Developing a Strategy for Appropriate Uses of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Report to the Parkway Council Foundation and Managing Director’s Office – City of Philadelphia February 28, 2018 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...... 2 Executive Summary ...... 3 Introduction and Definitions ...... 3 Context ...... 5 Findings and Conclusions ...... 6 Recommendations and Observations ...... 10 Vision and Oversight ...... 10 Communication ...... 11 Noise, Sound and Vibration Management ...... 12 Guidelines and Standards ...... 14 Revenue and Cost Recovery ...... 14 Collaboration with the Parkway Council ...... 15 Methodology ...... 17 Engagement Activities ...... 17 Interviews ...... 17 Resident Focus Groups and Resident Survey ...... 17 Professional Discussion Groups ...... 18 Intercept Survey ...... 18 Secondary Research ...... 18 Research Findings ...... 19 Resident Focus Groups and Survey ...... 19 Intercept Survey ...... 28 What They Like Best about Events ...... 29 What They Dislike about Events ...... 30 Venue ...... 31 Alternative Venues ...... 33 Benchmarking and Literature Review ...... 36 Literature Review ...... 37 Scorecard ...... 39
A complete appendix for this study is provided in a separate document.
Cover Photos (Top Right to Left): Budweiser Made in America Concert; St. Patrick’s Day Parade; NFL Draft; Welcome America Celebration; Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies, commissioned by Association for Public Art. Jeff Fusco Photography © 2017; Philadelphia Marathon.
1 Acknowledgements
Parkway Events Study Committee
Barry Bessler, Director of Policy & Compliance Drew Murray, President City of Philadelphia Logan Square Neighborhood Association Parks & Recreation Judi Rogers, Executive Director Cecelia Fitzgibbon, President Parkway Council Moore College of Art and Design President David G. Wilson, Deputy Managing Director Parkway Council Board Managing Director’s Office City of Philadelphia Jazelle Jones, Deputy Managing Director and Director of Operations Marc Wilken, Director of Business and Event Office of Special Events Development City of Philadelphia City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer City of Philadelphia Peg Zminda, CFO and COO The Barnes Foundation
This study was made possible by funding from the City of Philadelphia – Office of the Managing Director and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Consultant Team
Martin Cohen, Partner The Cultural Planning Group
Surale Phillips Decision Support Partners, Inc.
Ira L. Rosen, MA, CFEE Assistant Professor Program Director, Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
2 Executive Summary
Introduction and Definitions
The Parkway Council Foundation and the Managing Director’s Office of the City of Philadelphia initiated this study as a collaborative effort to reflect on the historical use of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Parkway) as a venue for major events and to consider models for appropriate decision- making on uses of the Parkway.
This study is intended to provide context for decision-making on special event uses of the Parkway, providing an objective tool (Scorecard) to weigh various factors drawn from the input of residents, visitors and City and private stakeholders. Additional considerations were drawn from and informed by examining special events practices in nine cities across the country and permitting and licensing practices of the National Park Service. The intent of this study to represent input from residents, businesses and community stakeholders, and provide an analysis of uses and a set of recommendations to accompany the Scorecard, drawn from conclusions of the input and research. It was not to comment on specific past events or specific current events on the Parkway. Recommendations emerging from this study are in response to the experiences of visitors to the Parkway and residents and institutions on and adjacent to the Parkway.
Key questions addressed for this study include:
• What is the character of events that have occurred over the past 5 to 7 years, and how are those events changing from historical uses of the Parkway? What are historical increases/decreases in number and types of events? • How have community perceptions changed in terms of the role of the Parkway as a community asset and, more specifically, as a venue for both commercial and community events? • What are the implications and impacts—both positive and negative—for businesses, institutions and residents along and immediately adjacent to the Parkway?
• Are there alternative sites/venues in Philadelphia that can accommodate large-scale events? Would those producing and attending events on the Parkway now consider alternative venues as desirable? Special events, for purposes of this study, are defined as those events that occur regularly/annually on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, as well as extraordinary events, occurring primarily between Logan Circle and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These events are further defined as those requiring some level of lane closures and those likely to utilize the roadway in programming.
3 Programming and events in Eakins Oval, Logan Circle and Shakespeare Park were reviewed and generally informed this study, but the criteria outlined in the Scorecard are intended for considering events as defined above. It's important to note that there are other events that occur on the Parkway, such as First Amendment events—marches, protests and demonstrations (such as the recent Women’s March 2018), spontaneous and planned sports celebrations (such as the recent Eagles Super Bowl Victory Parade), and political events—that were not within the purview of this study.
The range of Parkway events considered in this study is essentially grouped into four relevant categories:
• Community Celebration – The best example of this is the Welcome America 4th of July Celebration. Community celebrations are free to the public. • Community Pride – Examples include ethnic and heritage-day parades. Community pride events are free to the public. • Cause Related – Examples include walks, runs, marathons and related events, often focused on raising funds for specific causes. It is important to note that many of the cause-related events are coordinated by corporate or for-profit organizations; these are categorized separately for this study. Cause-related events may or may not include a fee for participation, but are free for public viewing. • Commercial/Corporate – The primary examples are the NFL Draft and Budweiser Made in America Festival. Commercial/corporate events require participants to purchase tickets, for either some portion or all of the event activities. Not directly falling within the categories above is the 2015 Papal Mass. Research participants recognized the unique nature of this event—what was required to manage anticipated attendance and the required preparations for health and security—and often referred to the event as “once in a lifetime.”
4 Context
In calendar year 2017 nineteen events and festivals within the definition of this study enlivened the Parkway, ranging from the NFL Draft, Welcome America 4th of July Celebration and Made in America Festival, to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Parkway 100 Celebration, and numerous parades, walks, races and other occasional community events and celebrations.
Events on the Parkway generally began in mid-March with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and continued through the weekend before Thanksgiving with the Philadelphia Marathon. Twelve of these events represent long-standing traditions of at least ten years; ten of them have taken place on the Parkway for many more years. The remaining events are either new, somewhat recently added, or one-time events. They vary in magnitude and impact on road closures, security, communications, and overall management.
The large-scale events and the Papal Mass in 2015 significantly influenced the desire for this study and the development of the Scorecard. However, the issues raised in seeking this study have been “on the table” for decades. The City, the Parkway Council, and residents/resident association along the Parkway have deliberated on these issues for many years, if not decades. A recent 2013 study, More Park, Less Way, referenced these concerns,1 citing the tensions between large-scale events and the character of the area. A 2010 study prepared for the Parkway Council Foundation by Econsult, Wallace Roberts & Todd, and Portfolio Associates addresses the ongoing concerns about type, frequency and magnitude of events. Meetings between Parkway Council representatives and the City in 1998, documented in archived minutes, addressed identical issues around use, impact and frequency.
There is a perception among residents and stakeholders informing this study that use of the Parkway as a venue for large-scale special events (categorized as attracting greater than 50,000 participants) has increased. A multi-year review2 indicates, however, that usage has been relatively stable and consistent, with annual parades, walks, marathons and the 4th of July celebration upholding long- standing traditions. The concerns expressed by residents and through the Parkway Council are magnified by the out-of-the-ordinary events in recent years—the September 2015 Papal Mass and related activity, and the April 2017 NFL Draft, in particular. Made in America was often cited in addition to these two (though the addition of a Labor Day weekend celebration has taken place for five years, from 2013 through 2017), adding to the perception of increased usage. In addition, numerous First Amendment activities—rallies, protests and marches—and sports celebrations have occurred in recent years, adding to the perceptions of overuse and the frustrations expressed by residents on and adjacent to the Parkway.
1 “More Park, Less Way: An Action Plan to Increase Urban Vibrancy on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” https://issuu.com/pennpraxis/docs/moreparklessway. 2 A listing of Parkway event closures between 2007 and 2017 is included in the Appendix.
5 Findings and Conclusions
A review of events within the definition above on the Parkway between 2007 and 2017 indicates that overall use has not increased significantly. The number of events has remained relatively the same, with the majority of events occurring annually. The nature of the events has not changed significantly, with the exception of two particularly large and extraordinary one-time events—the Papal Mass (2015) and NFL Draft (2017). The City has added one event, the Made in America Festival, which began in 2013 and is often cited by residents and stakeholders as “out of the norm.”
The perception persists, however, that events have increased significantly, accompanied by a sense that the Parkway is overused. A broad analysis of these perceptions, and input from residents, municipal and private stakeholders, and institutions on the Parkway, however, is more nuanced; a number of issues related to specific and/or personal—or institutional—experiences influence these perceptions and impact beliefs on what is or is not appropriate for the Parkway. The level of activation on Eakins Oval, at Shakespeare Park and within other areas adjacent to Eakins Oval also contributes to the perception of an increase in special events. Generally, the activity in these areas rates highly with participants and is viewed as desirable. Regardless, they contribute to increased activation of spaces in and around the Parkway. Other events contributing to the sense of overuse of the Parkway include First Amendment activities and more spontaneous events such as the recent Eagles Victory Parade.
The recommendations section of this report further elucidates approaches in responding to the conclusions outlined below. Findings and conclusions include:
• Residents and stakeholders questioned how decisions regarding the Parkway are made without the context of an overarching vision for the role of the Parkway in the life of Philadelphia, and, more specifically, how programming and special events must be related to that vision. If there is a guiding vision informing decisions, it is not broadly known or understood. The perception is that a clearly articulated and broadly shared vision is lacking for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that serves as the point of reference for decision-making on Parkway events. The City has an opportunity to initiate and embrace a process to articulate a shared vision that will guide how the Parkway is managed and utilized in the future. • Residents expressed their frustrations with noise, damage, inconvenience and appropriateness of events, both in focus groups and through a resident survey. They also articulated that their decision to live in the Parkway district was an intentional choice related to the diversity of activity on the Parkway. Overall, residents and institutional stakeholders expressed support for events on the Parkway and embraced it as a primary venue for community use; however, they indicated a need for improving event management and strengthening communications around planning and execution of events to reduce impacts on residents, institutions and the physical infrastructure of the Parkway.
