PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia has moved up in the national ratings of city parks, according to the annual report by the Trust for Public Land, released Wednesday.
The improvement is the result of one big new park: Robert Borski Park, along old industrial land on the Delaware River in Bridesburg. It opened last July and instantly improved Philadelphians’ access to green space.
Now, according to Trust for Public Lands State Director Elizabeth Class-Moldonado, 97% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, up from 95%.
The park moves Philadelphia from 28th to 27th among the 100 largest cities overall, but it’s No. 3 for park amenities. It’s held back by the size of its parks — smaller than average — and spending, which is the lowest among the top scorers.
The Trust for Public Lands also published a report that found parks return $3 for every dollar invested.
Parks Commissioner Sue Slawson said communities around parks and “Friends of” parks groups add value that isn’t measured in money.
“Part of, I believe, the needle moving also are those volunteers that say yes, we love our parks and we’re going to make sure that they’re inviting, accessible, ready for community — all those things matter,” she said.
Philly also came in third for park amenities
Philly also came in third for park amenities
