Revitalizing Urban Spaces and Communities
Rail Park (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia’s Rail Park provides one of the closest parallels to the Sixth Street Embankment project. Both originate from abandoned rail viaducts transformed into community-driven greenways.
Site Description
Built on the former Reading Railroad tracks, the Rail Park spans a 3-mile corridor with its first quarter-mile section opened in 2018. The design integrates steel beams, native trees, and seating, preserving the site’s rugged industrial texture.
Community Effect
The Rail Park revitalized a neighborhood once lacking in open space and brought renewed pride to residents. Its success stemmed from collaborative planning among citizens, nonprofits, and local government—a truly grassroots urban renewal effort.
Elements of Rail Park
The Rail Park proves that small-scale, people-powered projects can catalyze meaningful urban change. Re:space builds on this model, aiming to blend civic participation, heritage preservation, and environmental health in Jersey City’s renewal.