6 Opportunities are available to address communications and elements of event management that will mitigate many of the concerns and frustrations expressed, while at the same time increasing resident support of Parkway programming. • Concern over the impact of large-scale events on the cultural institutions and other entities on and adjacent to the Parkway were factors that initiated this study. Specific issues considered included public perceptions of closed access, lost admissions, lost productivity, and physical damage to buildings, sculptures, properties and collections. Evidence garnered through direct interviews and a review of available financial documentation reveals that Parkway events, particularly the extraordinarily large events, impact the cultural institutions and entities on and adjacent to the Parkway in numerous ways. Financial and physical impacts on the institutions range from very modest to significant. Because of its location, iconic status (particularly the museum steps), and centrality in hosting all major events, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) bears the impact in a more direct and significant way than other institutions. Of particular concern is the potential damage to parts of the PMA collection resulting from proximity to excessive noise. Additional concerns expressed by residents and in interviews with numerous Parkway institutions centered around long-term wear and tear on infrastructure, such as greenways and grass areas trampled by crowds and equipment and, in particular, the plaza at the base of the PMA steps, the steps themselves and the East Terrace, as well as Iroquois Park. In these and other areas, the use of heavy equipment and the construction and removal of extensive staging for large events has caused extensive wear. According to interviews with institution representatives, the event producer must usually bear the cost to repair and/or restore identifiable damage and wear and tear resulting from events. Repairs such as restoration of grass and landscaping occur regularly after events and are billed to the event producers. Residents voiced frustration that many areas, though replanted, cannot recover because of the frequency of events that impact green spaces. Event producers are responsible for the cost of damage to infrastructure such as light poles, curbs and sidewalks as well. In interviews conducted as part of this study, event producers acknowledged that they anticipate such costs, understand the obligation of restoration or reimbursement and accept the responsibility. The special event application clearly articulates that event producers will be responsible for all costs associated with City services, as well as restoration and repair. There are opportunities for careful consideration of methods of cost recovery, damage mitigation and restoration of lost revenues. For example, it is not apparent whether either long-term wear and tear on major infrastructure is considered in the current fee structure or restoration of lost revenues.
7
Additionally, a more intentional partnership and collaboration with the cultural institutions and entities through the Parkway Council around planning, marketing and programming will benefit program management and mitigate negative impacts on the institutions, building on the existing relationships between the City and the institutions. • As residents and institution stakeholders expressed concerns, a common theme emerged: issues around communications in planning, preparation and event management. It should be noted that in all instances, participants acknowledged—and in some instances, praised—improvements in outreach and communications in planning for events. Participants voiced appreciation for recent approaches by the current City administration, members of City Council, and the Special Events office in addressing resident and institutional concerns. These acknowledgements included suggestions for deepening and broadening communications, which are reflected in the recommendations of this report. There is a distinct opportunity to build on the good will established by the current administration, forge stronger partnerships with the residents and institutions, and address communications and planning issues. Several alternative venues in Philadelphia should be considered for special events. Both the intercept surveys of attendees of numerous events and interviews and surveys of event producers explored the concept of using these venues—the Sports Complex, Penn’s Landing, Belmont Plateau and Mann Music Center in particular. Both groups clearly indicated a willingness to produce events in alternative venues and to attend events in places other than on the Parkway. In fact, participants viewed considerations of public transit options as highly important for the placement of an event, outweighing the aesthetic value of holding the event on the Parkway. The openness to these options presents opportunities for the City to encourage and incentivize the use of alternative venues when negotiating and working with event producers in determining appropriate settings and sights for events. There are opportunities to both encourage and incentivize use of alternative venues when the City is negotiating and working with event producers. • Two distinct issues of transparency were articulated by residents and stakeholders. • The first centered around the process of decision-making on events scheduled for the Parkway, particularly large-scale events. This is a common theme seen in numerous Parkway event studies over the years and is regularly documented in these studies. The response in this effort begins with the Scorecard. • The second was the perception that the City loses money on events, and that public funds are being used to “prop up commercial interests.” This was prominent in resident comments related to the NFL Draft and Made In America Festival. However, research of fees and billing related to large-scale events indicates that event producers bear all direct costs (public safety, sanitation and
8 site impact), and clear provisions are provided for reimbursing the costs of restoration and repair. Opportunity exists for the City to increase transparency around decision-making, clarify the use of public funds associated with producing events on the Parkway (as well as across the city), and better communicate what event producers do and do not pay for.
9 Recommendations and Observations
Throughout the research process, the consulting team noted several issues consistently raised by residents, institutional representatives and stakeholders based on their experiences of events in recent years. The following recommendations, based on the described observations and considerations in planning and management of special events on the Parkway, offer possible solutions for reducing negative impacts and enhancing the experiences of Parkway residents and visitors.
Vision and Oversight
As indicated in the findings above, a common theme runs throughout all forms of research citing the need for articulation of a publicly acknowledged and broadly shared vision for the Parkway as a point of reference in determining appropriate uses. There have been a range of studies conducted and reports issued on Parkway development and use over the past fifteen to twenty years that consistently conclude the need for articulating and committing to a shared vision. However, it is not apparent to informants in this study if or in what ways these recommendations have been embraced or acted upon by the City or any administration over the years. We reiterate the need for clearly articulating a guiding and shared vision. Input from municipal representatives indicates that the 2013 report, More Park, Less Way is a driving force for investments in and around the Parkway. Yet there is little, if any, understanding among residents and stakeholders that this is the context for decision-making. Additionally, the 2010 Increasing Cultural Activity in the Parkway Museums District: Realizing the Vision of the Parkway as an Exceptional Cultural Destination also articulates a vision for the Parkway that embraces a different approach and focus. Both reports put forth a vision for the Parkway and actions to achieve the specific vision articulated in each.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Elected and municipal officials need to engage with residents, institutional and community stakeholders in a intentional, focused effort to craft a shared vision for the Parkway, and to fully embrace and commit to that vision as the lens for special events, infrastructure management and overall development of the Parkway District. In the event that a vision for the Parkway is assumed, there is a need for communicating that regularly with residents and stakeholders and sharing in what ways it serves as the framework and point of reference for decisions on Parkway use. • Past studies have outlined approaches to Parkway management with recommendations for creating a distinct Parkway District management entity and/or trust. Recommendations in these studies are based on in-depth research of nationally prominent examples. It is suggested that these options be carefully revisited and fully explored.
10 Communication
Communication is a broad topic that encompasses several elements of the findings above and is addressed in two specific recommendations below.
a. Residents, businesses and stakeholders often cited the inconsistency and inaccessibility of up-to-date and accurate information on special event street closures, changing public transportation routes, security, safety and access impacts. A review of channels for communicating event planning3 and closures indicated regular efforts to inform the public of closures (such as the interactive map on the Street Departments beta-site4 and the Managing Director’s Office webpage)5 and event impacts, yet no definitive source or reference across City or other platforms was found. A review of practices across other cities did not disclose a consistent approach. Development of a “go-to” site and platform to fulfill this communication deficit presents an opportunity for Philadelphia to create a national model. A lack of communication in planning prior to events was also noted, although recent efforts to improve engagement of residents and stakeholders in event planning and preparation through community meetings and other formats including social media were acknowledged. b. There is a lack of transparency around costs associated with special events and if, and to what extent, the City subsidizes events, particularly those produced by corporate or commercial entities. Transparency is essential for residents and businesses to have an understanding of the approval process as well as the public investment in events. Though subsequent to the research period of this study, the recent Super Bowl victory parade illustrated a clear example of this confusion. It was unclear to the public who would bear the cost; both national and local press questioned whether it was a City-sponsored and subsidized event or an event produced and paid for by the Eagles.6 Transparency challenges arise when communication between City officials and the public is poor; the public is unaware of the distinction between the regular approval process and the right of the City administration and Mayor to approve and/or promote events that he/she feels are in the best interest of the City and are an appropriate investment of public funds.
3 This review included social media postings—primarily Twitter and Facebook—through the Mayor’s Office, Special Events Office, Managing Director’s Office, Parks and Recreation, Police Department, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure and Streets Department, as well the websites and social media channels of SEPTA, special event producers for Made in America, Welcome American and the NFL Draft. Posting and articles through Philly.com and in the Philadelphia Inquirer were also reviewed. 4 “Streets, sidewalks and alleys,” City of Philadelphia, https://beta.phila.gov/services/streets-sidewalks-alleys/street-closures/. 5 “Street Closures,” Managing Director’s Office, http://www.phila.gov/mdo/specialevents/pages/streetclosures.aspx. 6 Tom Schad, “Who will pay for Eagles’ championship parade?” USA Today, February 9, 2018; “The city breaks down the numbers of the Eagles Parade,” 6ABC Action News, February 10, 2018.
11 RECOMMENDATIONS: • Establish a dedicated, central on-line resource, such as a real-time web site with associated social media channels—a “go-to” source—specifically dedicated to special event street closures, changes in public transit routes, parking and other associated impacts. This resource will serve residents and visitors in their planning for all special events in Philadelphia, not just those on the Parkway. It is recommended that it is separate and distinct from the Office of Special Events website and is promoted specifically as the primary source for closures and related transportation associated with events across the City. Ideally, this central source would also serve as the feeder for the social media and any web- based platforms on events through all City service and administrative departments. A “go-to” and centralized platform also presents the opportunity for integrating notices of community meetings and other relevant pre-planning communications. • Develop a dedicated page on the Office of Special Events website as a dashboard that communicates the economic and community value of events across the City. The dashboard may include elements such as the number of events annually, the number of people attending events, community organizations served through permits (i.e., heritage parades, block parties, other community celebrations) as well as costs and financial information addressing concerns about the City subsidizing commercial events. It is also an opportunity to indicate positive economic benefits such as hotel nights generated, temporary jobs generated, etc.
Noise, Sound and Vibration Management
A key issue identified by Parkway residents and institutional stakeholders was managing and controlling noise. Issues raised ranged from the use of amplified sound in the early morning hours—a particular point of contention, regarding the direction of announcements for the numerous races, marathons and walks that begin at 7:00 a.m. or earlier on a Sunday morning—to the decibel level and its impact on the neighborhood, to ongoing concerns of damage to the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art resulting from excessive vibration and amplification. Step 1 of the current special events application asks if amplified sound will be included and for what hours. This is the extent of any reference to amplified sound or noise management. There are no additional direct references in the application regarding noise management or specific references to prevailing ordinances. The application’s terms and conditions acknowledgement and signature page does not specifically address noise management, though part “A” of the terms and conditions is a blanket acknowledgement of all applicable laws, rules and regulations. There is no link in the
12 application to review the prevailing ordinances and codes.7 There is no evidence that event contracts specifically address noise, sound and vibration management. RECOMMENDATIONS: A review of practices in other cities revealed noteworthy examples to consider adopting to address concerns about noise management and mitigating the impact of amplified sound. • The City of San Francisco requires a specific amplified sound permit that includes acknowledgement of prevailing terms and conditions, in addition to the special event permit.8 This fee-based permit charges one fee for for-profit entities and a much lower fee for non-profit organizations. Consider establishing a similar amplified sound and noise management permit for special events in Philadelphia. • The City of Chicago event permit application includes a specific section requiring articulating a noise control plan,9 with sections to indicate the proximity of amplified sound to residential addresses and what means—such as on-site contact, etc.—will be available to control amplified sound during the event if necessary. This would be a simple addition to the Philadelphia permit application, and should be accompanied by expected standards.
