Be a Part of the Progress

It is the mission of the Friends of Triangle Park (FOTP) to foster the acquisition of the site bounded by Christian, Passyunk, and Sixth streets in Bella Vista, for the purpose of creating a green and open space (Triangle Park) for the betterment of the neighborhood and the enjoyment of the residents.

Is this a City Park?

Not yet. To transform the triangle into a city park will require: Acquisition from the private owner, a fund for landscape and hardscape, and support from the neighborhood.

Who owns the Park?

Currently the land is privately owned. The owner has granted us access to begin creating a green public space. The acquisition will be by the City of Philadelphia and its designees, which may include the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Neighborhood Garden Trust or their nominees. We (FOTP) expect to have city funding during the 2009-10 time period.

Why is there a For Sale sign in the Park?

The private owner of the lot would like to sell the land. It is our mission as the Friends of Triangle Park to facilitate the purchase of the land by the city so that it becomes an official city park. As long as the city is an option for a potential buyer, the Friends of Triangle Park will move ahead with planting cleaning and beautifying the land.

Who are The Friends of Triangle Park?

We are a group of dedicated volunteers who want to turn a vacant lot into a green urban oasis and an asset to the City of Philadelphia. We currently have over 40 members on our mailing list and the number is ever increasing. You can read more about us on the Who We Are page.

Why can’t you construct a building on the lot?

The land was once an Amoco Gas Station. When the old tanks were brought out of the ground, it was found that one of the tanks had leaked. This contamination is very far below the surface,. Any plants that will go in the park will not have deep growing roots, and are not intended to be consumed.

Is the contaminated land safe for a park to be built?

Yes! Take a look at the environmental reports: Environmental Summary

What about using the space for a community garden?

Due to the deep lying contamination any plants that will go in the park will not have deep growing roots, and are not intended to be consumed. We believe that location and size of the site is best suited for a pedestrian green space that will link the Bella Vista and Queen Village Neighborhoods. We would like to refer those interested in community gardening to the Neighborhood Garden Association website to find other loctations in our area.

Why will the park be good for the neighborhood?

The park would mean the transformation of a barren lot into a beautiful oasis of green and color. This site is the location of the former Hight’s Auto Repair facility. It sits on the border of Queen Village and Bella Vista and is in proximity to Courtyard at Riverview.  This project has the support and endorsement of the PMBC, the City Councilman Frank DiCicco, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (RDA), and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Neighborhood Garden Trust, Bella Vista Town Watch (bvtw.org) and the Queen Village Neighborhood Association (QVNA.org).  It also enjoys the support of the entirety of three adjacent neighborhoods including Queen Village, Bella Vista and Courtyard at Riverview, just down the street at 5^th and Christian.

The immediate benefit will be to return an unused piece of property to a valued asset for neighbors and residents of the area.  The garden-like appearance will encourage all to view the area as a community asset and work to improve the appearance of all adjoining properties, a mix of mostly residential and some commercial including restaurants

What has been done so far?

For years the site has been a trash strewn vacant lot.  After removing fencing and repairing the sidewalk, the Friends of Triangle Park (FOTP) have worked for more than a year to clean, upgrade, maintain and improve the lot with volunteer time and our personal funds; no public money has been used. Check our events page for details on previous and future park events. 

When will you start creating the permanent park?

Currently the park is still privately owned. Upon acquisition, immediate fund raising will commence to provide the means necessary to grade and landscape the lot.

What could the park look like in the future?

The park is in its beginning phase, and we are currently working with all donated materials. Thank you to all that have aided in those donations! When the park is acquired, we can raise money to create a more permanent park with walkways and flowerbeds. Take a look at plans drafted by steering committee member Jeff Goldman.

How can I help?

First, you can sign up for our mailing list to keep up to date on news and events at friendsoftrianglepark.org. You can also spread the word to your friends and neighbors. Check our events page to see when we will be meeting or having a working day in the park. If you want to get even more involved, please write us a message (or a check) and we will let you know how you can help!

You can also send a letter of support by email to parkwebadmin@gmail.com. If you are not sure what to say in your support letter, we have a some suggestions on our Things to Consider page. You can also see examples of other support letters on our Community Response page.

Can I donate money to help with the park?

Very soon we will have an online donation feature added to our website. Until then, we would encourage you to help us with our clean up days and spreading the word in the community.

I have more questions, who can I contact?

Please send a message through our website and we will get an answer to you!