact
Our distinct approach is rooted in extensive community engagement. We interviewed 10 community partnerships, including City Government Philadelphia, Germantown United, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Schuylkill River Greenways, The Committee of Seventy, and Walk Around Philly. This direct involvement ensures our designs and recommendations are responsive to the real needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.