• Create a standardized noise management addendum to all special event permits that outlines clear guidelines, references and links to the existing codes and ordinances. It should include a clear outline of enforcement methodologies to be utilized in the event of a violation, ranging from on-site corrective actions to the potential of halting an event in extreme cases.
• Add a noise management policy to the FAQ10 section of the Managing Director’s webpage and the Office of Special Events FAQ webpage.11 • Update fines in the event of a violation and include in the addendum recommended above when the fines will be enforced, particularly if corrective action has been requested and not enacted. • Outline clear guidelines, in a noise and amplified sound addendum, for early morning loudspeaker announcements that limit the decibel level and direction of amplification to reduce the imposition on residential buildings adjacent to the Parkway prior to 8:00 a.m.
7 “The Philadelphia Code,” Chapter 10-400, American Legal Publishing Corporation, last modified February 14 2018, http://library.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Pennsylvania/philadelphia_pa/thephiladelphiacode?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal :philadelphia_pa. 8 “San Francisco Recreation and Park Department Amplified Sound Application,” http://fs18.formsite.com/sfrpsurvey2/ampsound/index.html. 9 “2017 Special Events Permit Packet,” Noise Control Plan, p. 8, https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dca/Neighborhood Festivals/permitpacket2017.pdf. 10 "Streets, sidewalks & alleys," City of Philadelphia, https://beta.phila.gov/services/streets-sidewalks-alleys/street-closures/. 11 “FAQs,” PHL Office of Special Events, https://phlevents.org/faqs/.
13
Guidelines and Standards
Residents and institutional representatives consistently cited frustrations with trash accumulation and public urination during special events. While event producers are required to provide appropriate infrastructure, the City should seize opportunities to establish/articulate standards and practices for event producers in addressing these concerns.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Establish clear guidelines, based on anticipated attendance/participation, specifying the provision of portable restrooms by event producers as a condition of an approved special event permit. • Establish, document and outline a clear communication process between event producers and the Sanitation Department in a step-by-step addendum to the event application to ensure a prompt and efficient post-event clean-up plan.
Revenue and Cost Recovery
In addition to the numerous operational and organizational issues related to special events addressed above, the financial burden on the non-profit cultural institutions and other entities resulting from closures, inaccessibility, security and damage mitigation requires careful and thoughtful consideration. The cultural institutions established along the Parkway both benefit from and are challenged by their location, particularly in relation to large special events. While 73% of respondents to the intercept survey indicated that attending events on the Parkway would encourage visiting one or more of the museums on the Parkway, up to 40% indicated events make it hard to visit museums. There is no identifiable data indicating that special events produce increased visitation to the cultural institutions, yet attendance data reviewed for this study clearly indicate that reduced admissions during large special events impacted nearly all institutions. Additionally, many of the institutions incurred some level of unreimbursed expenses— from somewhat modest to quite significant—for security and safety, damage mitigation and lost productivity.
Documents reviewed trace the discussion and debate over the years of the impact on and costs borne by cultural institutions when large special events occur. Interviews with institutional representatives as well as commercial entities further elucidated the issues, indicating that event producers regularly work directly with individual institutions in covering security and related out of pocket costs, as well as reimbursing costs for damage mitigation, replacement and restoration. The costs at times exceed
14
reimbursements provided and evidence suggests that damage to infrastructure— sidewalks and other major hardscape—is accumulating over time, and restoration and refurbishment costs will require resources not currently accounted for in fees charged to event producers.
RECOMMENDATION: Establish a specific methodology for generating revenue through the imposition of Parkway usage fees to be utilized in reducing the financial losses incurred by the non-profit cultural institutions, affected entities and/or infrastructure restoration on the Parkway resulting from large-scale special events.
• Establish a dedicated fund to receive event usage and impact fees for the purpose of museum/institutional revenue recovery and/or infrastructure restoration and impact costs on adjacent entities. Only events with registration fees or admissions charges for participation would have fees assessed; no fees would apply to an event that is completely free and open to the public. Fees from an amplified sound permit, if instituted, could also contribute to this dedicated fund. It is acknowledged that the cultural institutions have negotiated directly with event producers in the past for reimbursement of added security costs, repairs and restoration, and other losses incurred. This fund is to be considered separate and distinct from those practices. A review of fee practices in other cities provides examples that include: • Minimal per-person charges for sports events (walks, runs, marathons) of $1.00 - $1.50 per runner and/or $.60 – $.75 per walker. Variations in fees account for non-profit versus for-profit produced events. Whether or not these fees are passed along to participants or absorbed into registration fees should be at the discretion of the event producers. • Minimal per-person charges ($1.00 - $1.50 per sold ticket) for events with a gate or admissions fee.
Collaboration with the Parkway Council
The Parkway Council has been the primary organization representing the interests of institutions, businesses, and residences on and adjacent to the Parkway for over fifteen years. Their stated mission includes the following: “The Parkway Council works closely with the City of Philadelphia and other public and private organizations to identify the best strategies for enhancing and promoting the Parkway, and serves as a strategic partner and catalyst to ensure that those strategies are implemented.” The long- standing relationship between the City and the Parkway Council, including their work together on this study, presents the opportunity to continue to strengthen collaboration.
15 RECOMMENDATION: Strengthen the collaborative relationship and partnership between the City and the Parkway Council by establishing a formal position for a Parkway Council representative on the City Special Event Task Force when Parkway events are on the agenda.
Please refer to the Benchmarking section for additional information and suggestions citing relevant and useful practices in the nine cities examined for this study.
16 Methodology
This study was informed by both primary and secondary research. Primary research focused on engagement of community and institutional stakeholders, municipal and civic leadership and residents in and around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, as well as attendees of events on the Parkway between September 3, 2017, and November 24, 2017.
Secondary research focused on reviewing documents, literature and contemporary best practices in special event planning, as described below.
Engagement Activities
Interviews
Individual and small group interviews were conducted with key informants representing the City of Philadelphia, organizations, cultural institutions, businesses and residents along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and relevant organizations in Philadelphia. Interviews were conducted between August 15, 2017, and December 21, 2017. A complete list of interviewees is included the appendix.
Resident Focus Groups and Resident Survey
A series of six focus groups with residents and business representatives from the Parkway District took place between September 15 and September 18, 2017. Parkway Council staff reached out to member organizations to serve as hosting sites and to representatives of local neighborhood associations to recruit participants. To ensure diversity of age, residence, gender and race in the focus groups, individuals completed a brief online RSVP form (survey) to apply to attend the group. The form also included a space to indicate interest in attending the group. We strove to populate each group with a cross section of the community though this was somewhat limited based on the respondents to the RSVP form. The consultant team selected the focus group participants, and confirmed by email. In total, 74 people participated in focus groups, selecting their times and locations from the choices below:12
Friday, September 15, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Friends Select School Saturday, September 16, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at The Barnes Foundation Saturday, September 16, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Barnes Foundation Sunday, September 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Sunday, September 17, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Sunday, September 17, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Monday, September 18, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at Mormon Temple Meeting House
12 A list of focus group participants may be found in the Appendix.
17 Monday, September 18, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Mormon Temple Meeting House Monday, September 18, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Mormon Temple Meeting House
Because community interest in the focus groups was extremely strong, we created an online survey to allow people who were not selected for the focus groups to provide their input. At the request of various neighborhood associations, this survey was extended as an open invitation for resident participation, and was available between September 1, 2017, and December 10, 2017. To be as inclusive as possible, representatives of resident buildings and neighborhood associations in and adjacent to the Parkway received invitations to participate in the survey. Residents increased the distribution of the link through social media. The online survey resulted in 322 respondents.
Professional Discussion Groups
Additional discussion groups were conducted with representatives of businesses on and adjacent to the Parkway, the Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Council, professionals in the hospitality industry, and independent event producers with experience producing and promoting events on the Parkway and across the Philadelphia region.
Intercept Survey
The consulting team worked with Parkway Council staff to identify appropriate event dates between Labor Day Weekend and Thanksgiving to survey visitors to Parkway events in intercept format. A one- page paper survey was developed to gather visitor opinion about the events and their location on the Parkway. This survey was intended to be as random as possible, and not specially targeted to tourists or residents. A team of students from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, trained by the team and managed by a team leader, conducted the surveys. The students collected 540 intercept surveys.
Secondary Research
The Managing Director’s Office of the City of Philadelphia and the Parkway Council Foundation provided documents and studies to the consulting team for review. An additional literature search revealed further documentation and aided in identifying the practices of nine cities for benchmarking. Numerous studies have been conducted in reference to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway which were also reviewed.
18 Research Findings
Through all methods of direct engagement—interviews, discussion and focus groups, intercept and resident surveys—a number of themes emerged about experiences related to events on the Parkway.
Seventy-four residents participated in focus groups, 322 residents responded to and completed the on- line survey, and 540 intercept surveys were completed.
Resident Focus Groups and Survey
The resident focus groups and on-line survey were consistent in the themes that reveal a neighborhood passionate about the Parkway. Residents and business interests consider it a gem, often referring to the Parkway as Philadelphia’s “parlor,” ”front porch,” or “living room” and as the cultural heart of the City. Residents often refer to the Parkway as “Philadelphia’s Champs-Élysées.” Participants and respondents want the Parkway to be valued for the rich, diverse resource that it is. And in sharing it with the world, they want consideration for the people who live and work here.
Residents shared their aspirations for the Parkway, as well as their positive experiences, concerns and frustrations with events in the recent past. Residents are mixed on their view of events on the Parkway, ranging from fully embracing all events and uses to expressing frustration with noise, inconvenience and disruption.
Overall, there is a desire for a shared and broadly understood vision of a public commons that supports events and community celebrations. Support among residents for events on the Parkway was broad, though tempered by concerns about the frequency and number of events, the magnitude of disruption to daily life, noise and damage to infrastructure. The following comments are representative of the range of resident feedback:
• “I like the uniqueness and diversity. My block is like the U.N. I like the accessibility of the Parkway coming and going through it. I think it also provides a great economic opportunity for the City and hopefully for the businesses in the area.”
• “I moved to Philadelphia because I love the excitement and I love the events on the Parkway. It’s why I moved to Logan Square. We go to the fireworks and Thanksgiving every year. I love the Oval and its programming. I loved the NFL Draft and I attended Made in America every year but this year. I love having the events like the Fireflies too. I know it’s a challenge, but it’s very exciting. We belong to every one of the institutions on the Parkway. I also like the events where people can participate, like the runs and the bike race.”
• “The taking of public space for private events trashes this resource. Twelve-foot fences block people from using it for too long. Neighborhood sports associations are unable to use the fields. It should still be a City resource.”
