PUBLIC SURVEY I

Planning Process Part 1 Launch & Discovery: Engagement

Distribution

Benjamin Franklin Parkway Survey I was conducted between July 17, 2022 and September 1, 2022. The survey was available both online and on paper by request. In addition to English, the survey was offered in 10 other languages. The project team notified the public of the opportunity to share needs and preferences through the survey using a variety of communication methods including: pocket cards with QR codes, street stencils, posters, signs, City of Philadelphia official communication by the Mayor’s Office for Public Engagement, and by attending and distributing materials during public events. The intent of the public survey was to refine the vision and goals for the project, gather input on the priorities for future uses of the Parkway, and to create public support.

Purpose

The purpose of the first public survey was to understand what the community would like to see on the Parkway in the future, how the Parkway could be more welcoming and engaging, what safety improvements should be prioritized, identify any concerns the community had about the project, and get the community engaged and excited. This information has since been used to inform parts 2 and 3 of the planning process in which strategies and visualizations of current thinking were developed.

Themes

Questions in Benjamin Franklin Parkway Survey I focused on themes of:

» Parkway usage: visiting or passing through

» Connections and transportation: preferred way to get to the Parkway

» Resilience: impacts of Parkway events, and pedestrian, bike and transit improvements

» Place-making and experience: desired activities and amenities

» Inclusivity and spatial equity: function and balance

» Parkway access: navigating between institutions, neighborhoods and open spaces

» Economic development and revenue generation: time of day/year, and frequency of use

Based on survey responses, five categories of user groups were identified. User groups are groups of people with similar needs or interests (respondents selected all categories which applied to them):

1. Those that visit Parkway more than once a year (for example to attend an event on the Parkway, use the Parkway for recreation, to go for a walk).

2. Those that work on the Parkway or immediately adjacent to the Parkway (within a 10 minute walk).

3. Those that live on the Parkway or immediately adjacent to the Parkway (within a 10 minute walk).

4. Those that pass through the Parkway (including driving, walking, biking, etc.) on the way to another place (for example, commuting to work in Center City).

5. Those that do not visit or use the Parkway or only visit or use the Parkway occasionally (once a year or less).