Plans and Partners
Amplifying a shared vision to ensure the Garden’s future.
At a time of transformational external investment in Southwest Philadelphia and along the Tidal Schuylkill riverfront, we’re partnering with local and regional leaders to establish community-driven, world-class opportunities for learning, creating, and sharing at Bartram’s Garden.
We know major change is coming to our neighborhood: new developments are bringing more than $500 million in external investment to this area, and climate change exerts a disproportionate impact on our community’s health and safety.
Our campus plan, approved by the Board in 2020, ensures that this backyard riverfront stays welcoming for everyone, especially neighbors who call Southwest Philadelphia home.
The campus plan’s implementation is guided by the Tending Common Ground Strategic Plan. Click to learn more about the strategic plan.
Upcoming Campus Investments
FloatLab
State-of-the-art floating classroom and art space with Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Ecosystems Education Center
The site’s first-ever dedicated classroom facilities, supporting more than 4,000 student visits annually.
Field Station & Welcome Center
A welcoming new riverfront space and improved recreational trail, including visitor amenities and spaces for public programming, research, and other gatherings.
Naming & Sponsorship Opportunities
Fundraising is ongoing to ensure these projects’ successful completion and sustainable programming inviting, free community assets. We look forward to discussing ways to showcase your sponsorship through naming opportunities and other benefits.
To learn more, contact Director of Development & Communications Caroline Winschel at cwinschel@bartramsgarden.org or 215 729 5281 x104.
Neighborhood Development
Major initiatives near the Garden’s borders and in our wider Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood.
Trolley Modernization & New Maintenance Hub
SEPTA’s plans to update public transportation, beginning with the new T5 trolley line, and create a new maintenance hub adjacent to the Garden.
Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge
Led by SRDC, a pedestrian- and bike-only connection to the Bartram’s Mile Trail.
Blossom at Bartram
The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s plan for redeveloping Bartram Village, immediately adjacent to Bartram’s Garden.
Concrete Cowboys Stable
With Parks & Recreation, a new stable for the Southwest Concrete Cowboys on the North Mile.
Lower Schuylkill Innovation Campus
PIDC’s development of new bioproduction facilities immediately north and south of the Garden.
The NESTT
Nature-focused pre-K led by Woodland Academy Child Development Center and Greater Philadelphia Health Action.