19 • “It’s lovely to walk the Parkway and see your neighbors in such a cultural area. I feel very good about events that are inclusive, that don’t require big fences or the exclusivity of payment where people can’t afford to be there. The recreation department’s work on the Eakins Oval should be highly commended. It’s inclusive and is for people visiting and people who are neighbors.”
Parkway: Design, Usage, Vision
A common theme across all research methods was the lack of an agreed-upon vision for the role of the Parkway in the life of Philadelphia. Residents acknowledged numerous attempts over the past several years to articulate a vision for the Parkway,13 but the consensus is that these plans have not been fully utilized or had “traction” for implementation. There was also acknowledgement of increased outreach to residents in preparation for events in an attempt to mitigate disruption and inconvenience. Close to 90% of residents surveyed participate in Parkway events. Two thirds indicated that they take part in summer activities on the Eakins Oval; more than 40% participate in national holiday celebrations; and upwards of 25% participate in large-scale events such as the Philadelphia Marathon, NFL Draft, and the Papal Mass.
Observations and data from the focus groups and resident survey clearly indicate that participants consider the Parkway the heart of the city and the neighborhood: a park where people gather and a flexible venue for an ever-changing mix of uses. The diversity of opportunities for outdoor activity, the beauty of the Parkway and environs, and the presence of the cultural institutions were cited often. The three most important aspects of events on the Parkway reported on the resident survey were events that improve Philadelphia's image as a Great American City, events that encourage visitation to museums in the area, and events that make people feel they are part of something good. Representative comments include:
• “The Parkway is a place that is an event in itself.”
• “It’s been dramatically improved (by recent construction) and is a place that is now better for pedestrians, for events and for drivers.”
• “Logan Circle looks better each year.”
• “Sister Cities Park is a home run.”
Residents find the regularity of Parkway events “a challenge but it’s very exciting.” However, "the number and size of events has overwhelmed (the Parkway's) capacity to be a gracious host." According to residents, the types of events they would most enjoy having on the Parkway are art, cultural, and food events (over 50%), followed by craft fairs and parades (more than 33%).
13 Most often cited was the 2013 “More Park, Less Way: An Action Plan to Increase Urban Vibrancy on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway/,” a study commissioned by the Department of Parks and Recreation and developed by PennPraxis. https://issuu.com/pennpraxis/docs/moreparklessway.
20 Keeping the Parkway accessible for pedestrians is paramount. Many desire to enhance use of the numerous micro spaces with signs that help visitors get around the Parkway green itself. “There are paths that just start and then go nowhere.” “Crossing the Parkway is difficult, confusing in many places, and cars go too fast." Residents expressed frustration at the lack of amenities on and around the Parkway, particularly bathrooms and water fountains. Some of the most challenging aspects of events on the Parkway reported on the resident survey were damage to the park that detracts from its natural beauty and disruptions that limit access and negatively impact residential life.
Remaining pedestrian friendly and improving on that quality is seen as vital. “In Europe there are city centers where you can’t drive—you have to take a bus to get in. That’s the trend.” “There must always be a way for pedestrians and those with mobility issues to cross the Parkway at all times and for residents and workers to get in and out.”
Cultural Institutions
The cultural institutions are a source of pride; many consider them a magnet for visitors. A large number of focus group participants indicated they are members of one or more of the institutions. This support was strongly evidenced as residents expressed concern over the limited accessibility to cultural institutions resulting from the frequency and scope of events on the Parkway.
“It would be frustrating to travel here only to find our institutions closed and Rocky inaccessible.” Cultural institutions should be “treated as gems, and the Parkway curated as a gem, not just because someone wants to have their event there.”
Residents especially disliked the blocking of the iconic art museum steps during large events. Those who completed the online survey indicated events that encourage visitation of museums on the Parkway as the second most important aspect of seven tested. Business owners believe cultural tourists spend more on hotels and restaurants than concert goers, whose purchases may be limited to the event itself. Some participants would like the institutions to host more events that spill out onto the Parkway. “They’re missing the chance to use their front yards to get people in, and should escape their ivory towers.”
Small Events
Smaller events were very popular, especially short, intimate, cultural experiences that don’t require closures. One resident expressed it this way: “I love the weird little things you encounter.” Respondents regarded these smaller events as an important benefit of living in the City. The Fireflies was very popular: “It was so nice, that after rush hour on a weeknight, we could all have this beautiful experience. It felt neighborly.” Pop-ups and beer gardens were generally appreciated. Programming at the Oval scored high again and again through the resident survey and among comments by focus group participants. Respondents acknowledged that small events might not attract many from outside the area, but had less impact on the Parkway residents and organizations. Conversely, some small events
21 were seen as creating outsized effects. Walkathons and runs, in particular, were cited for the length of time they occupy the Parkway, beginning in the early hours of weekend days and lasting many hours, blocking the ability to cross the Parkway. Complaints were expressed about the noise from bullhorns very early in the morning. Participants also expressed frustration that even a small parade can block access for much longer than seems justified.
The increase in small events is creating problems for the neighborhood comparable to the effect of big events, and in some cases the problems are worse because of their frequency. “With so many weekend events, nobody can come see you. It’s impossible. People trying to get to church can’t. There was a family with a young girl in a wheelchair that waited an hour to cross the streets and the cops said there were just too many runners.” Many believe the City should “share the wealth of these events” with other venues and neighborhoods around Philadelphia, suggesting that, at the least, a walk or run be started one place but finished somewhere else. “Not everything needs to begin and end at the art museum.”
Large Events
Reaction to large events was mixed, but mostly negative for what residents consider “commercial” events. To generalize: free, open, public events like the 4th of July (Welcome America) were well tolerated and even enjoyed. Private events, requiring 12-foot fences to block off large areas of the Parkway and neighborhoods for extended periods of time, were seen as excruciatingly disruptive and not of benefit to residents or most local businesses. Many hold strong opinions that the large events perceived as commercial are not appropriate for the Parkway and that other locations would serve better for these events. “I absolutely hate Made in America [being on the Parkway]. My tax money goes to a company that is not even American owned, so the irony of that really screams at me. There is no cost/benefit analysis from the City and that infuriates me. The fact that they use big garbage trucks to block off the streets is emblematic of the whole thing.” While not all music festivals might be considered "large" events, they often are. When asked what types of events residents would enjoy having on the Parkway, music festivals ranked last, with 26% choosing this type of event.
Comments indicated frustration with a lack of transparency about commercial events, costs of events to the tax payer, loss of use of public space, unnecessary inconvenience from closures and poor communication. These issues and perceptions create resentment among residents who participated in focus groups and the resident survey. They suggested a predictable system for City response to events and central authority for managing them would address much of the issue.
Additionally, the participants see the neighborhood as stressed by too many big events, too many street closures, too many people, too much noise, too much trash, too much public drunkenness, public urination, helicopters, and the length of time it all goes on before, during and after these big events: a disruption of people’s lives for as much as five weeks at a time for a single event without recognizable benefit for the neighborhood. At the same time, contrarily, residents valued community-based big events as an important aspect of Philadelphia culture, in spite of their disruptive nature.
22 Big events such as the Papal Mass and the NFL Draft that are seen to elevate the image of the City on the national and international stage were viewed as mostly positive, with the caveat that support was contingent on whether they happened on rare occasions and did not restrict access for weeks on end. Residents who took the online survey ranked events that improve the City's image as the most important aspect of seven tested. “With the Pope and the NFL draft, Philadelphia has elevated its reputation in the world." However, participants considered large, televised events such as these the most disruptive to the local residents because of helicopter noise.
For some participants the NFL Draft was the tipping point, arousing anger over issues of access to their neighborhoods and residences, mainly due to the length of the set up and tear down, and blockage of the iconic art museum steps.
“It’s atrocious. The constant helicopters, amount of congestion. It was poorly planned. The City sold itself out to this organization. It was despicable and nauseating and I wanted it to leave and never come back. And I’m a football fan.”
"Tourists coming to see [the] Parkway, river, museum and steps and finding closures, lack of access, and drunken crowds doesn't elevate our image as a world class city."
“People come to the City to see the Rocky statue. 24/7 they want to see it. Tourists are always asking for directions. It's out of sight for many of these events."
Health and Safety Issues
Residents expressed concerns about safety, worrying that emergency services may not be able to get to residents when needed during events. One participant noted, “I was lucky to have had my heart attack on a day when there wasn’t an event.” Incorrect and inconsistent advance information about closures given to healthcare workers in neighboring hospitals and senior residences has made this a critical issue for them. “I work in home health care, and these [disruptive events] block us from visiting the sick and homebound in hospice. We are not EMS, so the police would not let us through.” The police and security are not viewed as helpful in managing the chaos, providing access to residents and local workers or in doing enough to manage crowd control and illegal behavior. "Weeks-long disruption by events…creates serious safety/access concerns; not only is traffic aggravating, it is very unsafe for anyone needing access to medical care/hospitals, which is almost impossible during events."
Diversity and Choice of Parkway Activities
When asked what type of events residents would like to see on the Parkway and what events they find appealing, participants indicated:
23 “Logan Square has come back alive because of the recent construction—you have the mini-parks and Shakespeare, the chess set: Sister Cities is alive.”
“Programming on The Oval (Eakins Oval) is good. It needs to get bigger and more creative.”
[The] “kickoff to the Centennial of the Parkway opening was wonderful and the kind of event that seems appropriate. Replicate the small events. Big events work too in some cases.” One participant suggested getting rid of the biggest and the smallest to leave “a nice middle ground of events that fit the Parkway.”
"Arts and culture events are wonderful. They showcase the City and its role as a major arts center. They expose everyone to the beauty of the diverse cultural mix that makes up the City. Including food, drink, and culturally important and relative entertainment adds tremendously to such events."
In addition to preferred uses of the Parkway, residents would welcome more investment and attention on amenities: the addition of a few more places along the Parkway for casual stopping, sitting, grabbing a bite to eat and enjoy the space, and well placed accessible restrooms are seen as a must. “There are no bathrooms or places to buy even a bottle of water. Not many water fountains, and they don’t always work. The Parkway has to be both a showplace and a place for the neighborhood.”
Street Closures and Parking
Consistently, residents expressed frustration with street closures and parking restrictions resulting from events on the Parkway. They asked for a standardized, more predictable approach to traffic and parking management. Suggestions included notifying residents by email when streets will be closed, posting advance notification signs on the highways at earlier exits for detours, and providing resident parking somewhere else during big events. “The City manages this through different departments, and three police districts cover Center City. None of the police districts coordinate road closures, so there are days when you can’t get out and you can’t get in. There’s no coordination, and nobody is in charge.”
