Author: Colin Hennessy
On my walk from Center City Philadelphia to Penn this morning, I found myself noticing the increase in activity around the campus. As spring arrives, students are obviously outside much more–jogging, cycling, strolling or lounging with open books along Hill Field and the Quad.
As I was reminiscing about my own college days and the sudden joy that comes when the sun warms your walk to class, I was brought out of my day-dreaming by the sound of a jack-hammer. You see, in addition to the personal joys of spring, the warmer weather makes way for construction crews who are working on new buildings and parks. Projects that were once just architectural drawings are beginning to emerge from out of the muddy ground.
It’s no secret that Penn’s campus is constantly changing and evolving to meet the demands of teaching and learning. At the same time, plans are well underway for new and improved public spaces. What excites me most is the progress being made on the postal lands – the future home of Penn Park.
Penn Park will serve as a new gateway to University City connecting campus with Center City Philadelphia while also providing lush green space and updated recreation and outdoor activity spaces. Moreover, Penn Park will provide the area with increased storm water mitigation, a long-term plan for carbon reduction, smart land use planning, and increased green space – a sought after luxury at an urban university such as Penn.
Penn Park is one of many examples of how Penn is impacting the world, while starting at home in Philadelphia. I hope you’ll come back to campus soon to see everything that is happening on campus – and make sure to enjoy Penn Park and all it has to offer.
In another year, I imagine my walk to campus will again be transformed as this new initiative and others continue to grow and improve the already amazing campus at Penn.
Plans for Penn Park
Frankly Penn 