Protecting and Sustaining Society Hill's Historic Open Spaces
As part of a new master plan to protect Society Hill's distinctive identity, Viridian prepared recommendations for preserving the Philadelphia neighborhood's green spaces, and equipped residents with a toolkit for sustaining & enhancing its character.
"OK, but where should we plant trees?"
Philadelphia’s Society Hill is a historic neighborhood known for its open parcels and “greenways” that bisect blocks like beautifully landscaped alleyways. The first thing residents wanted to know was where to plant more trees. But the first thing they needed to know was how to care for what they already had. Despite Society Hill's prominence, there was little awareness of upkeep practices and responsibilities.
Our initial research included GIS data analysis, public records review, and stakeholder interviews to determine ownership of all green spaces, as well as an audit of existing conditions and maintenance practices. We found there was no formalized system for landscape maintenance, so we developed one to ensure that both new and existing trees receive proper care.
Society Hill Open Space Use & Care Chart.
Sample summary sheet for all Society Hill Open Spaces.
A strategy for long-term growth
To support the long-term sustainable care of these spaces, we developed a forward-thinking, data-driven toolkit of maps, charts, and tables for the Society Hill Civic Association and all residents. At the heart of the toolkit is the Open Space Custodian Inventory Grid, which synthesizes our research to provide a detailed overview of every open space in the district. It clearly identifies each space’s type, use, ownership, and maintenance responsibilities, while also offering instructions for ongoing care and recommendations for future improvements.
Viridian’s work in Society Hill will not only help the Civic Association protect its cultural landscapes but also position them as a national leader in the planning and preservation of historic open spaces.
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3868 Terrace St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128
215-482-7973
