An artist’s rendering of an improved off-street trolley station planned by SEPTA.

SEPTA is working on a Trolley Modernization Project, a multi-year effort that includes the replacement of its entire fleet of trolleys with new, longer and more accessible light rail vehicles. The plan also includes the reconstruction of trolley stations to make the platforms more accessible, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A new trolley line will also be added in the Parkside area as part of this project.

Currently, SEPTA is gathering feedback from the community via an online survey. This short survey provides some additional information on the project and asks for your opinion on different elements, such as the design of the new vehicles and stations, trolley service, and more.

For more information about this project and to access the survey, go here.

Drexel Square

This summer, Drexel Square, a 1.3-acre community park that opened near 30th Street Station in 2019 as part of the Schuylkill Yards development project, is hosting a wide variety of free activities, open to the community. “Summer at the Square” series events range from free fitness classes, live music, meditation, art classes, food trucks and pop-ups, and more.

See the full list of happenings at Drexel Square here: https://schuylkillyards.com/whats-happening.

Schuylkill Yards is a $3.5 billion project, a partnership between Drexel University and Brandywine Trust, which will include eight high rises connected by green public spaces and retail when completed. More info is available here.

Kelly Pool is opening June 23 (Facebook photo).

The Philadelphia Department of Parks & Rec has released a schedule for the start of the 2022 public outdoor pool season. This year, the city will open 50 out of 63 operating outdoor pools, 10 more than last summer. It has been reported that Philadelphia is experiencing a lifeguard shortage. Pools will begin opening tomorrow, June 21.

Here’s the schedule for West Philly pools and O’Connor pool in Center City West:

Tuesday, June 21

• Mill Creek (743 N. 48th St., 19139) Continue Reading

Some major Juneteenth celebrations will be held in West Philly this Sunday. The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival is returning after the pandemic-related hiatus. The 2022 Juneteenth Parade participants will march along 52nd Street – from Jefferson to Pine. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and will conclude at Malcolm X Park where the festival will take place (from 12-8 p.m.).

The Juneteenth Parade will include non-profit organizations, youth groups and schools, local politicians, as well as dance and music groups. The festival at Malcolm X Park will feature music and dance performances, local merchants, food vendors, and more. Residents can also get tested and vaccinated against COVID. Continue Reading

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (archived photo).

The popular neighborhood event, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, will return Thursday, June 16 after a two-year hiatus.

This year, the event, organized by University City District (UCD), will feature $1, $3, and $5 deals from local businesses along Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 52nd. Over 25 local storefronts will participate, with additional community vendors, performers, and musicians providing entertainment and fun along the way.

Deals range from bites of tasty food and beverages offered by popular local businesses (Renata’s Kitchen, Dahlak Paradise, Mariposa Food Co-op, and more) to preview theatre tickets and merchandise offerings. Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.) will be offering plants and planters ranging from $1-$5, as well as merchandise and children’s books. Continue Reading

The 52nd Street business corridor will get improvements ahead of Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival, thanks to funding received as part of Wells Fargo’s “HOPE 2.0” initiative. The $250,000 in funding, presented to The Enterprise Center today, is a continuation of Wells Fargo’s “HOPE, USA” initiative, which pledged more than $1 million in support for the 52nd Street corridor ahead of the 2021 holiday shopping season and encouraged residents to shop local in support of small businesses.

The funding will be used for continued façade improvements and enhancements along the 52nd Street commercial corridor. This includes new signage, gates and doors, power washing and graffiti removal for a number of small businesses on the 300 block, as well as sidewalk repairs. New planters will be placed along the corridor, and street banners designed by local female-owned artist collective Hagopian Arts with the phrase “Never Lose Hope” will run from Market to Larchwood Street. Continue Reading