By: Libby Slaughter

I moved to Philadelphia two years ago from Charlottesville, Virginia. Since moving, one of the biggest differences I have come across is the lack of nature in Philadelphia compared to Charlottesville. While attending Temple University, I have realized that there is notably little green space in North Philly. My first few months of living in Philadelphia this became a really difficult adjustment. What reminded me most of home and helped improve my mental health was suddenly really difficult to find. Suddenly, what became my own search for nature in Philadelphia led to a discovery of the lack of green spaces, an issue that has long lasting effects on the residents and living conditions of the city.

Parks and Squares

The first park I discovered was the Philadelphia Rail Park. My friend Matthew and I took the subway to the High Line inspired park on Noble Street. We began our walk and took in the freshly planted trees and fresh air that surrounded us. Finally the calm and serenity of nature gave me a part of home. Sadly, this feeling did not last long. About five minutes into the walk, it ended. Matthew and I were met with a large sign that said “Want more? Donate!” We turned around and walked toward Center City, defeated.

Afterwards, Matthew and I checked out all the squares and small parks in Philadelphia. We saw Rittenhouse, Washington Park, and Logan Square. These squares were perfect places to picnic, people watch, or read a book alone. Each great little pockets of peace in the busy city.

Source: Flickr. Rittenhouse Square.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Later in the summer, my friends and I visited Wissahickon, a forest near the city. We spent the day hiking to the water and enjoying the fresh air. Once we reached the water, my friends and I lined up to swing along the rope swing off a nearby ledge. When it was my friend Savanna’s turn, she leaped from the ledge and fell in shallow water, breaking her ankle. After dialing 911, ENT’s came to pull her out. When they arrived, the first thing we were told was that the water was chemically dangerous, and that we should not have been swimming there in the first place.

Source: Adobe Stock. Wissahickon Valley Park.

Contaminated Water

After the Wissahickon incident, I found out that 90% of the water in the Wissahickon is treated sewage water. Run-off carries contaminants from the park that contain waste from pets visiting the park. In 2006, Merk, a pharmaceutical company in Chestnut Hill leaked potassium thiocyanate. This killed over a thousand fish in the Wissahickon and shut off drinking water in the city. The repercussions of this leak still affect the water at this park to this day and makes this water unsafe to swim in. Similarly, the Delaware River is also unswimmable due to city debris and construction materials along the waterfront.

Climate Change

Currently, climate scientists predict that by 2050, area waters in Philadelphia could rise by 19 inches, and possibly rise 4 feet by 2100. These climate changes affect low-income communities and communities of color more than others, specifically when it comes to flooding. Another major issue is the Urban Heat Island effect. This is when temperatures are significantly higher due the concrete infrastructure and lack of green space. This can lead to an increase in heat related illnesses. To reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, trees and other vegetation need to be planted.

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Schuylkill River and Manayunk Canal flooding after rain from Hurricane Ida. Photographer: Alejandro A. Alvarez

How This Problem Started

The history of the lack of green spaces in Philadelphia stems from redlining. In the 19th century, cities invested their money into white, high income neighborhoods. This included parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, white neighborhoods have 44 percent more parks than neighborhoods of color. The absence of these parks can lead to a 22 degree increase on hot days. This is detrimental to these communities because of the air pollution and making it a miserable environment to live in and socialize outside in.

What is Being Done to Help

In March of 2023, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department hired Philadalphia’s first forester to plan projects, build budgets, and oversee land. The department has planned to plant over 300,000 trees by 2025, titled the Philly Tree Plan. Philadelphia is working to implement the Green City, Clean Waters Act. This is a 25 year old plan that uses green infrastructure to help lower the volume of stormwater entering sewers around the city.

Green Spaces and Gentrification

While there are many benefits to adding green spaces to Philadelphia, there is also the fear and real possibility that this can lead to gentrification. Adding parks and greenery could lead to new residents choosing to live in low income areas because of the lower rent prices compared to other parts of the city. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is trying to make conscious efforts to add green spaces to neighborhoods that are not currently being developed. There is a way that the PHS is able to track where development will be in the following years, so that way they can work to add green spaces where residents don’t have to worry about rent prices increasing.