An artist’s rendering of the reimagined Welsh Fountain Gardens in West Fairmount Park (see more renderings below).

The Fairmount Park Conservancy joined State Senator Vincent J. Hughes and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation today to announce a major $2.3 million state grant for the Welsh Fountain Gardens, which is located between Avenue of the Republic and Parkside Avenue across from the Please Touch Museum. Funded through the Commonwealth’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, the project aims to turn a long-dormant historic site into a safe, vibrant space for the community.

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There’s a chance for community members to have a say in improvement and redesign projects in two West Philly neighborhoods – Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

As you may have heard, the Friends of Clark Park are planning to rebuild the children’s playground near 43rd and Regent, as part of the multi-phase Clark Park Plan. Neighbors, families, and park-goers of all ages are invited to a Play Jam at the park this Saturday, April 11 (rain date: April 12), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to review design inspiration and make their voices heard. This event is the first opportunity for the broader public to engage with early design concepts and help shape Clark Park’s new playground.

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Starting this month, you can enjoy free music shows at some West Philly restaurants as part of Weeknights Live, a new program by the city’s Department of Commerce that aims to support local artists and neighborhood businesses.

Local artists will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the following Baltimore Avenue restaurants:

• Booker’s Restaurant & Bar (5021 Baltimore Ave)
• Carbon Copy (701 S. 50th St)
• Dahlak (4708 Baltimore Ave)
• Renata’s Kitchen (3940 Baltimore Ave)

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Spring is here and time to shop for plants for your garden, porch or patio. If you’re planning to shop locally, check out these opportunities, which include events for green thumbs.

• The annual University City Garden Club (UCGC) Spring Plant Sale is now live online through April 15. As always, the sale features a great selection of herbs, veggies, flowers, annuals, and perennials. The pick-up is scheduled for May 2nd in the neighborhood. To shop for plants online, click here. If you want to shop in person, UCGC will hold a plant sale at the Spruce Hill May Fair in Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, UCGC will host a Mother’s Day Pop-up Plant Sale on Sunday, May 10, from 1 – 5 p.m., at 519 Woodland Terrace near 40th and Woodland. For more information and other events, visit: https://ucgcshop.square.site/.

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One of West Philly’s biggest annual community events, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning in June.  Two Strolls will be held this summer – on Thursday, June 4 and Thursday, Sept. 3.

The event draws thousands of visitors each year to enjoy deals from participating local businesses and community vendors.

The Dollar Stroll is a great opportunity for local businesses and community vendors to sell food, beverages, and merchandise for some valuable exposure. The price levels vendors can offer are $1, $3, or $5.

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Photo by Andrew Gormley

West Philly singer-songwriter Gretchen Elise is sharing her story of rebuilding, recuperation, and gratitude. A car crashed into her home on S. 47th Street on Christmas Eve, which spawned a GoFundMe campaign to recoup losses and record a song called “Grateful Love.”

The Fox 29 clip of the hit and run went national. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

“The driver took out a tree, 4 cars, backed into our house, and fled,” Gretchen said. “We have not had any follow up from the police on our case and unfortunately with the time consuming process of repair, we haven’t had time to pursue it.”

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