News & Events
News
Request for Qualifications: Community First Plan Artist
Read more
Request for Qualifications: Community Engagement Facilitator
Read more
What is the Community First Plan?
Read more
Pollinator Week!
Read more
Pollinator Bingo
Read more
Pedal Over to the Rail Park this May for National Bike Month! 🚲🌿
Read more
Environmental Justice Tour Recap
Read more
Grow With Us
Read more
Wrapping Up 2024: Read the Annual Report!
Read more
Seed the Future of the Rail Park through our End of Year Campaign
Read more
Press Releases
- August 21, 2025
GIANT Company and Keep PA Beautiful Award 37 Community Improvement Grants
The GIANT Company in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced the 37 recipients of its 2025 Healing the Planet grant program. A total of $119,022 in funding was awarded in support of native tree planting projects across Pennsylvania. “Every action, big or small, helps create a greener tomorrow,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and charitable giving, The GIANT Company. “This year’s Healing the Planet grant recipients are making a difference in their own local communities, planting more than 4,000 new trees throughout the Commonwealth.” The following Pennsylvania organizations are the recipients of a 2025 Healing the Planet grant from The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful: Abington Township Public Library, Abington Chester Housing Initiatives, Chester Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association, Edgemont ClearWater Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania, State College County of Bucks, Doylestown Darby Creek Valley Association (DCVA), Drexel Hill Delaware Valley University, Doylestown East Buffalo Township, Lewisburg Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Founding Forward, Valley Forge Friends of Churchville Nature Center, Churchville Friends of Johnston, Inc., Bethlehem Friends of the Rail Park, Philadelphia Friends of Wildwood Lake Nature Center, Inc., Harrisburg Haverford Township Civic Council, Havertown Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, Kempton Hollidaysburg Area School District, Hollidaysburg Honey Brook Community Library Inc., Honey Brook Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education, York Indiana Borough, Indiana Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Devon Juniata College, Huntingdon Lancaster County Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Lancaster Lycoming Audubon Society, Williamsport Manheim Township, Lancaster Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown Martins Jacoby Watershed Association, Bangor Newberry Township, Etters North Branch Land Trust, Dallas Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, Schwenksville Pottsville Area School District, Pottsville Red Lion Borough, Red Lion Springfield Township Delaware County, Springfield St. Thomas Church Whitemarsh, Fort Washington Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Philadelphia Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Nazareth Wildlife Information Center, Slatington Since 2021, the Healing the Planet grant program has awarded over $1.3 million to 178 recipients, empowering projects that connect communities with green spaces, protect and improve local waterways and water resources, prevent, reduce, and recover food waste, and support native tree planting and habitat restoration. “Native trees play a critical role in protecting local ecosystems. They support wildlife, reduce erosion, and require less maintenance to thrive. Tree planting efforts also help improve the appearance and safety of our communities, which can reduce littering and support long-term economic development. Each grant recipient is making a lasting impact in their community, from restoring green spaces to protecting water resources across Pennsylvania,” said Heidi Pedicone, director of programs at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We’re proud to invest in these initiatives and are grateful for our partnership with The GIANT Company.”
Read more
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Knight Foundation Press Release
New Investment Puts Neighbors at the Center of the Rail Park’s Community Development Plans PHILADELPHIA — Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is excited to announce an expanded partnership with the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation through a $500,000 grant to launch the Rail Park's new Community First Plan (CFP). With Knight Foundation’s support, the CFP will strengthen connections among stakeholders committed to resident-led development and the long-term activation of public spaces for small businesses, education, recreation, creativity, and greening. “Friends of the Rail Park is grateful to Knight Foundation for their support in developing strategies that connect the Rail Park to broader community and neighborhood development goals and allow FRP to ensure that all have access to opportunities generated by the Rail Park,” says Rebecca Cordes Chan, Executive Director of FRP. “We look forward to maintaining and growing this collaborative partnership for years to come.” Through the CFP, residents and community organizations will collaborate with the Rail Park to develop actionable strategies that enhance overall well-being and economic mobility for individuals and small businesses surrounding the park. This comprehensive plan will prioritize the Rail Park’s effects on affordable housing, support small business activation, workforce development, and overall sustainability. Phase One of the Rail Park opened in 2018 and work continues to fulfill the full vision for the park consisting of three unique sections: The Viaduct, The Cut, and The Tunnel. The completed project will reach from Northern Liberties to Brewerytown, a continuous greenway, filled with pathways and plants, that connects 10+ neighborhoods over a three-mile stretch of abandoned railroad tracks. “The Rail Park is a powerful connector—linking 10 neighborhoods to opportunity and growth,” said John Churchill, Philadelphia Program Director at Knight Foundation. "The Community First Plan is key to centering residents’ needs and strengthening the park’s role in advancing, economic mobility, neighborhood vitality, and community health." The CFP’s work builds off the comprehensive visioning feasibility study in 2023 that unveiled a blueprint for a green oasis twice the size of New York City’s High Line. FRP will collaborate closely with community stakeholders, development experts, and representatives from more than 10 neighborhoods surrounding the park site to ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. FRP is seeking consultants … Furthering their dedication and commitment to collaboration, FRP has issued a Request for Proposals. They are seeking consultants to create a Rail Park Community First Plan to link developments of the park to broader community and neighborhood development goals that continue building towards a shared vision for the Rail Park. Click here. ### Friends of the Rail Park Friends of the Rail Park is a 501(c)(3) organization responsible for stewarding the 3-Mile Vision of The Rail Park, a linear park built on historic rail lines traversing 10+ neighborhoods in Philadelphia, connecting residents to the city and each other. It is a part of the Highline Network, which supports a community of infrastructure reuse projects and the people who are helping them come to life in creating vibrant and equitable public spaces.