In many places, satellite parking areas offer shuttle services into events; residents expressed interest in seeing this here. They suggested that if visitors use Center City garages, they are likely to patronize nearby restaurants and bars before returning to their parked cars, benefitting businesses throughout Center City.
Residents who took the online survey ranked closures and parking disruptions second only to "damaging the park" as detractors of Parkway events.
"Limit the amount of time roads can be closed. NFL Draft was like a month—that's absurd."
24 "You cannot constantly affect parking. The NFL event was ridiculous. People had to move cars for extended time. Last week's marathon, 23rd Street was closed to parking to residents for three days. Guess what? On Sunday, participants parked there anyway. They received no tickets. We the residents were the only ones inconvenienced."
"I believe local residents should get a parking pass and be allowed to park on Pennsylvania Avenue or local parking garages."
Noise Levels
Noise levels were consistently cited as a major problem resulting from events. Residents wanted to see greater control of the decibel level, asking that event sites be planned to direct sound more inwardly, towards the center of the event rather than outward towards residences and businesses. Concern was expressed about extremely loud profanity during Made in America, which was seen as excessive and inappropriate in a public space. Helicopters were blamed for the most disruptive noise, which people complained was so loud that it literally shook people’s windows and items on the walls in their homes.
"Limit after hours noise; limit early mornings and after-hours helicopters."
"Loud Parkway events should always begin after 7:00 a.m. and end by 8:00 p.m., in accordance with the local noise ordinances."
Bus Routes and Detours
Residents reported that bus detours cause long walks for those who must use the bus. This is especially hard on seniors and those with mobility problems.
“Bus drivers only sometimes follow the detour routes, so you can’t depend on where the bus will stop. Communication problems make it worse.”
"Any SEPTA route changes and parking restrictions should be well publicized at least one week prior to each event.”
Coordination of Events and Communication with the Public
Most people believe too many entities are involved in programming for the Parkway, and that no one entity is in charge. Suggestions were made to use current technologies for consistent, real time communications and schedules, pushing coordinated and accurate information out to the public.
“We need a Playbook with Standard Operating Procedures for events, based on size. If people know what to expect, they can plan.”
25 “Use the stadium, use Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill, and other venues more appropriate for big events.”
"Communicate during planning, not afterwards."
"Have a resident plan for each event, ensuring information about the event's time, location, detours, etc. is widely available and easy to comprehend."
Transparency of Plans, Financials and Schedule
Taxpayers want to know how much the City makes or loses by hosting events that restrict their access to the assets they feel their taxes support.
“What are the costs and who benefits?” “What are the event organizers contributing? Is there positive economic impact for the City?”
"Have them somewhere else sometimes; also, please stop the no parking signs in my own neighborhood. Give us a tax break; keep our streets clean."
"Stop corporate takeovers of our public space…focus on the residents who pay taxes here first."
26 Philadelphia: The Parkway’s Reflection on the City
“With the Pope’s visit and the NFL Draft, Philadelphia has elevated its reputation in the world.” Residents talked about how the Fireflies event was highlighted by the New York Times. A “fabulous” event “that had minimal effect on our city but got a lot of positive attention.” “The Parkway is a world class place.” “It’s great to see us get things that really put Philadelphia on the map as a first-tier city.” Events that improve the City's image were ranked number one out of seven aspects to consider among residents who took the online survey. Some responses were contradictory: "Reduce the frequency. World class cities do not open themselves up to the highest bidder." Yet there is a positive theme revealing residents’ support for events, no matter their impact: "Don't let NIMBY's have an overwhelming voice in discouraging these types of events in the future. The exposure for our wonderful City is tremendous and helps us being mentioned as a world class city. Less events will have a negative impact on our City's image." True to the spirit of Philadelphia, residents offer viable solutions: "Rotate events around the City—truly showcase the City [to] the world. Realize you are turning off international visitors who come to the museums and find the Parkway inaccessible [during events]."
The demographics of the resident survey respondents were:
Age: Under 18 0.0% 18-34 13.4% 35-64 52.5% 65 and over 34.2% Gender: Male 37.3% Female 62.4% Identify/other 0.3%
Racial/Ethnic Identity White 93.6% Black, African American 1.5% Hispanic, Latino 1.2% American Indian 1.2% Asian Indian 0.0% Asian or Pacific Islander 0.6% Middle Eastern 0.6% Multi-racial/Multi-ethnic 1.2%
27 Intercept Survey
The intercept survey was intended as a short questionnaire of eleven questions, including basic demographics (age, racial identity, home zip code), the reason for their visit to the Parkway at the specified time, and their general experiences with and attitudes about events on the Parkway.14 Quotas were set for each event to ensure a balance of surveys were collected across the event types. The survey team members stationed themselves at locations adjacent to the events in order to capture input from passersby; it was unknown to the team members whether the passersby were at the location to attend an event or just happened to be in the area.
540 intercept surveys were completed at the following events:
• Made in America • Parks on Tap (multiple dates) • Parkway Run • AIDS Walk • Puerto Rican Day Parade • Philadelphia Marathon • Cai Guo-Giang: Fireflies
Of the 540 surveys completed:15
• 63% (341) were completed by residents of Philadelphia • 37% (199) were completed by non-residents16
Charts representing the age distribution and racial/ethnic identity of intercept survey respondents are below:
Respondent Age
50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% No Under 18 18-34 35-54 55-74 75+ response (n=540) 6.7% 45.4% 28.0% 17.4% 1.1% 1.5%
14 A copy of the survey instrument is included in the appendix. 15 Data for all questions on the survey are included in chart and graph form in the report appendix. 16 A map indicating concentrations of respondent zip codes is included in the appendix.
28 Respondent Racial/Ethnic Identity (Multiple Choice Survey Item)
60.0% 53.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 23.9% 13.9% 20.0% 6.3% 10.0% 1.7% 3.5% 3.5% 1.1% 3.1% 0.0% Black, Asian or Multi- Hispanic, American Middle White African Asian Indian Pacific racial/Multi- No response Latino Indian Eastern American Islander ethnic (n=540) 53.0% 23.9% 13.9% 1.7% 3.5% 3.5% 1.1% 3.1% 6.3%
Survey respondents were asked if they were intentionally visiting the Parkway for the specific event in progress. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of all respondents were on the Parkway for the specific event, though a higher percentage of non-residents (83%) were intentional visitors for the event surveyed.
The Philadelphia Marathon and AIDS Walk drew the most intentional visitors, and Parks on Tap and Made in America drew the least intentional visitors to the Parkway. Of the 16 Parkway events indicated on the survey, residents of Philadelphia attended an average of 2.35 in the last three years compared with 1.42 among non-residents.
When intercept survey respondents were asked what types of events “you like having on the Parkway or would like to see more of,” music festivals were the most popular for both residents and non- residents. This was inconsistent with the responses in the resident survey, where music festivals were the least favorite. Philadelphia residents expressed more interest in art festivals, cultural festivals, charity events, food events, bike races, and craft fairs than did non-residents.
What They Like Best about Events
Question 5 on the intercept survey asked for respondents to indicate agreement, disagreement or no opinion on a series of statements on “what do you like BEST about events like this one.” The full charts and graphs are included in the appendix.
• City image: Among respondents who were intercepted during events, a large majority—over 87%—in all cases felt the event taking place improved the City’s image. Among the rankings, the events that respondents believed most improved that image were the Philadelphia Marathon, Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies and the AIDS Walk. At the bottom of the ranking were Parks on Tap and Made in America.
• Increased spending: When asked if attendance at the event taking place increased their spending at businesses in the Parkway District, more than 78% said it did, regardless of the
29 event. The Philadelphia Marathon topped the list, followed by Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Non-residents’ responses on this question indicated their spending at businesses in the Parkway District was higher for all events except for the AIDS Walk and Philadelphia Marathon.
• Museum visitation: When asked if attendance at the event taking place encouraged visiting museums on the Parkway more, 73% said that it did, regardless of the event. The Philadelphia Marathon and AIDS Walk topped this list. At the bottom of this ranking was Parks on Tap and Made in America. In surveys that took place at Made in America, the Parkway Run, AIDS Walk, and Philadelphia Marathon, more Philadelphia residents claimed they felt encouraged to visit than non-residents. On the other hand, non-residents were substantially more encouraged than Philadelphia residents to visit Parkway museums among those surveyed at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies, and Parks on Tap.
• Parkway beautification: Among intercept respondents, more than 80% noted the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Parks on Tap, and the AIDS Walk as most helpful to beautifying the Parkway.
• Unique opportunities: The AIDS Walk, Puerto Rican Day Parade, and Cai Guo-Quiang: Fireflies were noted by intercept respondents as the events bringing unique opportunities needed in the Parkway District (more so than the other events tested).
• Elevates cultures or causes: Topping the list for events that elevate cultures or causes important to society were the AIDS Walk, Puerto Rican Day Parade, and Philadelphia Marathon.
• Part of "something good": When asked if the event taking place during the intercept made them feel that they were part of something good, more than 90% indicated that it did for the AIDS Walk, Parkway Run, and Philadelphia Marathon. At the bottom of this ranking were Parks on Tap and Made in America. With the exception of the AIDS Walk, non-residents intercepted at events were more inclined to feel they were part of something good than were Philadelphia residents, regardless of the event.
What They Dislike about Events
Conversely, Question 6 on the intercept survey asked for respondents to indicate agreement, disagreement or no opinion on each statement regarding “what do you dislike about events like this one.”
• Detracts from Parkway enjoyment: Few respondents intercepted during events felt that the event detracted from their enjoyment of the Parkway. The largest percentage was 20% of people (both residents and non-residents) intercepted during Made in America.
30 • Difficulty with shopping or dining: Among intercept survey respondents, those intercepted at Made in America felt the event made it difficult to dine or shop in the Parkway District (33% on average, with nearly 38% of residents and 26% of non- residents) compared with other events (less than 20%). This was followed by the Philadelphia Marathon (19%).
• Museum visitation: The result was similar for events making it hard to visit museums on the Parkway, with Made in America topping the list (40% for residents and 33% for non- residents), followed by the Parkway Run (15% for residents and 21% for non-residents).
• Damages the Parkway: Made in America and the Parkway Run topped the list of events believed to do the most damage to the park or detract from its natural beauty. The Philadelphia Marathon and Parks on Top were at the bottom of this ranking.
• Disrupts access: Disrupted access and lack of parking were cited the most as a detractor of events by those intercepted during Made in America (61% of residents and 51% of non-residents) and Parks on Tap (50% and 29% respectively) events. Fifty percent (50%) of residents indicated the AIDS Walk and Parkway Run as disruptive.
