PORT participated in an “Ideas Exchange” to envision transformative investments for the Centennial District of West Fairmount Park.  Rather than addressing the entire 540-acre site, the team proposed focusing efforts on a central concept: “The West Way.” This contemporary reimagining of the site’s historic 19th-century midway creates a cohesive framework, uniting the district’s three iconic cultural institutions—the Mann Center, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Please Touch Museum—through vibrant public spaces and improved connections.

Central to the design are three new gateways:

• The Nest: An eastern gateway featuring a public plaza, observation tower, bike-share facilities, and reimagined underpasses, creating a welcoming entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.
• The Stoop: A vibrant social hub near the Please Touch Museum with tree-lined pathways, a central fountain, and flexible event spaces, blending recreation with cultural activity.
• The Ring: A western gateway near the Mann Center, combining lawns for community and cultural events with boardwalks and enhanced wetlands.

The plan introduces multi-modal connectors, redesigned roadways, and a central circulation spine to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety while enhancing connectivity between park destinations. The ecological strategy integrates wet meadows, upland forests, and lowland wetlands, expanding biodiversity and strengthening the park’s environmental health.

Guided by an ambitious community engagement process, the proposal leverages “West Park Fest” events and partnerships with local organizations to ensure the planning process is inclusive, fun, and culturally resonant. The resulting framework balances near-term achievability with long-term transformative potential, setting a new standard for urban park design.