Read more
- Tuesday, October 04, 2022
Friends of the Rail Park to Host Tour Series During DesignPhiladelphia Festival
The Area in Focus Tours will highlight each section of the Three Mile Vision for the Rail Park PHILADELPHIA — For the second year in a row, Friends of the Rail Park, the organization advocating for the Three Mile Vision for the Rail Park, has announced that they will be hosting a series of “Area in Focus” tours during the DesignPhiladelphia Festival on October 15 and 16. Each one and a half to two hour tour will focus on a section of the Rail Park Vision, highlighting the sites' potential to become a public space connecting Philadelphians to nature and each other. Attendees will participate in visioning activities and have the opportunity to provide their input on the Three Mile Vision for the Rail Park. The organization will welcome special guests Bryan Hanes, Principal at Studio Bryan Hanes, and James Fennell, President of Friends of Matthias Baldwin Park, to share their expertise in park and public space design and historic preservation. “At Friends of the Rail Park, we’re constantly getting questions about the fate of the Rail Park project and when it will expand. We want people to know that this project is alive and well, and we’re forging ahead toward crafting a collaborative vision for Phase Two,” said Rebecca Cordes Chan, Executive Director of Friends of the Rail Park. “These tours will give the public an opportunity to see the sites, learn about their history and potential, and share their own hopes and dreams for each section of the park.” The Area in Focus Tours are free with a suggested donation of $10 per tour. Registration is open to all members of the public, but is limited in capacity. Individuals who are interested in attending can learn more and register online. ### Friends of the Rail Park Founded in 2010 after years of advocacy by a committed group of community members, Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is the non-profit organization that drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into the Rail Park. FRP’s mission is to build bold, transformative, and inclusive public space that connects Philadelphia’s residents and visitors to the city and each other. Working in close partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, FRP is part of a growing international movement of infrastructure reuse projects, supporting community development and transforming cities in the process. The Rail Park is a vision for a three-mile linear park and multi-use pathway connecting 10 distinct Philadelphia neighborhoods and 50+ city blocks along the site of former historic Reading and Pennsylvania Railroad lines. The above and below grade site offers an opportunity to create a world class public space driven by collaborating with communities from every corner of the city, building from existing cultural assets, promoting health and wellness, and advancing equitable access to the investment in this large-scale public works project, positioning the park as an integral part of comprehensive community development in Philadelphia. Open to the public since June 2018, Phase One of the Rail Park is a $13 million project transforming a quarter-mile section of the former Reading Railroad—which reaches from Broad and Noble streets up onto the elevated 1100 block of Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Serving as a stunning “proof of concept,” Phase One is a welcoming community greenspace, with pathways, low-maintenance perennial plantings, trees, seating, bench-style swings, local art, and elevated city views. The design preserves and restores much of the historic steel viaduct structure, while introducing materials of a similar industrial scale and character.
