Reimagining Philadelphia’s Social Transect as the People’s Parkway

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a hub for cultural institutions, large and small events, exercise, and social activities. However, it faces high traffic volumes and speeds, unused spaces, lack of pedestrian continuity, and other challenges that make it less walkable and attractive. The Parkway’s future legacy depends on celebrating and serving Philadelphia’s cultural richness and diversity while offering a high-functioning public space.

This workshop examines a large-scale planning effort, characterized by equitable design and inclusive outreach, to reimagine a Parkway that is free of social and environmental injustices and that heals, inspires, and serves all Philadelphians.

Explore social diversity along the Parkway and notice its various users — from youth to tourists to unhoused people. Focus on "co-creation" and how low- and high-tech outreach methods facilitate a planning effort that reaches everyone. Examples include engagement methods like “meetings-in-a-box,” mapping techniques using Safegraph data that help planners understand neighborhoods underserved by current programming, and social media campaigns. All contribute to a plan that reflects the dreams and aspirations of Philadelphians — youth and seniors, BIPOC and white, abled and disabled, advantaged and disadvantaged.