The Rendell Family Fountain in Franklin Square in Philadelphia (Credit: Jeff Fusco for Historic Philadelphia Inc.)
Franklin Square is getting a facelift.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI) and its partners from the City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the William Penn Foundation made an announcement about five capital investment projects in and around the popular Center City green space.
Five projects, including a brand new playground, were announced by HPI on Wednesday, with the intention of enhancing safety, accessibility, and sustainability, while maintaining and elevating a vital public space.
Since Franklin Square’s complete renovation in 2006, HPI has continued to upgrade this Philadelphia treasure. Franklin Square is one of Philadelphia’s five original squares and vital greenspace for Philadelphia’s Old City, Callowhill, and Chinatown neighborhoods.
All improvements are expected to be completed by September, 2026.
“Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is proud to be investing in Franklin Square in ways that truly serve the diverse needs of the community,” Amy Needle, President and CEO of HPI said in a statement. “Franklin Square’s playground is more than just a place to play – it’s a critical resource for the surrounding neighborhoods and a bridge between history, culture, and fun. All of these projects stand as a testament to Historic Philadelphia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and accessible public space for Philadelphia.”
The projects include:
HPI has already begun construction of a new restroom building and storage facility. The new Franklin Square Restroom replaces the 49-year-old building, originally constructed during the city’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 and renovated in 2006. The new facility will offer modernized features designed to accommodate the Square’s 700,000 annual visitors.
Artist rendering of the new restrooms at Franklin Square. (Credit: Digsau)The new $2.2 million, 1,275-square-foot facility will include an increased number of toilets and sinks in the men’s and women’s restrooms, a gender-neutral/family restroom, and dedicated maintenance storage space. Updated plumbing and HVAC systems will accompany improved indoor and outdoor lighting to enhance safety, especially during evening hours.
Construction began in January. During construction, HPI is providing temporary restrooms located nearby. Scheduled for completion in spring, the Franklin Square Restroom was developed by design experts Digsau. General contractor PJ Dick is leading the construction and the project is being managed by Dan Bosin Associates. The Franklin Square Restroom was funded by William Penn Foundation, City of Philadelphia, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
New and improved lighting in Franklin Square will create more energy-efficient and brighter lighting throughout the Square, adding safety and increased visibility during evening and nighttime hours. The lighting will be upgraded to LED lights which are significantly more energy efficient compared to traditional bulbs, have a longer lifespan, minimize heat generation, and are more environmentally friendly. Funding for the lighting project, for a total of $250,000, is the result of money procured by Congressman Brendan Boyle, through the federal Community Project Fund.
The City of Philadelphia Streets Department announced a new project surrounding Franklin Square. The Franklin Square Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of drainage, curb, sidewalk, ADA ramp, and bike lane installation and improvements along Race Street between 6th and 8th Streets. The contract was awarded to Tony DePaul and Son for an amount of $1,881,455.60 and is being paid for with federal and city funding. The project is anticipated to be completed by end of May.
HPI's plans for the renovation of the Franklin Square Playground, would transform it into an enhanced hub for play, learning, and community connections. The project will include resurfacing, new engaging play equipment, landscaping, and thematic elements recognizing the legacy of Benjamin Franklin and the cultural heritage of Chinatown. With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the revamped playground will provide a safe, welcoming environment for families, local daycares and schools, becoming a destination for visitors from across the city.
Artist rendering of the renovated playground at Franklin Square. (Credit: Brian Haynes Studio)Franklin Square’s playground serves more than 100,000 individuals annually and acts as the play space for more than ten local daycares and afterschool programs. It is the only public green space and playground serving Philadelphia’s Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods, making it an essential gathering place for families, friends, and children.
HPI said the new playground will introduce innovative play opportunities inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s spirit of exploration and discovery, alongside elements that honor Chinatown’s Asian culture. Amenities will include opportunities for creative play, seating for caregivers, and features designed to ensure accessibility for individuals of all ages and physical and developmental abilities. Signage will be translated into Spanish and Mandarin to make the space even more welcoming.
A second rendering of the renovation of the playground area of Franklin Square. (Credit: Brian Haynes Studio)The new Franklin Square Playground will also encourage nature-based play that nurtures creativity, curiosity, social skills, and well-being. This concept is reflected in a design that incorporates a variety of play experiences with natural elements such as water, rocks, topography, trees, and shrubs. The project also includes traditional features that are crucial for a well-rounded play experience: swings, slides, tunnel slides, climbing nets, and zip lines. As a renowned inventor and namesake for the Square, Benjamin Franklin’s inventions and interests are creatively integrated into the playground. His love of music is reflected in the inclusion of stone musical instruments (lithophones), while his work in optics and the invention of bifocal glasses are represented through interactive optical features at the climbing tower with invisible panels, funhouse mirrors, animation panels, and a light kaleidoscope. The elements of the new playground also incllude:
The Franklin Square Playground was developed with play experts and educators from Playful Learning Landscapes. The Playground is designed by landscape architect Brian Haynes Studios and the project will be managed by Dan Bosin Associates. Initial funding for the Playground includes support from William Penn Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the City of Philadelphia.
HPI is continuing to raise funds to complete this project by the end of summer 2026. To support the Franklin Square Playground, donations can be made here.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the area, the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) is nearing completion of renovations at Franklin Square Station. This $30 million project will provide park visitors and the surrounding community with a convenient transit option. The updated design includes bird-friendly glass, a living roof, and other sustainable features that blend with Franklin Square’s green space. Originally opened in 1936, the station is being modernized with essential upgrades to improve accessibility and create a more welcoming travel experience. The station is expected to reopen this spring.