Read more
- Monday, May 23, 2022
First Annual Rail Park Block Party to Take Place June 11
Friends of the Rail Park will bring Noble Street alive with family friendly activities for a day of community connection. PHILADELPHIA — The first annual Rail Park Block Party will bring together more than 1,500 people throughout the day, from the 10+ neighborhoods that border the current and future park for a day of connection and celebration. During this free, family-friendly event, Noble Street and Phase One of the Rail Park will come alive with family-friendly activities, performances, and public displays. Plus, attendees will gain access to special pricing and offerings from neighborhood restaurants in celebration of the Block Party. Planned in collaboration with the Friends of the Rail Park’s Community Engagement and Partnerships Committee, the Rail Park Block Party will feature community organizations, a pop-up skatepark, hands-on activities and workshops, and a headlining performance by 7-piece brass band, SNACKTIME. People’s Paper Coop will also be premiering their multimedia installation, Liberation Journeys, which highlights the impact of the criminal justice system on women in Philadelphia, and celebrates their individual and collective journeys towards freedom. “We’re thrilled to offer free, family-friendly programming like the Rail Park Block Party that celebrates the neighborhoods and communities the Rail Park is a part of and will be a part of in the future” said Rebecca Cordes Chan, Executive Director, “the Block Party honors the unique history of Philadelphia while connecting people to the city and each other.” The proposed site of the Rail Park travels from Northern Liberties to Brewerytown. “We’re hosting the first annual Rail Park Block Party to bring each of these communities together for a day to celebrate and connect through arts, culture, and nature. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn something new, connect with neighbors, and dance together, surrounded by nature in the open air. We hope there’s a little something for everyone,” Chan added. Participants of the Block Party include Asian Arts Initiative, Sol Garden Studio, Friends of Mathias Baldwin Park, Skate the Foundry, and more. Attendees can the full event itinerary and register for the Block Party in advance on the Rail Park website. ### Friends of the Rail Park Founded in 2010 after years of advocacy by a committed group of community members, Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is the non-profit organization that drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into the Rail Park. FRP’s mission is to build bold, transformative, and inclusive public space that connects Philadelphia’s residents and visitors to the city and each other. Working in close partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, FRP is part of a growing international movement of infrastructure reuse projects, supporting community development and transforming cities in the process. The Rail Park is a vision for a three-mile linear park and multi-use pathway connecting 10 distinct Philadelphia neighborhoods and 50+ city blocks along the site of former historic Reading and Pennsylvania Railroad lines. The above and below grade site offers an opportunity to create a world class public space driven by collaborating with communities from every corner of the city, building from existing cultural assets, promoting health and wellness, and advancing equitable access to the investment in this large-scale public works project, positioning the park as an integral part of comprehensive community development in Philadelphia. Open to the public since June 2018, Phase One of the Rail Park is a $13 million project transforming a quarter-mile section of the former Reading Railroad—which reaches from Broad and Noble streets up onto the elevated 1100 block of Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Serving as a stunning “proof of concept,” Phase One is a welcoming community greenspace, with pathways, low-maintenance perennial plantings, trees, seating, bench-style swings, local art, and elevated city views. The design preserves and restores much of the historic steel viaduct structure, while introducing materials of a similar industrial scale and character.
Read more
- Monday, April 25, 2022
Friends of the Rail Park Announces Final Fridays Monthly Event Series
The free event series will bring live music and activities to the Rail Park on Friday evenings throughout the Summer. PHILADELPHIA — Friends of the Rail Park has announced their Final Fridays event series, taking place every last Friday of the month from May to September. The Final Fridays event series will bring local artists and organizations together for evenings at the Rail Park, featuring live music, hands-on activities, movie screenings, and more! All events will be free, family-friendly, and open to the public. The first event in the series will take place on May 27 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Rail Park, featuring poetry readings by People’s Paper Co-op Fellows and a cello performance by Aijee Evans. Attendees of Final Fridays events will also receive special discounted offerings from local restaurants and bars. People’s Paper Co-op will also be previewing their upcoming art installation, Liberation Journeys, which highlights the impact of the criminal justice system on women in Philadelphia, and celebrates their individual and collective journeys towards freedom. The completed multimedia installation will premiere at the Rail Park in June. “Every spring, we see the Rail Park fill up with new plant life, people, and all kinds of activity,” said Rebecca Cordes Chan, Executive Director. “We’re excited to bring Philadelphians of all ages together outdoors to experience arts, culture, and community connection through activities facilitated by local organizations and artists through the summer for the Final Fridays series”. The lineup for each Final Friday event will be announced at the beginning of the month. Attendees can learn more about the event series and register in advance for the May 27th event by visiting the Rail Park website. ### Friends of the Rail Park Founded in 2010 after years of advocacy by a committed group of community members, Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is the non-profit organization that drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into the Rail Park. FRP’s mission is to build bold, transformative, and inclusive public space that connects Philadelphia’s residents and visitors to the city and each other. Working in close partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, FRP is part of a growing international movement of infrastructure reuse projects, supporting community development and transforming cities in the process. The Rail Park is a vision for a three-mile linear park and multi-use pathway connecting 10 distinct Philadelphia neighborhoods and 50+ city blocks along the site of former historic Reading and Pennsylvania Railroad lines. The above and below grade site offers an opportunity to create a world class public space driven by collaborating with communities from every corner of the city, building from existing cultural assets, promoting health and wellness, and advancing equitable access to the investment in this large-scale public works project, positioning the park as an integral part of comprehensive community development in Philadelphia. Open to the public since June 2018, Phase One of the Rail Park is a $13 million project transforming a quarter-mile section of the former Reading Railroad—which reaches from Broad and Noble streets up onto the elevated 1100 block of Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Serving as a stunning “proof of concept,” Phase One is a welcoming community greenspace, with pathways, low-maintenance perennial plantings, trees, seating, bench-style swings, local art, and elevated city views. The design preserves and restores much of the historic steel viaduct structure, while introducing materials of a similar industrial scale and character.
