A new green space will be constructed next to 30th Street Station to improve University City District.
Wednesday, the University City District will celebrate the opening of a new green space located just outside of 30th Street Station in an effort to welcome travelers to Philadelphia and provide a gathering place for the community.
UCD Communications Manager Mark Christman explained that the space will feature cafe-style seating, shade trees and farmer’s markets. Live performances and yoga classes will be held for public enjoyment on a regular basis, he added.
Christman said that UCD has focused on transforming this once “mundane” space into a more pleasant experience because “almost 2,000 people pass through it per hour.” 30th Street Station is “the second busiest train station in the country, as well as the gateway to Philadelphia.”
“The improved traffic patterns, expanded sidewalks with seating and plantings and future activities being planned here by the University City District will create a welcoming and vibrant public space for many to enjoy,” Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Services Anne Papageorge wrote in an email.
Plans were already moving forward to “elevate” the space when UCD saw an opportunity to take it a few steps further and make it “more friendly for pedestrians.”
The William Penn Foundation made generous donations to the project, which involved “fast-track construction” over only a few months.
Christman hopes that this green space will become a “destination in and of itself.” Within its half-acre bounds, it will provide seating for 200 people and “so much room beyond that.”
He expects that the Penn community will be affected by the space as many Penn students commute or pass through 30th Street Station on trips in to and out of Philadelphia.
Christman suggested that the new space might become a hangout spot for Penn students, as it is a place where students can enjoy a meal or do their homework.
College sophomore Thoba Grenville-Grey, a Greek Eco-Rep and member of the Penn Environmental Group, was pleased that “Philadelphia is taking the initiative to get green agendas out there.” Penn students “should be part of this effort,” he added.
“Despite the history of the space,” Christman projects that “it’s going to become a very hospitable environment” almost immediately.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.