"This will be the most attractive most user-friendly avenue in the world. It will be the Champs-Élysées without the McDonald's, Burger Kings and movie theaters," said Governor Ed Rendell.
To follow up on new landscaping at the Logan Square Fountain, gate renovations at The Rodin Museum and lighting improvements that have taken place over the past two years, the project announced today will have three main parts.
First, will be improvements to walkways including new sidewalks, curbs, benches and plantings.
"There will be one lane that will be taken out of traffic and be dedicated to walking, biking and parking," explained Michael DiBerardinis, the Parks and Recreation Commissioner.
The second part is a total renovation of the Sister Cities Plaza in front of the Basilica.
"On the plaza's south side a new fountain will include a globe and Philadelphia's 10 sister cities will be marked and on the north end there will be a children's discovery garden featuring a pond and rock climbing," described Mayor Michael Nutter.
Finally, the Horticulture Society will supervise landscaping renovations in front of and around the Rodin Museum.
The project is being funded by the city, the state, the Art Museum and three private foundations.
This phase of the parkway project is expected to be completed sometime in 2011. But officials say in the meantime signature parkway events, such as parades and 4th of July will go on as usual.
