In 2013 Ground Reconsidered led a team to redesign the beloved Von Colln Memorial Park in line with the Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation’s More Park, Less Way initiative to transform the area around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into a destination and resource for those who reside near, visit and use the Parkway. On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, City officials, the design team, and children from a nearby summer camp met at Von Colln for a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting. After remarks from Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Rec, Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, Council President Darrell Clarke, and Councilman William Greenlee, the Von Colln family joined to cut the ribbon to mark the official re-opening of Von Colln. Just moments after the ribbon was cut, kids filled the new playground and sprayground in celebration. In addition to the new playground and sprayground, improvements to the site include new pedestrian lighting, sidewalks, improved safety surfaces, and updated public restrooms.

Ground Reconsidered would like to thank our client, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, our design team members Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Zimmerman Studios, and Morris Arboretum for helping bring the design to reality.

Learn more about the dedication ceremony from 6ABC Action News, KYW News Radio and Philly ChitChat.