How Do You Make Green Infrastructure Fun? Soak It Up, Philly! Tries Its Hand

Throughout the city, the Philadelphia Water has been installing rain gardens, stormwater planters, stormwater tree trenches, and other green water infrastructures as part of its Green City, Clean Waters program. The 25-year plan, which was launched in 2011, is designed to make Philadelphia a greener city through the protection and enhancing of the watersheds through managing stormwater with innovative green infrastructure.

Soon, Philadelphia Water will be installing signs at green stormwater infrastructure features, including rain gardens, porous pavings, porous play surfaces and more, throughout the city. The permanent signs, which will be installed at 36 different sites in 18 neighborhoods, will explain how the infrastructure works, why it’s needed, and how people can find out more information.

The signs will also provide information and tips for those who want to help make the city greener, such as keeping your garden pesticide free and checking your car frequently for leaks to help keep our water clean as well.

The signs will be going up at the following locations in June, with more to follow next month

800 Block of Percy Street, Bella Vista

3rd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Northern Liberties

27th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Logan Square

The Big Green Block, 1800 Blair Street, East Kensington/Fishtown

Trenton Avenue and Norris Street, East Kensington

Julian Abele Park, 22nd St. at Montrose, SW Center City

Nebinger School, 601 Carpenter St., Bella Vista

Greenfield School, 2200 Chestnut St., Rittenhouse

Herron Playground, 250 Reed St., Pennsport

Queen Lane, between Fox Street and Henry Avenue, East Falls

Shepard Rec Center, 5700 Haverford Ave., Haddington

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., East Parkside

Bodine High School, 1101 N. 4th St., Northern Liberties

Longstreth William School, 5700 Willows Ave., Kingsessing

6000-6134 Lancaster Ave., Overbrook

Daroff Samuel School, 5630 Vine St., Haddington

Venice Island, Lock and Main streets, Manayunk

More information about the signs is available on Philadelphia Water’s blog.

Image via Philadelphia Water