“It is not a field of a few acres of ground, but a cause, that we are defending…”

The great American revolutionary Thomas Paine authored that quote back in the 18th century, and he would probably be surprised (and rather confused) to learn that a skateboarding non-profit would take a similar stance on a public space named for him over 200 years later. We are speaking, of course, of the updated plans for Thomas Paine Plaza in the heart of Center City. While this area is familiar to many, with LOVE Park, Dilworth Park and the now-removed game pieces on Thomas Paine Plaza serving as a meeting grounds and crossroads for the entire region. But did you know that this very intersection was home to the first true street skating course in major skateboarding competitions? And did you know that the area still was still a mecca for the skating community until it was shut down this summer? Let’s walk through history a bit before getting to the grand plans ahead.

Ahh, Kerry Getz and Fugazi, just like the good ol’ days…but moving on (Shout out, Philly skate shop Nocturnal). The view today is not very inspiring, with an expanse of hardscaping at different elevations. But, thankfully, conceptual plans for the future of the plaza were just presented to the Art Commission for approval. After short-term proposals to green-up the space several years back, these new plans call for a permanent intervention that will add accessibility, seating, and landscaping, while still offering a spot to work on your crooked grinds. This is actually the second phase of the site improvements, with the first round consisting of infrastructure improvements underneath the plaza.

The renderings really help bring the plans to life, with the area looking almost unrecognizable with the addition of planting beds. Accessibility is the key here, allowing for an easy walk/roll into the space, eliminating many of the stairs that served as access points. Trees, grasses, and perennials will mix in a meadow-like manner, completely changed from the current dusty granite that lines the majority of the plaza. And, as promised, a space will remain open to skateboarding, with pavers installed in the large central plaza allowing for the continued use of the space. Skate Philly, a local non-profit, worked with the planning team from Ground Reconsidered, creating a thoughtful and culturally important space for the skating community. After all, skateboarding is not a crime. A walkthrough of the rough renderings reveals what’s coming in the years ahead.

This area needs to be accessible during both the day and night, so a lighting scheme was also presented to the commission. Utilizing a wide array of lighting fixtures, the goal is to create a space that is welcoming for all, no matter when they may stop by.

This project, which had its budget reduced by over half, from $20M to a total of $9M after a presentation earlier this year, was praised by the Art Commission. Ground Reconsidered was applauded for engaging multiple groups and presenting a concept that should absolutely change this area in short order. We aren’t sure when construction might commence, as more detailed plans would be required before things get started. We hope it’s soon though, as this trifecta of public spaces completes its turn to a green, welcoming area for all. Now please excuse us as we go practice our kickflips and re-read Common Sense.