Friends of Gorgas Park
Roxborough's Central Park
Founded in 1997 by lifelong Roxborough resident John Boyce, Friends of Gorgas Park undertook the task of bringing life back to the park through organized cleanups, new construction, and community action. With so many initiatives, the team sought financial assistance from local government and other nonprofit organizations, garnering grants in its first year.
"We were selected for a citywide partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the William Penn Foundation," Boyce said. "In addition to the $30,000 [from previous grants], we got technical assistance, and that started the renaissance of the park."
With funding and support from the City of Philadelphia, Friends of Gorgas Park was able to complete a variety of projects, including the construction of a new gazebo and renovations to the playground. In addition to the construction of new structures, the organization was able to advocate for the creation of their now award-winning gardens.
Note: The above descriptive information came from the Philadelphia Neighborhoods article below.
In The News
- Gorgas Park rocks out again, Times Herald, September 23, 2023.
- Roxborough: How Gorgas Park Brings a Community Together, Old and New, Philadelphia Neighborhoods, December 29, 2021.
Info
- Photos: @GorgasPark/photos