Antiques Fair
Concerts
Volunteers
Louis Kahn, architect
Plants
Awards
You can help
A public park rebuilt by volunteers as
a memorial
to Louis I. Kahn, architect and neighbor
Pine & 11th Streets, Philadelphia, PA * In the heart of Antique Row
On less than one acre of land, Kahn Park is the only park-like open space between Washington Square and Broad Streets. Hundreds of neighbors either pass through the Park or pause there daily. For its size, Kahn Park is probably the most intensively used open space in the city. The Park is on the site of the old Greystone Luxury Hotel. When the hotel was demolished in 1970's, a "low-maintenance" park (termed "Concrete Park") was built in its stead. In a tribute to Louis Kahn, this park was entirely re-built into an early rendition of the current design.
The Park and its leadership have been in place for twenty-five years - originally as a part of the Washington Square - West Civic Association and now as an independent entity. Recent major improvements include new paving, benches, planting beds, and trees in 1996 and partial new electrical work and fountain renovations in 1998. The park maintains an active mailing list of approximately 400 residents, businesses and interested individuals -- most all of whom are in the immediate neighborhood. All of these have had an active association with the Park in the last six years through their financial support, volunteerism, participation at Park events, or specific expressions of interest.
Funding for operating expenses come solely from area neighbors, businesses, and from various fund raising and solicitation activities. No financial support comes from the City of Philadelphia or the Recreation Department. Whether planting the flowers or emptying the trash cans, trimming the trees or changing the light bulbs, managing the summer concert series or folding newsletters ... all is funded and managed by the Park volunteers.
Tax deductible donations to Kahn Park may be sent to:The Friends of Louis I. Kahn Park, Inc.
P.O. Box 1830
Philadelphia, PA 19105
Activities & Events:
Summer Concert Series. Five afternoon and evening concerts in the Park. The decade old program literally touches hundreds of diverse residents and businesses as area musicians play contemporary, classical and jazz music under the Park trees. The concert series works in close cooperation with area businesses that play an active part in supporting the events through their donations of food, time and related resources.
Antique & Craft Fair: This annual fund-raiser brings vendors from throughout the Delaware Valley to Kahn Park each year on the second Saturday in October. Although the event is a modest fund-raiser, the event is a key focal activity for the community each fall. Numerous businesses donate food, supplies and their time to the event; dozens of volunteers supervise tables and manage the less glamorous behind the scenes' activities. The event works in close coordination with the Sixth District Police who have become our partner with this and other events, as well as with other organizations such as Seiger Park and area churches who support some of the events' logistics. The Washington Square - West Civic Association, also provides advertising and related support.
Garden Tours: The Gardening co-chair's host tours of the garden beds as well as lead discussions on different planting materials and trees. These tours have taken place in conjunction with the summer concert series. Our Garden Staff (all in our Blue Kahn Park T-shirts) are a key link to the community since it is their presence in the Park that is seen by neighbors, businesses, and pedestrians passing through the park.
Gardens: The maintenance and beauty of Louis Kahn Park are our largest "activity." Volunteers from throughout the community and throughout the year work to plant and maintain the gardens, trees, bushes as well as the underlying Park infrastructure.
Mission statement:
- Preservation of Kahn Park as an irreplaceable community asset- Community outreach utilizing the Park as a vehicle to the neighborhood.
