The Rail Park

We're live now with World Monuments Fund discussing the plan to restore the Bennerley Viaduct, as a part of a global movement to transform disused railway into trails for walking and cycling and to strengthen social ties, health and well-being. Bennerley Viaduct Friends Group

Happy Earth Day! Did you know that parks and open spaces not only make us happier and healthier, but they help mitigate the effects of climate change, too? Philadelphia is more likely to experience higher temperatures than areas outlying the city, due to the ‘Heat Island Effect’, which occurs in urban environments where there are many buildings, roads, and other infrastructure and not a lot of green space. Extreme heat and weather events cause energy demand (and utility pr...ices) to skyrocket, contribute to air and water pollution, and seriously impact our quality of life. We all know Philly in the summertime can be brutal. A study conducted by @drexeluniv University’s Engineers Without Borders students showed that in 2020, the area surrounding the Rail Park was 1.76 degrees fahrenheit cooler than a control block which had only 2.36% green space compared to the Rail Park’s block which had 16.67% green space. More parks are good for us and good for the environment! #earthday2021

Today, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced Friends of the Rail Park as one of nine recipients of funding for our work to create and utilize digital engagement tools to increase accessibility, visibility and enhanced community connection. Equitable, accessible public spaces are more important than ever. We’re proud to be part of a group of outstanding organizations working to bring innovation and accessibility to Philly’s public spaces. kf.org/phillypublicspacesblog

Join us this Saturday, April 10, for a community clean up! We'll be picking up litter and trash and beautifying the Rail Park neighborhood, before heading to Roy Pitz Barrel House for a post-clean-up beer.

We’ve got our eyes set on the future of the Rail Park: a three mile vision of linear park space and pathway, connecting 10+ Philly neighborhoods and 50 city blocks. This #GivingTuesday, consider making a donation that will help connect communities, inspire neighbors to meet, encourage health and wellness, provide space for programming and engagement with the arts, and increase access green space for Philadelphians and visitors alike. Your contribution will help us add even m...ore beauty and versatility to Phase One of the Rail Park, and will bring us closer to making the full vision for the Rail Park a reality. AND - Now through December 6, your donation will do double the good for the park. Thank you to our Board of Directors matching every donation up to $25,000! Head to https://therailpark.kindful.com/?campaign=1097533 to donate today!

We are #grateful for #community. We are grateful for the people that bring life, laughter, and so much love to the Rail Park. We are grateful for you! . What are you grateful for? Tell us below . A vision like the Rail Park is only made possible with community care. With support from community members like you, Friends of the Rail Park keeps the park blooming from season to season and our plans for future growth in motion. ... . With your support, we can continue to advance our mission of bringing the Rail Park to life. Get a head start on #GivingTuesday- Now through December 6, 2020, your gift goes even farther to make our vision a reality - our Board of Directors is matching every donation up to $25,000! See more

Winter is creeping up - but we’re not over the gorgeous fall hues yet! . Whatever the season, protect yourself and others from the spread of #COVID19 by maintaining 6 feet of distance, washing your hands often , and wearing a mask when you’re around others ! Click the link in our bio to read @cityofphiladelphia pandemic safety guidelines.

So excited to have been a stop along the route of @jennyholzerstudio #youvote city-wide installation. Get out and vote, Philly! YOU VOTE 2020 LED truck... Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 2020 Jenny Holzer, member Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Photo: Filip Wolak

Fall Blink and you might miss it . #phillyfoliage #phillyfall

MY FIGHT IS YOUR FIGHT: Check out the new billboard by Jenny Holzer and Rock the Vote, now up at the Rail Park! Don't forget that October 19 is the last day to register as a PA voter. Visit youvote.vote for more information.

Connect with nature and your city Phase 1 is open for exploration every day from 7 AM to 10 PM

Hey, Philly! Did you know that you can now vote early in Philly? This week, 7 sites opened up for Philadelphians to register to vote and request their mail-in ballot. You can fill it out, seal and submit it right there! Find the closest site to you: Mon-Thurs 11 AM to 6:30 PM... Fri-Sun 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Center City: City Hall, Room 140, 1400 JFK Blvd Far Northeast: George Washington High School, 10175 Bustleton Ave Northwest: Roxborough High School, 6498 Ridge Ave North: The Liacouras Center, 1775 N Broad St Southwest: Tilden Middle School, 6601 Elmwood Ave West: Overbrook Elementary, 2032 N 62nd St Upper North: Julia de Burgos Elementary, 401 W Lehigh Ave

Join us for Elder Hour, starting October 6! Every Tuesday from 8 AM to 10 AM, we ask that only seniors (ages 60 and up) use the park, to make space for our neighbors who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. We'll be on site passing out PPE and light refreshments. Face coverings and social distancing strongly encouraged. We hope to see you there!

Join us for FREE Virtual Yoga at The Rail Park with Roots2Rise this Sunday, August 23, at 10 AM. Stream at home or on your device from The Rail Park! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roots2rise-yoga-on-the-rail-pa

This event is happening in three days

We've teamed up with Roots2Rise to offer an eight week virtual yoga series starting tomorrow (July 19) at 10am. Register through Eventbrite and we'll send you the link bit.ly/2OBOIBG

Last month, we opened applications for the Tire Swing Fund, a microgrant opportunity to support socially distant neighborhood-driven programs and the artists and culture makers that make them happen. Today, we're happy to announce the inaugural class of Tire Swingers! Read about the projects on our website, and keep an eye out for these community building projects in the weeks ahead. https://www.therailpark.org/tire-swingers/

A message of solidarity from the Rail Park.

WE ARE HIRING!! Have a passion for green space? Love building community? Want to spend your days with us bringing the Rail Park to life? You could be our new Strategic Communications Manager! We value applicants who can power ongoing work around race and equity. Learn more and apply at therailpark.org/we-are-hiring-2 @ The Rail Park