• Safety: Few intercept respondents felt less safe because of the crowds at events (less than 20%), with Made in America rated the highest and the Puerto Rican Day Parade the lowest (at 0% for both residents and non-residents).
Venue
Question 7 on the intercept survey asked respondents if they would be likely to attend an event like this one if it were taking place at another location in Philadelphia. The survey proposed four choices of venue, and respondents were asked to indicate definitely, maybe, no, or no opinion for each venue. More than 50% indicated they would (definitely or maybe) attend events like the one during which they took the survey if they were held at other locations in the City; the top location selected was Penn’s Landing, followed by the Sports Complex, Mann Music Center, and Belmont Plateau. Results for City residents and non-residents were almost identical on this question.
31 Are you likely to attend an event like this one if it were taking place at another location in Philadelphia? (n=540)
50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Penns Landing Mann Music Center Sports Complex Belmont Plateau Definitely 56.7% 33.5% 39.3% 26.5% Maybe 24.3% 32.2% 29.3% 31.5% No 7.6% 15.9% 17.8% 16.3% No opinion 11.5% 18.3% 13.7% 25.7%
32 Alternative Venues
Part of the research process included an examination of potential alternative venues. Consideration was given to existing infrastructure and degree of appropriateness as a substitute for events currently held on the Parkway—both large-scale special events such as the NFL draft and ongoing events such as parades, races, marathons, etc.
Four possibilities were originally selected for consideration:
• Mann Music Center • Penn’s Landing • Sports Complex • Belmont Plateau Four other alternatives were examined, but not included as options on the intercept survey. These areas were the:
• Navy Yard • West Park Drive area
• FDR Park area • Avenue of the Arts/South Broad Street Corridor.
Additional considerations for venue selection in the future could be specific neighborhoods, particularly for some of the cultural or heritage parades, taking into consideration the scale and scope of each event. This model has been relatively successful for the Columbus Day Parade, which now takes place on South Broad Street, in and around South Philadelphia and the Italian Market area.
In reviewing the intercept survey responses, it is evident that the event-attending public would support many of the events even if the location were changed from the Parkway to an alternative venue. Attendance was not driven by their being held on the Parkway. Though not all of the venues are appropriate for all of the events, there appear to be several viable options for events currently held on the Parkway.
Highlights of related intercept survey findings include:
• In total, across attendees surveyed at all events, 80% of the respondents answered definitely or maybe attend for Penn’s Landing, 70% for the Sports Complex, 65% for the Mann and 57% for Belmont Plateau. • For those attending Made in America, 71% indicated definitely or maybe attend if MIA were held at Penn’s Landing, 64% at the Sports Complex, 58% at the Mann and 46% at Belmont Plateau.
33 • For those participating in the Parkway Run (obviously would need to be renamed!), 88% indicated they would definitely or maybe attend at Penn’s Landing, 78% at the Sports Complex, 74% at the Mann and 66% at Belmont Plateau.
• For those participating in Aids Walk, 91% indicated definitely or maybe attend at Penn’s Landing, 76% at the Sports Complex, 74% at the Mann and 70% at Belmont Plateau. • For those participating in the Philadelphia Marathon, 71% indicated definitely or maybe attend at Penn’s Landing, 64% at the Sports Complex, 55% at the Mann and 50% at Belmont Plateau. • The sample size at the Puerto Rican Day Parade was not significant enough to form a conclusion.
In addition, a survey was distributed to event producers. Based on the responses received, event producers also indicated a willingness and openness to utilize alternative venues for their events.
It is acknowledged that not all venues are appropriate for every type of event, and each venue presents unique operational challenges, particularly in an era where security considerations have become far more complex and significant in event planning. Access to public transit and existing or lack of existing infrastructure presents relevant considerations in determining appropriate events for each venue. It is also noted that the majority of special events included in the definitions for this study have long histories of being held on the Parkway, and that moving to an alternative venue may be seen as lessening the importance or value of the event. When considering a move to alternative venues, thoughtful and open discussion between the producers of long-standing events and the City will be necessary.
Additional considerations for alternative venues:
• Facilities that are easier to secure and are further away from residential areas may better serve as venues for large-scale ticketed festivals. Depending on scope and scale, possibilities could include the Mann Music Center, Penn’s Landing/Festival Pier and the Sports Complex. One approach for consideration is to assess the feasibility of using some of the large parking lots at the Sports Complex for festivals. The X Games took place at the Sports Complex many years ago, so there is historic precedent. • Public transportation and infrastructure needs should be reviewed for cultural parades and athletic events. Locations such as West Park or the Navy Yard could work for some athletic events. Some of the cultural parades could be relocated to a more intimate setting in neighborhoods or sections of South Broad Street. The South Broad Street location presents challenges similar to those on the Parkway, including resident and business access, particularly for some larger events which might require substantial barricading in order to secure public safety. The biennial Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), held recently on South Broad Street, could be an instructive model to review when considering alternative venues.
34 • The Navy Yard is an underutilized resource, and communications should be enhanced between PIDC and the City with regard to mass transit availability and the types of events that could be relocated there.
• Although Belmont Plateau is an attractive site for some events, mass transit availability and neighborhood use of the facility are challenges for consideration. • Penn’s Landing is a viable alternative for some events, though, as with other locations, there are challenges presented by barricading streets that may make it a less feasible location, particularly for athletic events. In general, the Parkway should not be the default location for special events until all other opportunities have been explored.
35 Benchmarking and Literature Review
Best and prevailing practices for special events planning were examined in nine other cities in the United States. In addition, a literature review of newspaper, magazine and on-line materials concerning events on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 2012 through 2017 was conducted. Special event permitting and licensing requirements from the National Park Service were also reviewed, as well as applications and permits from several other cities, including Phoenix and Los Angeles.
The nine cities examined were:
• San Francisco • Boston • Portland, Oregon • Baltimore
• New York City • Austin, TX • Dallas • Seattle • Chicago A number of key findings from a review of these nine cities and the National Park Service includes the following. Many of these practices are consistent with current practices in Philadelphia, as noted below.
• In all cases, applicants desiring to produce any type of special event are required to complete a permit application process with an accompanying fee, comply with appropriate city ordinances and regulations and, in many cases, secure additional permits from a variety of city agencies, including health (food), emergency services, fire, police, streets, etc. Philadelphia’s special event permit requires a $25 fee. Additional required permits are articulated on the cover page of the application (a listing of other departments requiring permits). • Many cities also required supplementary permits such as an amplified sound permit, ADA compliance permit, etc. Philadelphia does not require similar supplementary permits. • Many cities differentiated permit costs by for-profit and not-for-profit tax status of the event producer, as well as anticipated attendance numbers. Some cities charged a per- person impact fee for athletic events, or a percentage of ticketed gate sales as additional fees. For example, San Francisco charges run/walk events a $1.35 per-runner and $.68 per-walker “park impact fee.” Philadelphia does not currently levy impact fees. • Before permits are issued, in many cases, multiple city departments are required to approve the application.
• Some cities include a specific maximum decibel level for amplified sound, which is typically in the 70-decibel range. In the case of the National Park Service, although a
36 specific decibel level is not always specified, the permit includes broad language— ”noise level may not affect Park operations”—providing latitude in enforcement.
• Some cities require a damage deposit. Additionally, the National Park Service reserves the right to require permit holders to secure a surety bond and to pay for cost recovery.
• In all cases, including Philadelphia, proof of adequate insurance is required, as well as a requirement to name the permitting entity as an additional insured. • Some cities, including San Francisco, charge organizations that sell tickets a percentage of the ticket sales as a “park regeneration fee.” • In reviewing application processes and components of the cities studied, several specific practices were worth noting and considering for Philadelphia: • Several cities required a specific sanitation management and removal plan as a component of their event permit application. Philadelphia does not currently require this as a component of their application. Additionally, several cities include a requirement for a portable restroom plan. • San Diego includes a section on “Mitigation of Impact,” which requires the applicant to address steps that will be taken to lessen impact on community groups, residents, business groups, etc. in the affected area. • In the case of a for-profit company, San Diego requires event producers to “bring significant revenue, resources, ideas, technologies and/or partners to address community needs” as a criterion in awarding an event permit.
• The permitting process, in most instances, is comprehensive and complex. In addressing the need to simplify and/or streamline the permitting process, some cities, including Philadelphia, are seeking to consolidate and promote a "one stop shopping approach." For example, Chicago's application17 is over 30 pages long and is extremely detailed, requiring a noise abatement and community outreach plan. A number of cities have transitioned to an online permitting process, such as Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Literature Review
A review was conducted of press and articles from the past five years regarding issues of use and special events on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.18 This review indicated a diversity of opinions, many of which were mirrored throughout interviews, focus groups and surveys conducted for this study. Additionally, the issues discussed and debated in the articles reviewed ultimately support the recommendation above for articulating a broadly shared vision for the Parkway and development of a dedicated
17 “Special Events Permit Packet,” Cultural Affairs and Special Events, https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/permit_packet.html. 18 A bibliography of press and articles reviewed is included in the appendix accompanying this report.
37 managing entity responsible for Parkway management and development. The press and articles addressed various themes:
• Ongoing tension results when the City must choose between focusing on the economic impact vs. quality of life impact of events on the Parkway. • There is debate on the appropriate use of public space. Many hold the opinion that public space should be available for the use and benefit of everyone and that “branded” events lead the City down a “slippery slope.”
• The City needs to find a balance between hosting events and respecting the residents and institutions. • What is the Parkway: Is it Philadelphia’s signature cultural destination? A made-for- television event space? A gorgeous highway to sprint commuters in and out of Center City? Or a Central Park for all residents to enjoy? • The idea of “cost recovery,” with regard to events, is confusing. Residents and business owners are uncertain whether all costs (including site restoration, City labor overtime, security costs, etc.) are actually recovered.
• Opinions vary as to actual business impact, depending upon the type of event and type of business. Whether the increase in actual business compensates for the inconveniences of staff travel, deliveries, disruption for regular customers, etc., was one of the recurring themes. • The perception of “oversaturation” is common, appearing in a number of articles.
38 Scorecard
The Special Events Scorecard is a tool to foster discussion and debate on the appropriateness of special events on the Parkway. Specifically, the Scorecard is intended to serve as a framework for reviewing applications for special events on the Parkway. It could be adapted as a general framework for any special events in the City.
Development of the Scorecard was informed by synthesizing the issues that emerged through interviews, focus groups, resident surveys, a review of literature on special events planning and industry practices. An initial draft of the Scorecard was presented in a workshop to representatives of several City departments and the Parkway Council. Their feedback was integrated into a refined Scorecard, presented below. In the benchmarking process for this study, no similar approach was identified among the cities examined.
