FDR Park, originally Olmstead Park, has a rich history dating back to the Philadelphia World’s Fair in 1926.
Renamed after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1955, the 348-acre park has faced struggles in the 21st century, grappling with underfunding, flooding, and deferred maintenance.
However, a new era of revitalization has begun with the Fairmount Park Conservancy unveiling the first phase of a major transformation plan.
This ambitious project aims for a complete reimagining of the park, fueled by about $250 million in funding and significant community involvement.
The recent grand opening of the Gateway Plaza marked a significant milestone, featuring the Anna C. Verna Playground and a $12 million Welcome Center to enhance visitor experience.
Recognizing the pressing realities of climate change, planners employed a comprehensive hydrology study to inform their efforts.
Tara Rasheed, senior director of capital projects at the Fairmount Park Conservancy, noted how all of South Philadelphia’s stormwater drains toward the park, making it vital to address the area’s ecological challenges.
“In 2019, we began looking at master planning opportunities in this park for a section of the city that is underserved in terms of public space and tree canopies,” Rasheed said, underscoring the park’s significance for community health.
Planners aim to create a destination that merges ecology, recreation, art, and design, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
The completed Gateway Phase introduces vital infrastructure, but two additional phases are on the horizon:
The Nature Phase will restore tidal wetlands and establish nature trails and playgrounds, with work already initiated and scheduled for completion in 2026.
The Picnic and Play Phase, to be finalized next year, will bring a fieldhouse, courts for basketball and tennis, and picnic areas for enhanced recreational opportunities.
One primary goal of this project is to balance ecology with recreational needs while combating climate change dangers.
The natural wetlands restoration is paired with strategies for maintaining higher ground, thereby reducing flooding risks while also creating shaded spaces for users during extreme heat.
Initial signs of success are promising; wildlife numbers are reportedly increasing in areas already redesigned.
In 2022, a pivotal decision was made to withdraw a proposed golf course project to preserve an additional 100 acres exclusively for nature.
Rasheed expressed enthusiasm for the collective efforts, highlighting, “This work is really special. There is no wetland of this size anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard.”
Despite potential setbacks, the initiative has garnered broad support, with funding sourced from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, state and federal resources, and philanthropic efforts led by the William Penn Foundation.
Additionally, the Philadelphia International Airport allocated $30 million to support the initiative due to its critical environmental significance.
“We have a unique opportunity to address diverse community needs, not only for local benefits but for the city at large,” Rasheed remarked.
With ongoing climate challenges, Rasheed highlighted the urgency of making hydrological changes to preserve the open public space.
Ensuring the park serves as a hub of biodiversity and recreation was a priority throughout the planning and engagement phases.
Ausra Mussett, planning and engagement project manager, explained how planning included substantial public input.
To ensure inclusivity, the park became accessible via the Broad Street Line, allowing those without vehicles to reach it easily.
The community engagement process involved over 3,000 participants, with surveys and workshops conducted in multiple languages to gather diverse feedback.
Key questions posed to the community included, “What is missing in these spaces?” and “What activities do you need to see here to make this serve?”
The input from residents provided critical insights into necessary features for the park, leading to plans for improved amenities, including:
Bathrooms, high-quality play spaces, food concessions, seating, and enhanced lighting.
Construction processes have experienced challenges, including unforeseen flooding in the park’s lakes during renovations.
Some community members expressed objections to changes in the previously maintained golf course area, dubbed “the meadows,” with various messages during construction expressing their sentiments.
However, local families have begun vocalizing their excitement over the redevelopment.
Jose Garcia, a Philadelphia native, shared that he visits the park with his daughters, Michelle and Esme, every Saturday and Tuesday, relishing the revitalized space.
“It’s nice to have a break from stress and just enjoy nature and watch the birds,” he remarked, highlighting the new shaded areas for respite.
Jasmine Rivera, along with her daughter Sianni, noted, “I started coming here recently when I learned about the Gateway Plaza opening.
I can’t stop coming by now because it has become a lovely space to enjoy.”
Minho and Ara Lee, locals with a long-standing affection for the park since their relocation from Korea in the late ‘60s, have also noticed the positive changes.
The couple appreciates the diverse birds returning to the park due to the introduction of native plant species.
Mussett emphasized the transformative nature of the redesign, describing it as a once-in-a-generation investment.
With the focus on enhancing ecological integrity and recreational opportunities, the vision for FDR Park has taken significant strides towards a sustainable future.
image source from：billypenn
