Philadelphia is an extremely diverse city. It’s filled with many Philly natives, as well as
many people who move here for school or work, and many travelers as well. Being filled with a
large diverse population of people, it can be hard for people to find a sense of community.
Outdoor spaces are one of those ways people can come together. From going outside and
having a picnic, to playing soccer there are many ways, and spaces for people to come
together. It gives us a reason to go out and meet new people, or even a place for them to clear
their minds. For some it can be hard to access these places and these resources. Or rather
some of the local parks in their neighborhood aren’t as well developed as the ones located in
Center City. Many neighborhoods lack trees and green spaces, whereas other ones around the
city are booming with them.
“How often did you go to parks growing up?”
A simple question to gauge how often people utilized parks, and outdoor spaces, and to
see how that may still apply to them today. Emily Siu, nineteen years old from the Drexel Hill
area had stated that she went to the park nearly everyday when she was growing up, “It was
something I looked forward to everyday.” Whereas twenty one year old Maura Donapel, from
Bridesburg had stated she went at least once a week.
“The Bridesburg Recreation Center has not changed since the day my Mom had me.”
Despite Trust for Public Land stating that 96% of Philadelphia residents live within a ten
minute walk to a public park, there are many other factors that go into how often people go to
visit a park.
There are numerous nonprofit organizations that work to help combat the issues that go
hand in hand with public green spaces. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is one of oldest
nonprofits that aims to help improve and protect public parks. Cari Feller Bender, one of the
main spokespeople for the organization has been a proud member for ten years. After spending
the Covid-19 Pandemic in Philadelphia she had learned one thing- That fresh air and being
outdoors is essential to people’s health. This realization further pushed her passion for this type
of work.
“We are so lucky because Mayor Parker has made it clear she wants to start clearing
more areas for green spaces,” said Bender, “Even the past few mayors we have had in the city
also made steps to achieve more green spaces.”
Aside from maintaining parks, The Conservancy also works to create new ones. Bender
brought up an upcoming project that is taking place in South Philadelphia. A 250 acre park, that
will cost 250 million dollars. Although the funding for this project may leave some citizens
confused, this is something that can change the lives of many. The Philadelphia Inquirer states
that much of the funding came through donations by other existing organizations, and the FPC
also brings up the fact that some of this funding came through city taxes.
Carri Feller Bender also brought up that The Fairmount Park Conservancy hosts many
different events to help build a community. From yoga in the park, to hiking trails, to even
themed events for different holidays.
“Aside from maintaining places that are for a community, we want to bring these people
together.” But for many people, they have never heard of The Fairmount Park Conservancy,
and the events that they host.
Rittenhouse Square is one of the busiest parks located in Center City Philadelphia. With
gathering thousands of visitors in a day, it is often considered the ‘living room’ of Philadelphia.
Sarah Thompsan was one of those thousands of visitors. With being born and raised in
Maryland, she was used to frequent visits to the park with her friends, family and pets. Once she
moved to Philadelphia for work she still continues to make frequent trips to outdoor spaces, not
just for her but her dog Max as well.
“This is my favorite place to clear my mind,” Thompsan began, “Whether I am here
alone, with him (gestures down to her dog) or even some of my friends I always have a good
time.”
Aside from the outdoors being a great place for social activity, it also has the ability to
impact one’s health. Molly Buford, a health expert and writer has spent years learning and
informing others of this topic. Even compiling a list of mental and physical benefits from
spending time outside.
“There is a huge decrease in mental distress and a huge increase in confidence.” stated
Buford, “This is something that is so needed in our youth.”
She has also been able to connect the outdoors to improvement in sleep, immune
systems and physical activity. In many of her works that are on Oak St. Health, she dives in on
how important it is to spend time outside, no matter one’s age.
Benjamin Stone, an older gentleman who has lived in Philadelphia for his entire life is
also a frequent visitor to Rittenhouse Square. Every time he makes a trip to the park, he always
has a different experience.
“Between the farmers markets, the street performers and all the dogs that come running
through here there is always something new…. That is why I come back to this park over and
over again.”
He further states that being outside is a great way to escape the city life. Not only is a
park like Rittenhouse Square accessible due to its location in the city center, but it is also pretty
secluded due to the trees that surround the park. “It feels like you’re in a place that isn’t
Philadelphia,” said Stone “It’s such a good way to clear my mind and relax.”
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