It is recommended that the Scorecard be utilized as a group exercise, with consensus on the rating of each criterion. The criteria are not intended to be viewed in priority order, and all criteria are weighted equally. Discussion in the workshop session concerning weighting and priorities questioned whether one particular category or criterion should have priority or be weighted more heavily than others. The consensus was to proceed with the assumption that all are equal, understanding that there is an opportunity for each workgroup utilizing the Scorecard in the future to reconsider the context for specific events and/or the usefulness of testing a weighted or priority system. The Scorecard may adapt to practices and uses over time and be adjusted and amended as appropriate, relevant and useful.
There are 30 criteria presented, and each criterion is referenced to one or more of five categories for consideration:
• Public Benefit • Quality of Life • Economic Impact • Institutional Impact • City Image
Each criterion is scored on a scale that weighs positive, neutral and negative attributes of the proposed special event.
39 Rating Scale:
• + 2 Proposed event meets the highest criterion, the statement is most true, and/or the event is highly desirable. • +1 Proposed event meets the criterion, is desirable, but has mitigating factors to weigh or consider. • 0 Proposed event is neutral or not applicable in regard to the criterion. • -1 Proposed event does not meet the criterion, is not beneficial or desirable, and has little or no value to residents and visitors. • -2 Proposed event has a negative impact on the criterion, raises serious concerns, is least true and/or is not appropriate for the Parkway.
The maximum score is +60; conversely, the lowest possible score is -60. It is possible that an event may be scored low by consensus, but that factors not taken into consideration in the criteria override. The last section of the Scorecard outlines questions that may influence the final decision. Additional questions should be added as appropriate and necessary. Regardless, the following is intended as a guideline in determining appropriateness and/or desirability of an event.
Ratings may be assigned to scoring ranges in the following quintiles:
80% - 100% / between +40 and +60 Highly desirable/appropriate event
60% - 80% / between +20 and +39 Desirable/appropriate event with areas to consider and weigh carefully for value
40% - 60% / between 0 (neutral) and +19 Event may have value but there are concerns in certain areas for consideration
20% - 40% / between -20 and -1 Unlikely to be a desirable or beneficial event
Under 20% / below -21 Event raises serious concerns; is not desirable or appropriate for the Parkway
40 Proposed Event: ______Proposed Date: ______Event Producer: ______
Evaluation Criteria Rating Scale Categories Notes
+2
+1 Highest 0 -1 -2 Desirable desirability Neutral Some Highly and/or Public Impact and/or or N/A undesirability undesirable Benefit Benefit Economic true CityImage Institutional
most true QualityofLife
1 Event is free and open to public. ◼ ◼ ◼ Event benefits an important local cause or 2 community need (e.g., health, social service, ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ justice). Event benefits a recognized national/global cause 3 ◼ ◼ (e.g., health, social service, justice). Event celebrates cultural heritage and provides an opportunity for sharing that heritage with the 4 ◼ residents of Philadelphia and visitors to Philadelphia and the Parkway. Event brings unique cultural experiences that are 5 heightened by being located on the Parkway ◼ (Parkway makes it better). Event provides unique cultural experiences that 6 heighten the experience of the Parkway. (Event ◼ makes the Parkway better). 7 Event is a long-standing Philadelphia tradition. ◼ ◼ Event is likely to generate a sense of pride of place 8 ◼ ◼ ◼ or ownership of place in relation to the Parkway. 9 Event is scheduled for a weekend. ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ 10 Event is scheduled for a weekday. ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ Event is likely to draw visitors from across the City of 11 ◼ ◼ Philadelphia. Event is likely to draw visitors from the region and 12 ◼ ◼ beyond. 13 Event is likely to generate economic activity for: a. Hotel room nights ◼ b. Restaurant and bar patronage ◼ c. Public and private transit ◼ Event will not require City subsidy—all expenses, 14 including public safety, sanitation and security, will ◼ ◼ ◼ be reliably covered by the event producer.
41 Evaluation Criteria Rating Scale Categories Notes
+2
+1 Highest 0 -1 -2 Desirable desirability Neutral Some Highly and/or Public Impact and/or or N/A undesirability undesirable Benefit Benefit Economic true CityImage Institutional
most true QualityofLife Event will generate temporary employment (e.g., 15 ◼ ◼ crew, etc.). Event will not impede access to the area by local 16 ◼ ◼ work force. Event will generate positive media attention for 17 ◼ ◼ ◼ Philadelphia. Street closures will result in minimal inconvenience 18 ◼ ◼ ◼ and disruption to traffic flow. Access to parking is adequately addressed for 19 ◼ ◼ residents. Access to parking is adequately addressed for 20 ◼ ◼ visitors. Access for residents and residential services to come/go from their buildings will not be interrupted 21 ◼ ◼ ◼ (for example, Parkway remains porous at multiple locations for pedestrian and cyclist crossing). Public transit is available and sufficient to service 22 ◼ ◼ ◼ anticipated participants. Security requirements will result in minimal 23 inconvenience and disruption for Parkway area ◼ ◼ residents and visitors. Event will not restrict or prohibit access to Parkway- 24 ◼ ◼ ◼ adjacent institutions. Adequate compensation is provided addressing 25 ◼ ◼ financial impact for adjacent institutions. Event is unlikely to cause or contribute to 26 ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ infrastructure damage. Cross-marketing opportunities exist between event 27 ◼ ◼ and local cultural assets. Cross-programming opportunities exist between 28 ◼ ◼ event and local cultural assets. 29 Producer has experience with events in Philadelphia. ◼ ◼ ◼ Producer has an established and reliable track 30 ◼ ◼ ◼ record. TOTAL Other Considerations:
42 Evaluation Criteria Rating Scale Categories Notes
+2
+1 Highest 0 -1 -2 Desirable desirability Neutral Some Highly and/or Public Impact and/or or N/A undesirability undesirable Benefit Benefit Economic true CityImage Institutional
most true QualityofLife • Are there appropriate alternative venues for the special event? If so, what venue and what incentives are available to encourage consideration of an alternative?
• Are there competing activities at the time of the proposed event? Does this strain available services and resources to fully support the proposed event?
• Is the event occurring in conflict with planned or emergency infrastructure/street construction and/or repair on or adjacent to the event area? Comments and Additional Considerations:
43 Developing a Strategy for Appropriate Uses of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Report to the Parkway Council Foundation and Managing Director’s Office – City of Philadelphia
Appendix
Table of Contents
Interviewees ...... 2 Focus Group Participants ...... 3 Thematic Quotes from Focus Groups ...... 4 Parkway: Design, Usage Vision ...... 4 Cultural Institutions ...... 9 Small Events ...... 11 Big Events ...... 12 Health and Safety Issues ...... 16 Effect on Business ...... 17 Diversity and Choice of Parkway Activities ...... 19 Street Closures and Parking ...... 21 Noise Levels ...... 22 Bus Routes and Detours ...... 23 Coordination of Events and Communication with the Public ...... 23 Transparency of Plans, Financials and Schedule ...... 27 Philadelphia: the Parkway’s Reflection on the City ...... 28 Historical Parkway Events and Closures from 2007 - 2017 ...... 29 First Amendment Events ...... 29 Bibliography ...... 30 Intercept Survey ...... 32 Intercept Survey – Map of Respondent Zip Codes ...... 33 Intercept Survey Responses ...... 34 Resident Survey ...... 54 Resident Survey Respondents ...... 58 Resident Survey Data Charts ...... 60 Resident Survey Open-Ended Responses ...... 63
1 Interviewees
Margo Berg, Public Art Manager Matt Rader, President City of Philadelphia Philadelphia Horticultural Society
Julie Coker Graham. President and CEO Siobhan Reardon, President and Director Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Free Library of Philadelphia
Jim Cuorato, CEO Richard Rabena, Vice President Independence Visitors Center The Franklin Institute
Mike DiBerardinis, Managing Director Aaron Ritz, Transportation Systems Manager City of Philadelphia Managing Directors Office of Transportation & Infrastructure Systems Larry Dubinski, President and CEO City of Philadelphia The Franklin Institute Jim Rosenstein Sally Elk, President and CEO The Philadelphian Eastern State Penitentiary Harris Steinberg, Director Eric Evjen, Director of Research Drexel University Lindy Institute of Urban Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Innovation
Cecelia Fitzgibbon, President Rich Yoka Moore College of Art Fairmount Sports Association
Laura Griffith, Associate Director Peg Zminda, CFO and COO Association of Public Art Barnes Foundation
Jeff Guaracino, President and CEO Wawa Welcome America
Gail Harrity, President and COO Philadelphia Museum of Art
Sheila Hess, City Representative City of Philadelphia
Jazelle Jones, Deputy Managing Director / Director of Operations Office of Special Events City of Philadelphia
Paul Levy, President and CEO Center City District
2 Focus Group Participants
Darnetta Arce Lucy Miller Georgienne Bednar Chris Mohr DJ Boylan Joanne Montano Barbara Bravo Angela Moore Monika Burke John Murdock Bruce Butler Drew Murray Jennifer Coburn Joan Myers-Goodman Linda Cutler Kathleen Neary Andy Denison Andrea Ohta Mary Ellen Didier Jamesv Pavlock Danielle DiLeo Kim Gail Pray Trish diPietrae Larry Reynolds Edward Dougherty Catherine Riker Gail Foster Lois Rosage Eliene Frierson Rina Rosenberg Dr. Helene Furjan Marc Ross Susan Gabriel Gayle Ruggeri Judith Goldberg Patricia Schuyler Kevin Gruenfeld David Searles Ernest Hanna Brian Shapiro Harry Hayman Jow Sirbak Michale Heaney Andy Stuart Robert Hornick Kristen Suzda Colin Houston Michael Tinker John Iodice Russell Troyer Sharon Jindal Kevin Turk Ulrich Jorns Jim Vesey Susan Kanterman Jason Volpe Noam Kugelmass Mary Walton Nick Kulish C. Donald Weinberg Hannah Lawman Darlyne Woma Antoinette Levitt Diana Lind Cynthia Lombardi Iain MacInnes Robert Melvin Anna Mikson Hydie Miller
Thematic Quotes from Focus Groups
The following quotes were drawn from the complete transcripts of the eight focus groups to represent the overarching themes heard from focus group participants. There are no individual attributions; quotes are anonymous and only represented by the specific focus group (i.e., FG1 = focus group 1).
