Description
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.
