the big green block
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Art/Gateway* New Sidewalk and Curb Blair Street Sidewalk Extension New Parking Area Sheets into Basins Stormwater Education Murals
In 2008, NKCDC, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) met with the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to identify a 20 acre site in Fishtown/ Kensington as a location to highlight sustainable infrastructure and education. The Big Green Block (BGB) represents the application of innovative green infrastructure improvements to a new LEED Platinum high school, an existing recreation center, and the public spaces in and around these two areas. This project acts as a gateway to comprehensive community revitalization: connecting fractured communities, increasing engagement, leadership and social capital, leveraging community assets, history and culture, and tying into city and regional strategies. This site furthered these goals by increasing part-
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Vegetated Infiltration Gardens Educational Signage* New Pathway Access to EL Station Improved Sports Field Stormwater Tree Trenches
nerships, establishing new resources, and expanding reach to new residents and communities. Education and partnership has been critical to the implementation and success of these infrastructure improvements. Each partner brings expertise, resources, and a creative approach to addressing the needs of the site. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, Mural Arts Program and NKCDC worked to develop a master plan for the block identifying more than 16 locations and $2,000,000 in green infrastructure actions.
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New Trees Improved Spray Park* Under-Court Stormwater Retention* Tot Playing Field* Dog Park*
Site improvements include infiltration gardens, stormwater tree trenches, water education murals, new play areas and greening. The site manages approximately 90% of its total stormwater. Phase II is expected to capture another 5%. Over the past 3 years, more than $46 million in green infrastructure improvements have been completed through the various partners. NKCDC's Sustainable 19125 program, the Mural Arts Program's interpretive murals, PWD's Green Ambassador program, Kensington CAPA's Green Team, and PHS all provide educational programming and awareness around the site which contribute to the community's understanding, protection, maintenance, and valuing of these public spaces.
partners-supporters-thanks
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Mural Arts Program, Department of Parks and Recreation, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia Water Department, Fishtown Athletic Club, William Penn Foundation, Kensington CAPA High School
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