For the West Philadelphia community, Clark Park is a great resource. One of the few large green spaces in the area, the park serves as a community center where people can do everything from play basketball and walk their dogs to shop at farmers’ and flea markets.
That’s why we’re glad to learn that the north side of Clark Park — only a short walk from campus — will undergo renovations this summer. We believe the improvements will allow the park to continue its role as a community hub and to be more structurally sound.
Due to poor water drainage over the past few decades, proper water absorption at Clark Park has been problematic, making the park puddle-laden and muddy when it rains. The changes will improve drainage so the park can be more usable and weather resistant.
But the changes won’t just decrease Clark Park’s muddiness. The renovations will also make the park more beautiful and safe. Cracked pathways will be redone, and some walkways will be eliminated altogether to increase the amount of green space. Replacing concrete paths with gravel ones will also eliminate the health risks the current pavement poses to trees.
Clark Park has a lot to offer the city, and this fall the newly redone park will be even better at serving the area’s needs. When the renovations are complete, we hope Penn students who haven’t done so yet check out this economic, cultural and recreational nexus that helps keep Philadelphia vibrant.
