Franklin Square Park to Receive $7.8M Remodel

Source: Jon Bilous / Getty

Center City Philadelphia is set to receive a major upgrade in Logan Square.

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. — the non-profit organization responsible for the renovation, funding, management, and operation of Franklin Square — announced Wednesday (Feb. 26), that they are adding new features, and upgrading long-time favorites to make visitors’ experience at the tourist landmark “more accessible, more comfortable, and more fun.”

“The seven and a half acres here is one of William Penn’s original five squares, and we are delighted to make sure that it’s welcoming to everybody,” said Cari Feiler Bender of Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

The non-profit organization announced renovations to the playground, as well as improvements in the following areas:

Playground makeover

Historic Philadelphia said the new playground will celebrate the “site’s cultural and historical significance while embracing the concept of nature-based play.” according to NBC.

“New opportunities for play will include new equipment,” said Lesly Attarian, VP of Development at Historic Philadelphia. “We’re going vertical with a new climbing tower, slides that are accessible to people with disabilities, swings, musical instruments, boulders to climb and explore, a zipline, and a water misting area for those hot summer Philly days.”

Upgraded lighting

Amy Needle, President and CEO at Historic Philadelphia, expressed that lighting fixtures will be updated to provide a brighter experience at Franklin Square.

“All of the existing lights in the Square will be upgraded to LED, which are more environmentally friendly and have a longer life span,” said Needle.

Visitors are expected to have increased visibility to enjoy activities during the evening hours.

Renovated restroom facilities

A new expanded restroom facility is in the works for Franklin Square, as it will be designed to have more stalls in both the women’s and men’s rooms. A separate gender-neutral family restroom will be installed as well.

Each restroom is also expected to feature a handicap-accessible stall and no touch water facets.

Lisa Deats, Historic Philadelphia Senior VP of Operations Wellness, believes that the Logan Square makeover is more than just enhancements, and aims to capture the essence of the area.

“This $2.2 million project is more than just a restroom upgrade. It’s a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience,” Deats said during a news conference. “The new facility will feature a beautiful design created to compliment the Franklin Square landscape.”

According to sources, temporary restrooms will be available while construction is being done.

Franklin Square PATCO Station upgrades

Needle also shared that the Franklin Square PATCO station is being “modernized with essential upgrades to improve accessibility and create a more welcoming traveling experience.”

The updated design will include earth-friendly glass and a green roof to blend with Franklin Square’s green space.

Franklin Square Park to Receive $7.8M Remodel from Historic Philadelphia Inc.  was originally published on ronernbphilly.staging.go.ione.nyc