Model Neighborhoods

The Philadelphia Water Department has partnered with Fairmount Park, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and local civic organizations on a new green initiative that manages stormwater while beautifying our city. The Model Neighborhoods Program showcases green infrastructure tools such as sidewalk planters, stormwater tree trenches and rain gardens, all of which slow down and soak up runoff, while also helping to improve air quality and create safer communities. Response to Model Neighborhoods has been overwhelmingly postitive, showing residents’ commitment to making Philly a greener city. Participating neighborhoods include Passyunk Square, Northern Liberties and Awbury/Clivedon, where entire blocks of residents signed a petition to green their streets. Information on the program is available at phillywatersheds.org.