The Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia has long been regarded as one of the city’s most perilous roads, especially for pedestrians. In recent years, city officials have unified their vision for a more accessible and inviting space.
A decade ago, the conversation surrounding the redesign began in a seemingly ordinary meeting involving Mike Carroll and Kathryn Ott Lovell. Carroll, deputy managing director of the city’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, sketched an ambitious redesign, envisioning a pedestrian plaza replacing the car-heavy lanes separating Eakins Oval from the Art Museum.
In 2018, a tragic incident involving a cyclist on the Parkway further emphasized the need for change. This prompted Carroll to consider the design flaws that perpetuated danger for both bikers and pedestrians. Eakins Oval’s chaotic road dynamics, with its merging lanes and poorly positioned crosswalks, left pedestrians vulnerable in a space frequented by millions of visitors each year.
Harris Steinberg, an urban planner active in the redesign effort, succinctly expressed the core issue: crossing Eakins Oval often felt like taking one’s life in their hands. Shockingly, the Parkway is part of the city’s high-injury road network, and between 2018 and 2022, eight fatalities or serious injuries occurred in its short stretch. This stands in stark contrast to other less perilous areas of the city.
The once-grand Parkway has long been marred by designs favoring vehicular traffic over pedestrian safety. The Parkway’s layout, which forces walkers to navigate islands of traffic, and sidewalks that abruptly disappear, creates a disjointed walking experience reminiscent of navigating a highway rather than a grand boulevard. At the Art Museum steps, what should be a picturesque entry point to the city is marred by roadways that isolate the attractions from foot traffic.
Since Carroll’s initial sketch, the ambition to transform the Parkway has gained momentum, driven by recognition of its importance. The 0.8-mile stretch not only serves the local community but also attracts approximately 10 million visitors annually and has historical significance as a gathering space.
In 2021, the city took a significant step forward by selecting Design Workshop to envision the Parkway’s new iteration. This fall, the city is set to unveil “Parkway to Park,” a detailed proposal that will transform the current landscape, creating a pedestrian-friendly plaza between the Art Museum and Eakins Oval while converting vehicular lanes into green space and bike paths.
The new design foresees expanded green spaces that will double the tree canopy along the Parkway, adding much-needed natural beauty to the urban setting. Additionally, the city received a federal grant of $23 million to initiate the roadway redesign, which is projected to be the first step in a transformative project for one of Philadelphia’s most notable spaces.
Historically, the Parkway has been a mismanaged project. Planners first envisioned its construction over a century ago, with an ambitious plan to connect vital city points through a series of cultural institutions. However, as time progressed, evolving priorities shifted focus away from pedestrians and toward accommodating vehicles.
Efforts to address the Parkway’s layout have been made multiple times since, with proposals surfacing over the years advocating for a pedestrian-friendly environment. Despite these ideas, which often mirrored some of today’s suggestions, previous plans lacked the required political momentum and funding.
The momentum has shifted today, bolstered by a renewed focus on pedestrian infrastructure and a city government willing to invest in the community’s needs. Successful initiatives in the form of pop-up experiences, such as the Oval— which transformed parking lots into vibrant spaces— have demonstrated that reimagined public spaces can draw crowds and change perceptions of the Parkway.
As discussions progress regarding the Parkway’s future, groundwork is laid not just for immediate redesign but for a sustained vision that recognizes the pivotal role of greenspace in urban environments.
Nick Anderson, executive director of the Parkway Council, highlights the current conditions, describing Eakins Oval as not much more than a glorified traffic island. His organization aims to foster a park-like atmosphere which seamlessly connects the various attractions along the Parkway.
While the vision for connecting Eakins Oval and the Art Museum appears promising, challenges remain, including deteriorating infrastructure and funding constraints. Significant improvements will be needed to ensure the Parkway is both an enjoyable space for visitors and a secure environment for pedestrians.
Since the Parkway Council adopted a proactive approach to their mission, they have sought to prioritize cooperation and positivity, distancing themselves from past grievances. This shift resulted in a reinvigorated commitment to the Parkway’s future, focusing specifically on building community-oriented park spaces.
Crucially, Carroll’s proposed redesign is set to resolve long-standing transportation dilemmas without necessitating colossal infrastructure overhauls. This evolutionary approach focuses on changing the Parkway’s feel rather than eliminating vehicular access completely, ensuring the area functions well for both pedestrians and drivers.
The Parkway’s transformation will unfold over several years, with immediate plans centered on the connection of the Art Museum to Eakins Oval launching as soon as 2026. This initial development serves as a foundation for future expansions, promoting continuity for pedestrians and generating community support.
While the current funding landscape for the Parkway remains uncertain, the initial federal grant provides a secure start for immediate construction needs. City officials are committed to exploring further funding opportunities to support maintenance and enhancement for this largely untapped park space.
Management of the newly redesigned areas will require a robust revenue-increasing strategy. Choices remain limited, as current non-profit structures of ownership inhibit property tax initiatives commonly implemented elsewhere.
Through careful planning and a unified vision among stakeholders, the Parkway’s transformation could redefine urban park spaces in Philadelphia. Its future success hinges on the balance of preserving green space while accommodating both foot and vehicular traffic.
Despite the challenges ahead, officials remain optimistic about significantly shifting the perception of the Parkway—from a roadway overshadowing green areas to a thriving urban park blending nature into the cityscape beyond.
image source from：phillymag
