How can I find help in maintaining a public space in North East Philadelphia?
Answer
Kathy, thank you so much for being such a good citizen who cares about her neighborhood!
In addition to talking to your neighbors, block captains and local civic groups, here are some suggestions:
Is your public space near a Philadelphia park? If so there may be a park friends group you can approach for help. Contact the Fairmount Park Conservancy --- they can tell you if there is a local park friends group near you.
You may get some ideas on where to find volunteers by reading the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation booklet Philadelphia Park Friends Toolkit. While your area is not a Philadelphia park, the booklet has some tips on how to find like-minded people to share the upkeep.
Contact the Mayor's office of Neighborhood Services Community Life Improvement Programs
This office works with groups who do clean ups and perhaps they can link you up with someone in your neighborhood.
Another suggestion: consult the online map of Tree Tender groups and look for one in your area. You may be able to work with Tree Tenders to plant the open space with trees (and if you are not a Tree Tender, perhaps you'd like to become one). See our Tree Tenders information page.