Through the efforts of PHPC and its partner organizations, today others are also beginning to see this potential. PHPC and its partners are investing in the area and carrying out a number of exciting initiatives that will bring Parkside a host of new attractions, recreation facilities, commercial activity, housing, and jobs and services.

New Initiatives of PHPC

• Restoration of the Reunion Square area mansions for homeownership
• Re-landscaping of the area around Leidy Elementary School with revitalization of the residential corridor
• Coordination of the Centennial District, designing a grand boulevard along Fairmount Park, lined with pocket parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities
• New housing development on Leidy Avenue to revitalize this blighted but crucial arterial street
• Enhanced open space development
• Construction of new neighborhood facilities, including residential and commercial corridor renewal
• Leadership of the Negro Baseball League Monument Committee

Initiatives of PHPC Partner Organizations

• The Please Touch Museum is moving into Memorial Hall, with a planned total restoration of that building
• In conjunction with PHPC, the Philadelphia Zoo plans to develop a parking garage and new retail opportunities with a regional rail stop
• The Philadelphia School District is developing a new high school, with support from Microsoft
• A technology business center now operates in Parkside
• SEPTA recently restored the Route 15 trolley line along Girard Avenue

A Commitment to Planning

With all of these new initiatives either already underway or on the horizon, PHPC recognizes that these efforts must be undertaken in a coordinated fashion. In this pursuit, PHPC is developing a comprehensive neighborhood plan. This project includes physical plans—showing in detail how these various projects interrelate—and strategic planning—creating an intelligent method for future development, and connecting projects to specific funding sources. The comprehensive plan will ensure that the neighborhood’s development benefits the citizens of Parkside, and will guide the way for Parkside to reemerge as one of the city’s renowned neighborhoods.