Friends of Clark Park Planning Pages

the newPark 'A' Redesign

A sustainable plan continuing the traditions of Clark Park 'A' (North of Chester Avenue).
A place to socialize, play, and relax with a canopy of shade trees and open space.
Clark Park, Section 'A' 2008
Sketch envisioning new plaza with unified westlawn in background.
View of Plaza with HMS School in background

Key Concepts of the New Design
Studio|BryanHanes explored three design alternatives with the Friends of Clark Park.  They drew upon many sources to understand existing conditions, uses, and issues.  These included their own experience as nieghbors, recent FoCP questionaire, previous work by the Planning Committee, arborist assesments, and even web posting by park users.  

The Planning Committee's recommendation was that the minimalist approach best reflected the spirit of Clark Park today and for the foreseeable future.  Based on the favorable response at the recent membership meeting and city officials, on August 20, 2008, the FoCP board officially endorsed the development of this design schematic.
"This is design with a little 'd' not a big 'D' "
-Lisa Hanes, Landscape Architect
Key Features
  • Simplification of path system while preserving its historic functions
  • Expanded lawn areas.
  • Plaza of gravel fines will help irrigate trees and reduce soil compaction.
  • 'Skin' of water reflects earliest Clark Park designs and connection to Mill Creek.
  • Storm water mitigation to be incorporated into street curbs.


More details soon. 
Check back for :
  • more illustrations and explanations.
  • Design Schedule.
  • Updates on the design development.
Design Schematic (right) reflects the revised third alternative presented at the general membership meeting.  Further refinements are to be expected as the design enters into the development stage.
Note: Trees with red + indicate new plantings.
 Alternate 3 (as revised into version 4)
To view image full size (1200 pixels wide), right click 'view image'.



Previous Information

Guidelines: Chronology:
Nov 15,2006 Initial S-C Schematic
Nov 26, 2006; FoCP Recommends Revisions to Path Program
Feb. 2007; Simone Collins responds with Alternate Program Scheme
Feb. 2007; FoCP Presents Example Design Schematic for Discussion
March 6, 2007; FoCP board approves Principles and diagrams along with a description of the desired functions of the plaza to provide direction to the designer.
April 5, 2007; At the PHS Partnership meeting April 5, we learned that the architect had not yet come up with a revised quote.
June 22, 2007;. The FoCP received a revised 'Concept Diagram' and estimate of Construction Cost. Drawing Dated 5/25/07.
July 4, 2007. Planning Committee prepares response to proposals.
Aug 9, 2007. FoCP receives revised path and planting diagrams.
Sept. 2007  Planning Committee requests more information.
Dec 5, 2007 Planning Committee finds the plan still does not meet key principles and advise it would not likely be well recieved in the community.
Dec 2007 FoCP Board offers to the UCD that it shoulod be determined if the designer can meet principles under the current arrangement.
Feb. 4. 2008 Reps from FoCP, UCD, PHS, Rec and designer meet.
Feb. 12 2008 Simone Collins offers a scheme based loosely on existing paths.
March 4, 2008 Reps from FoCP meet with UCD & designer to clarify how existing paths and trees should be retained, and spaces for activities developed and shown.
March 12, 2008 Community update at the General Membership Meeting.
April 7, 2008. FoCP is given Modified Diagram to approve.
April , 2008. Board has questions and sends diagrams to Planning Committee for recommendation.
April 28, 2008. PlanCom does not have confidence in the plan, or the landscape architect. Recommends the Board adopt a new strategy.
May 4, 2008. Board decides on a new direction, directly hiring local landscape architects familiar with the Park..
May 21, 2008. Board authorizes the President to hire Studio/Bryan Hanes..
June 14, 2008. Philadelphia Mayor Nutter & Pennsylvania DCNR Commissioner DiBerardinis announce matched grant for $450,000 to rehab Park 'A'.FoCP launches the Park 'A' Redesign Campaign(PARC)


Planning and Design Flow Chart
Process Flow Chart


Clark Park is between 43rd & 45th Streets, From Baltimore to Woodland Avenues, Phila. Pa.
It is slightly over 9 acres, with many shade trees, lawn areas, two playgrounds, two monuments, and a small basketball court.
 Administered by the Dept of Recreation


Friends of Clark Park main website here  www.ClarkPark.info 

E-mail the Planning Committee