Read more
- Wednesday, February 02, 2022
Friends of the Rail Park launches Time Capsule Initiative
With a $145,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Friends of the Rail Park’s Time Capsule Initiative encourages residents to submit their stories to a digital archive and story map. PHILADELPHIA — Friends of the Rail Park has launched the Rail Park Time Capsule, a digital archive and map that will visualize the stories, objects, spaces and places that sustain culture and hold historic value for the people that live, work, and play in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Rail Park’s Three Mile Vision. The Rail Park Time Capsule will highlight what Philadelphians love about their neighborhoods, capturing the diverse identities and perspectives in each of these neighborhoods as told by the people that live there. The Time Capsule will collect resident feedback about the plans for the Rail Park, which will help to shape the future expansion of the park. The Rail Park Time Capsule is supported by a $145,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation - part of the Foundation’s investment in work to address inequity in Philadelphia’s public spaces through the creation of digital tools that foster civic dialogue, attachment to place, and resident engagement in the design and programming of Philadelphia public spaces. A recent study from Knight Foundation and Gehl affirmed that public space projects that prioritize resident input and establish equitable access can help communities build connections and resiliency “To have a sense of belonging, to feel heard, and to have connection to other people is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic as people are physically isolated and have less opportunity for civic participation,” said Rebecca Cordes Chan, Executive Director of Friends of the Rail Park. “The Time Capsule is a platform for Philadelphians to document their neighborhood memories and stories on an interactive map, preserving their history and making the connection between everyday places and the collective attachments and hopes for the future held by the community,” she added. Residents and visitors can browse submissions and contribute their own online or at in person Rail Park events. “In Philadelphia, we invest in individuals and organizations that support the equitable development of engaging public spaces,” said Ellen Hwang, Knight Foundation’s Philadelphia program director. “The Rail Time Park Capsule is an innovative way to foster community engagement, bringing Philly’s rich history directly to our community, ultimately building a more informed Philadelphia.” “Technology is an essential tool for shaping communities,” said Lilian Coral, Knight Foundation’s director for national strategy and technology innovation. “The Rail Time Park Capsule leverages tech and data to hear directly from Philadelphians about what they love most about their neighborhood, which will help inform the future Rail Park’s master plan.” As Friends of the Rail Park advocates for the Rail Park’s expansion, the organization aims to utilize the Time Capsule to create a shared vision for the park that uplifts and preserves the physical and cultural assets that are important to residents in the adjacent neighborhoods: Brewerytown, Fairmount, Logan Square, Spring Garden, North Broad, Francisville, Poplar, Callowhill, Chinatown, Northern Liberties, and Center City. The Time Capsule Initiative will also help to inform the creation of an equitable development plan, by providing insight into the complex values and needs in the communities adjacent to the park. ### Friends of the Rail Park Founded in 2010 after years of advocacy by a committed group of community members, Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is the non-profit organization that drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into the Rail Park. FRP’s mission is to build bold, transformative, and inclusive public space that connects Philadelphia’s residents and visitors to the city and each other. Working in close partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, FRP is part of a growing international movement of infrastructure reuse projects, supporting community development and transforming cities in the process. The Rail Park is a vision for a three-mile linear park and multi-use pathway connecting 10 distinct Philadelphia neighborhoods and 50+ city blocks along the site of former historic Reading and Pennsylvania Railroad lines. The above and below grade site offers an opportunity to create a world class public space driven by collaborating with communities from every corner of the city, building from existing cultural assets, promoting health and wellness, and advancing equitable access to the investment in this large-scale public works project, positioning the park as an integral part of comprehensive community development in Philadelphia. Open to the public since June 2018, Phase One of the Rail Park is a $13 million project transforming a quarter-mile section of the former Reading Railroad—which reaches from Broad and Noble streets up onto the elevated 1100 block of Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Serving as a stunning “proof of concept,” Phase One is a welcoming community greenspace, with pathways, low-maintenance perennial plantings, trees, seating, bench-style swings, local art, and elevated city views. The design preserves and restores much of the historic steel viaduct structure, while introducing materials of a similar industrial scale and character.
Read more