There are more than 400 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries in Philadelphia. They serve as safe spaces for people to learn, play, exercise, and get access to important services. However, about 90 percent of these facilities are in need of investment. Made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, Rebuild will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in improving these community facilities. Additionally, through its projects, Rebuild will: Promote diversity and economic inclusion Support minorities and women who work (or want to work) in the design and construction industries Engage with community members to leverage their knowledge, power, and expertise. Community feedback will inform the improvements that are made to facilities.
Join Rebuild Philadelphia for an immersive tour of three project sites across Philly to hear more about the three pillars of Rebuild and how this unique initiative is investing in Philadelphia’s public spaces. Rebuild’s investment model employs two project delivery methods: city-led (through traditional means) and “project-user” led, through partnerships with more than 20 non-profits with specific experience in project development and unique ties to the community. We’ll see an example of a project-led partnership at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s 8th & Diamond playground; an example of how the Rebuild Ready business-support program gives Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises tools to apply, compete for, and win government contracts; and an example of Rebuild’s commitment to community engagement at the Fishtown Pool.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Learn how this project is being connected to a pipeline of diverse businesses to support all city capital projects
- Understand the importance of in-depth community engagement, and identify ways to apply this in your own work
- Learn more about the unique project-user (non-profit) model for planning and building neighborhood infrastructure
