From Vision to Reality: Clark Park Approved for $1.4 million in Upgrades

West Philadelphia’s Clark Park is on the cusp of a number of new upgrades, and the community recently came together to celebrate major milestones for the park’s future. UCD’s Nate Hommel joined the Friends of Clark Park, State Rep. Rick Krajewski, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, staff from Senator Williams’ office, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson to mark this moment.

For the first time since 2006, the City has approved a plan to update Clark Park. Planned improvements include nature-based playgrounds, a permanent bathroom, and additional improvements in the coming years. The plan was developed with input from community meetings with the West Philly community and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.

Support for the project came from a combination of public and private funding. Since taking office, Councilmember Gauthier has directed $561,000 to the improvement of Clark Park, including $200,000 for the Plan. Rep. Krajewski, Senator Williams, and the Friends of Clark Park worked to secure a $500,000 RACP grant, and the William Penn Foundation contributed $313,000. Adding to the momentum, longtime neighbor Barry Grossbach, a founding member of the Friends more than 50 years ago, and his late husband, Mike Hardy, gave an incredibly generous $400,000 gift. Together, these commitments bring $1.4 million to the playground project, enough to cover all design and construction costs for the new playground, the first phase of the Clark Park Plan.

University City District has played a critical role in making these upgrades possible. Working with PAID, UCD managed the design process from start to finish, ensuring the plan reflected the needs of the Friends of Clark Park and the Department of Parks and Recreation stayed on budget. UCD also partnered with the Department of Health & Human Services to bring a Philly Phlush public restroom to the park, which will be maintained by the City and includes a baby changing table, an external handwashing station and hand sanitizer, free menstrual products, a sharps container, and free naloxone. Construction on the Philly Phlush is expected to be completed by early fall of 2025. UCD will continue its role in overseeing the playground design, holding the contracts for the winning design team once the RFP is released.

The celebration was held during a lively Saturday at Clark Park, with the farmers’ market and vendor market in full swing and hundreds of neighbors enjoying the space. These upgrades reflect investments in the community, ensuring Clark Park remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for all neighbors.