University City District’s Green City Works social venture landscaping crew has partnered with the Walnut Hill Community Association and local non-profit Do Moore Good to bring improvements to the Walnut Hill Playground located at 4700 Sansom Street. With a $75,000 investment from the Target Foundation, we began the first phase of construction this year. The Foundation has since given an additional $75,000 for the second phase of the project, set to begin in the near future.
Bookmark this page to keep up with the progress happening with the Walnut Hill Playground improvements. Here you’ll find renderings, survey results, and timely updates about the project.
We are thrilled to partner with community organizations and neighbors to help transform this beloved playground.
Project Background
After securing the funds from the Target Foundation, the next step was conducting a community survey to determine what changes and upgrades people would most like to see at this popular public space. Over 70 neighbors and park users responded to our survey to chime in on how they’d like to see the Walnut Hill Playground improved. The main insights from the survey include:
- The top ranked repairs to the existing playground equipment were: replacing the play surface (31%), updating the play equipment (24%), and seating (10%)
- The most important new features requested were: shade structures (46%), all-ages games like shuffleboard (20%), exercise stations (20%), and gaming tables (6%)
- Responses also suggested adding more swings, lighting, an imaginative play space, and even spray grounds as desired improvements.
Green City Works, in partnership with Walnut Hill Community Association and Do Moore Good, are working to respond directly to these priorities. The initial $75,000 investment from Target Foundation, intended to remediate safety concerns at the playground, was used to replace and grade the existing play surface with new rubber tiles. The second phase of improvements will introduce a thoughtful mix of furnishings designed to enhance the visitor experience, promote wellness, and foster multigenerational connection. These amenities include shade canopies, exercise stations, a chess table, and more.
Announcements and Upcoming Dates
(Updated 9/10/25)
Here are the next key dates in the life of this project:
- April 24th, 2025: The project attended the Walnut Hill Community Association Meeting to share project updates.
- April 28th, 2025: UCD and stakeholders held a groundbreaking event. Read more about it here.
- Early May, 2025: Construction on the first phase of the project will begin. The playground will be open for use during this phase.
- July 12: Community members came together for a volunteer day to help deconstruct the playground. This effort that came with exciting news: the Target Foundation is committing an additional $75,000 toward the renovations.
- October 4th: From 9-12 PM, community members are invited to a planting volunteer day! These efforts will kick off phase 2 of the playground renovations. RSVP
A rendering of what a new retaining wall with built-in seating could look like.
