On Wednesday, May 17, Ground Reconsidered was in King of Prussia for the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the initial segment of THE PARK—a new linear park created within the heart of the King of Prussia business park at 650 Park Avenue.

This initial segment is a demonstration project for the full linear park, currently in design. Once complete in late 2018/early 2019, THE PARK will transform the business park into a cohesive community for the businesses, residents, and visitors while bringing many new amenities to the area. Some amenities include multi-use sidewalks, lush landscaping, solar-powered pedestrian lighting, active workstations, recreational games, benches, movable tables and chairs, trash receptacles, seating walls, and plazas for gathering and respite. Phase Two will continue the linear park along First Avenue from American Avenue to Allendale Road.

THE PARK is a superb example of collaboration between KOP-BID (a private, not-for-profit business improvement district), Upper Merion Township, PennDOT, and 21 private property owners to create a public park utilizing access easements on private property. The demonstration park was funded, in part, by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority provided through Upper Merion Township and managed by KOP-BID, along with matching funds from Brandywine Realty Trust and KOP-BID. The next phase of the 2.6-mile linear park is expected to begin construction in 2018.