$280,000 in improvements — benches, lighting, repaving, more — coming to Girard Park
The city is poised to spend about $280,000 on upgrades to Girard Park, the leafy jewel at 21st and Ritner that surrounds the farmhouse of Revolutionary War War of 1812 financier Stephen Girard.
The plans include repaving 18,000 square feet of walkways, replacing 20 benches and updating the lighting throughout the park, according to the South Philly Review.
Says the paper:
During the renovations that he expects to be completed by the spring, [Michael DiBerardinis, the City’s Parks and Recreation commissioner], does not believe the park will close to the public — aside from portions of walkways when new cement is being poured. The start date has not been determined, as the department is still waiting on paperwork and design work to be completed.
Check out the full story here, including for some more info about all the community members who have championed the park in recent years.
Stephen Girard settled in Philadelphia around the time of the Revolution. While his residence was on Water street near present day Society Hill, the house located at 21st & Shunk Streets, in what is now Girard Park, was the site of his 500 acre working farm. Girard helped financed the War of 1812, not the Revolution.
We are very grateful to Councilman Johnson for his continued support of Girard Park and Girard Estate.
Thanks for the correction, Paul. I’ll update the story.
This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. The big tall trees are a big component of that… I wish the rest of the city valued the benefits of trees as well…