What is the Community First Plan?
Putting Community First: Making Public Space a Public Good at the Rail Park
It’s a big idea, but a simple truth: public spaces—parks, plazas, greenways, and gathering spots— are public assets that should serve everyone. These spaces should reflect the values, cultures, and needs of the communities around them. And most importantly, they should benefit those communities in real, tangible ways.
At the Rail Park, this belief is guiding how we grow.
Parks Offer So Much More Than Greenery
They’re economic engines that boost local businesses and increase property values. They’re places for exercise and mental wellness. They clean our air and cool our cities. And they create space for neighbors to connect, celebrate culture, and build community.
Parks are powerful, but only if their benefits are shared fairly.
The Problem: Not Everyone Gets the Same Slice of the Park Pie
Research shows that a person's access to parks, along with the quality of the park and its amenities, as well as the surrounding investment, varies widely by race, income, and zip code. Unfortunately, communities that could benefit most from great public space often get the smallest share of those benefits.
At the Rail Park, we’re asking a key question: As we grow, how do we make sure the people who live, work or go to school closest to the park also share in its benefits?
That’s where equitable development planning comes in.
Introducing the Community First Plan 🌱
We’re excited to embark on our Community First Plan—a vision and strategy to make sure the Rail Park’s growth uplifts everyone, starting with the neighborhoods next door.
This plan centers the voices of residents, local leaders, and community organizations to guide how the park evolves and make sure the Rail Park reflects the community, responds to real needs, and becomes a place where public space results in public good.
From affordable housing to cultural programming, job opportunities to accessibility, we want to explore what our communities need and how we can support those goals.
Let’s Grow Something Great, Together
We believe that the future of the Rail Park should be co-created with our community. That’s why we’re inviting YOU to help shape the Community First Plan.
We’re kicking things off with a public event at the Design Advocacy Group on August 14th and we want you to be a part of it. What does “public good” mean to you? What would make the Rail Park feel truly yours?
Our friends from 11th Street Bridge Park and the High Line Network will both be onstage with us as well, discussing their efforts and experiences in equitable development so that we can see what strategies have worked in other cities and determine what tools might work in Philadelphia.
Our DAG event is free! RSVP here and we’ll see you there!
🗓 Thursday, August 14th 5:30-7:00pm
📍 Center for Design Philadelphia – 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🍪 Light Refreshments will be served
