Ralph Brooks Park
MTWB’s first project at Ralph Brooks Park was a multi-faceted neighborhood revitalization project with a focus on providing a safe, engaging space for youth and adults in Point Breeze, South Philadelphia. The rehabilitation and expansion of Ralph Brooks Park continues to serve as a catalyst and hub for neighborhood renewal and inter-generational engagement, both through the development process and ongoing use and stewardship of the park.
The rehabilitation of the existing park included improvements to the basketball court, tot lot, pedestrian access points, as well as the addition of a rain garden and subsurface green stormwater infrastructure in accordance with PWD’s Green Cities, Clean Waters initiative. Additionally, MTWB worked with city officials to convert seven other lots along the block to public use. These lots then became new community gardens as well as concessions, seating and storage space for the Ralph Brooks Park Community Basketball League. The site also features murals created by Steve “ESPO” Powers through the Mural Arts Program. The end result of the project is a network of recreational amenities inspired by the desires and needs of the community, working to promote athletics, safety, health, and the arts.
60%
This project had a 60% Women-owned business participation rate for construction.
7
additional vacant lots were brought into the project creating a new community garden, concessions space and seating.
300
Over 300 people come out weekly for the Ralph Brooks Basketball League every summer.
“Ralph Brooks Park is now a meeting place for all people, bringing life back into the community.”
-Tracey Anderson, Ralph Brooks Community Member & Founder of JusUs, Inc