Kensington neighbors turn trash-filled lot into public garden
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- In the heart of Kensington, a street corner once covered in trash is now a treasure to behold.
The mission was to take the corner of Shelbourne and E. Willard Streets, which had become an illegal dumping site, and transform it into a public garden.
The project was made possible when Klean Kensington received a $17,000 'Revive and Thrive' grant, which was offered by a cohort of 4 organizations, Jefferson's Park in a Truck, Trash Academy, Circular Philadelphia, and Glitter, who themselves received a grant from the William Penn Foundation.
Local teens got involved in the effort as 'Park Ambassadors.' In this paid position, they act as stewards of the park, brainstorm activities to hold within it, and also get hands-on with the beautification process.
The project began in the Fall of 2025 by meeting with neighbors and Park Ambassadors and deciding what kind of park they wanted in their neighborhood.
Construction on the pollinator-themed garden started earlier this year and is near completion.
A grand opening will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
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For more information, watch the video above and visit the Revive and Thrive webpage.
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