Photo/Penn Praxis
by Emily Steinberg
The Mayor was talking about Green 2015: An Action Plan for the First 500 Acres, produced by Penn Praxis, which maps the creation of 500 acres of parkland, carved out of the city's numerous vacant lots and cement covered school yards, by 2015. Green 2015 is a stroke of genius. Philadelphia has no money for a major initiative like this at the present time, but working with State and Federal funding, dedicated to sustainability and green economics, the city will be able to make a major change in the quality of life for her citizens without breaking the bank.
Michael DiBerardinis, Director of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, commissioned Penn Praxis to create Green 2015. Diberardinis spoke spiritedly about the economic and health benefits the city would reap from Green 2015. Harris Steinberg, executive director of Penn Praxis, (and full disclosure, my brother) said that, among other things, the plan is about equity, "Every citizen should have a park within a ten minute walk of their home." He said the plan was a high impact, low cost solution, something we can all appreciate in these uncertain economic times.
It was an inspiring, feel good evening to be a Philadelphian. William Penn would be proud. His concept of Philadelphia as a Greene Country Towne is one step closer to being realized.
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