Parkway: Design, Usage Vision The thing I love most about the Parkway is the open space. When you emerge from the busy commercial areas or dense residential areas into a real park space where you can walk your dog or play with your children, or just stroll along. It serves all those functions really well and is a play to enjoy. (FG1)
It’s lovely to walk the Parkway and see your neighbors in such a cultural area. I feel very good about events that are inclusive, that don’t require big fences or the exclusivity of payment where people can’t afford to be there. The recreation department’s work on the Eakins Oval should be highly commended. It’s inclusive and is for people visiting and people who are neighbors. (FG1)
I like the uniqueness and diversity. My block is like the U.N. I like the accessibility of the Parkway coming and going through it. I think it also provides a great economic opportunity for the City and hopefully for the businesses in the area. (FG1)
I like the spaciousness. Our streets are small and we often work in small spaces so the openness is something very important to me. I attend the smaller events where you can still walk around and take your time. It’s a beautiful space to gather. It’s a lively public space and I like the idea that it opens up and we have that kind of environment here. (FG1)
The accessibility of the cultural institutions and the restaurants here are all great. It’s relatively green and close to the water. I like the nice walks and the good curb cuts which are critical for our stroller and our wheelchair. (FG1)
I moved to Philadelphia because I love the excitement and I love the events on the Parkway. It’s why I moved to Logan Square. We go to the fireworks and Thanksgiving every year. I love the Oval and its programming. I loved the NFL Draft and I attended Made in America every year but this year. I love having the events like the Fireflies too. I know it’s a challenge but it’s very exciting. We belong to every one of the institutions on the Parkway. I also like the events where people can participate like the runs and the bike race. (FG1)
I’m a Philadelphian by choice. I like the excitement and the diversity. I have a big house and everyone comes to crash and attend the events. There’s a lot to do and it’s very open and
accessible. I love that part about it here. I love the Fourth of July event. It’s inclusive and a big full city event. I think it’s great. (FG1) Need a few more cafes so people can sit & enjoy the space. We don’t even have an elegant restaurant on the parkway anymore & that’s a real loss. (FG1)
Need to have restrooms, at least once every block. And need facilities for infants to have diapers changed. And more handicapped accessible places. Essentials. And there needs to be a limit to how long things go on. (FG1)
Safety is an issue because it’s like a racetrack sometimes. There are paths that lead to no pedestrian crossing. It’s confusing to know where to cross. You see people with strollers try to dash across. There should be a clear, safe way for pedestrians to go from Center City to the art museum. (FG2)
As someone who bikes every day, it can be very scary even with a dedicated bike lane. It’s a scary road and it’s supposed to be our premier cultural event space. (FG2) More visionary: space would be designed for the events we choose to have. Expand the oval & create space for the big events to happen. (FG1)
The Parkway is a classroom away from school for my two daughters, age 9 and 10. We go to the museums and library. (FG1)
I love the diversity I find on the Parkway – the range of ages and cultures. (FG1) Open underpass on Spring Garden St. to 2-way traffic, extend the oval & make it larger so you can’t circle the parkway and if (the parkway?) was brought back to 2-lane, that would be possible. That would decrease some of the traffic & make it more pedestrian friendly. (FG1)
I love walking down the Parkway in the evening. 7, 7:30 when it’s quiet. Walking down to the library to an author event – it is amazing what the library offers – and walking out around 9:00, seeing the skyline and institutions. It’s quiet and it’s a beautiful walk. It’s a gem and the events are beautiful and wonderful. It’s walkable; quiet, open and you can see the beauty of it. You can see many people walking. (FG2)
The Parkway is the iconic gem of the city. Just as people from all over the world come there, people who live here want to enjoy it every day too. It should be open and accessible and safe for all. (FG2)
Shakespeare Park, they re-landscaped and put the chess board in there & suddenly there is a different constituency using it. It’s great to see people in there. (FG2) How do you handle a space that’s big enough for the fireworks and the concerts but is designed so that, when it’s not used for those spaces, the cars slow down and that it is clear how to go. Suggestions: make the red lights longer to slow everything down for the pedestrians. Close the middle lanes, make that a pedestrian walk. (FG2)
5
I was shocked and delighted when I saw the completion of construction and found they had redesigned the surface – particularly here at corner of 20th & the Parkway – where there’s such an improvement in the flow for pedestrians. And for driving as well. They tweaked the curbs and it’s a little thing but when I used to go downtown to commute, it was such a gauntlet, and now it’s a (relatively) nice experience. It could always be improved. But it is dramatically improved. For walking and events, I’ve seen a lot of improvement in the 16 years I’ve been here. In addition to a lot more use. As a pedestrian commuting to City Hall, it’s always felt like a gateway into the city. It’s so great to hear visitors enjoying it all. The space itself, when it’s used in ways that take advantage of the physical features – not just for raucous concerts -- it just amplifies what a great space it can be. (FG3)
There are events that make the city feel really animated. Where people are walking and sharing and I really like that. And it affects the local neighborhoods in good ways, getting people out on the streets. I tend to like the smaller ones better than the huge ones. (FG4) I think Logan Circle looks better each year. Sister Cities park, the café and everything they’ve done around there that is great. It’s family friendly it’s not messy. There’s a safety element. Pedestrian friendly places are really important. (FG4)
They’ve really standardized the Parkway. It looks beautiful with all the paving looks the same, the curbs look the same. It’s beautiful. They care about it more. They spent some money to make it look nice. And more people friendly with the ramps and you can cross the street without getting killed. (FG4)
The vision of the Parkway was to be like the Champs Elysee which is loaded with stores and cafes. The problem with much of the Parkway is that there are no cafés or stores. If we didn’t have these events that bring in hundreds of people, it would be much emptier. There needs to be something in between. Sister Cities park and the café are really something. There were 200 people there the other night listening to music. And that’s why I love what they’re doing in the Oval but that’s just one month out of the year. I’d like smaller venues where people could eat, and sit and talk. The plan hasn’t happened but it is looking better. It’s only animated when it’s too animated. (FG4)
Do we really need three pop up beer gardens on the Parkway? (FG4)
More locally friendly with cafes and restaurants. Go to the museum, go to the café. And that has not developed. Don’t always have to have events. I’m interested in the city being seen well but that’s not my most important priority. (FG4)
Need to do something about homeless population displaced by construction. If the Parkway is how we showcase our city, that’s disgraceful. The city has vacant buildings and schools, should redirect resources and set those up as shelters. (FG4)
6 Private groups “suburbanites” are feeding the homeless so they’re not going to leave. Tried fighting it but our hands are tied. Shelter and services are being provided. They’re afraid of shelters. It’s public space. Communication solution. (FG4) The parkway connects center city to the park and hosts special events. It’s often on the way to someplace. My daughters’ commute to school crosses the Parkway and the same with my wife’s commute to work. We often attend events on the Parkway and often check them out – it’s not such a destination that I have to pack for it. (FG5)
I still see the Parkway as primarily a place for the arts, appreciation for timeless beauty. I was first struck by the long thoroughfare, the flags and how majestic it seemed to me. Gorgeous views from the art museum. A place to visit and be reminded that there’s a lot going on in the world beyond us. If events are kid-appropriate we will go. Our kids will do the Fun Run for the marathon. Go to the museum. We love the azalea garden. We just had a picnic there today. (FG5)
I see it as a meeting place where friends will gather, tourists and locals. Just the open space to enjoy. It’s a nice park area. I walk my dog up there. We like the greenspace, the grass and trees. I like that the events are going on. (FG5)
I’ve always thought of it as a little oasis of nature. Beauty. I walk it every day. I walk under the trees to hear the birds. On Sundays I walk up the river with my 94 year old friend. I love that there are tourists there, I love helping them. I bring visitors there. I love that there are sweet events that don’t stop my enjoyment of the beauty. I love all the walk a thons & marathons. It’s a place to gather and celebrate. (FG5)
For 20 years, I walked half an hour each way to work and purposely walked along the Parkway. I would tell people that I have the best commute in the country. And I’ve watched the Parkway get better and better. Sister Cities park was a home run. Slowly they’re moving to emphasize people and deemphasize cars. Get rid of the cars. Bring on the events. I’m not crazy about the huge ones but there’s probably a place for that to make the Parkway more of a destination. The Parks on Tap pop-ups are wonderful. All of these little things they’re doing make it just enchanting to walk along the Parkway. There’s still work to be done, room for more people friendly spaces. You can just imagine it. (FG5)
It’s like the city’s front parlor or the city’s front porch. (FG5)
Focus on pedestrians. Maybe have some giant footsteps to show the best routes. And footprints for dogs. How are universities connected to this. Design a game for kids & parents with facts. Identify trees and plants. Use technology to engage with the space and inform. Maybe the fee structures for events could include support for that technology build. Amazon would like a part. Connect with people from other countries. There’s a cell phone self guided tour of a cemetery. If they can do it, we should be able to. The layers of interesting facts,
7 historical facts and others. Depending on who’s carrying the phone, it could adapt. Rentable segways too. (FG5)
There is an inevitability about this, about the events. There are events that should be on the Parkway. They belong here. It’s a good thing for the city. We just need to do a better job of handling them. It’s not that I’m opposed to having this Parkway as a vibrant thing that’s cool to live near. And we really don’t mind 200,000 of our closest friends coming for the fireworks. You get used to it. It’s part of living in the city. But do a better job of it. Make it more graceful. Then I would even be in favor of doing more events, if you do a better job of it. Get serious about doing this gracefully. I’m not in favor of commercializing the Parkway. (FG5)
I think the Parkway is a place that serves its residents, first & foremost. The people and the institutions that are there. It’s also a place that welcomes visitors from the city & outside the city in proportion to its capability to do so. It’s way off balance now. The number & size of events has overwhelmed its capability to be a gracious host. (FG6) There no bathroom or place to buy even a bottle of water. Not many water foundations and they don’t always work. The Parkway has to be both a showplace and a place for the neighborhood. (FG6)
It is a public space & people in the neighborhood need to understand that about it. But the city needs to work on a pedestrian level. It needs to be as flexible as possible. People need to still get in as events are being set up. There needs to be a plan for the day to day. (FG6) It’s not very pedestrian friendly. There are paths that start & then go nowhere. Then there’s no way to get across. There’s no way to get across the Oval. The Parkway is six lanes wide but it’s never that busy. Could close lanes. You have to run to cross the street. (FG6) In Europe there are city centers where you can’t drive, you have to take a bus to get in. It’s all pedestrian friendly. That’s the trend. (FG6)
I think we’ve done a pretty good job at developing a place that is an event in itself. The Rocky statue. The steps. The Parkway is an event. Visiting is an event people enjoy. That to me is the best event in the Parkway. The number of people running up those steps to Rocky is probably more than Made in America. The Parkway used to be kind of dead when there wasn’t an event. Now, every day from 6 am to 8 pm, pretty much every day of the year there’s an event going on: people are going up those steps. Exercising. Meeting there. And I don’t think we realize that. (FG6)
Signage. If you’re a visitor and you come to the Parkway, they have signs at various places but they need more to tell you this is the way to the skateboard park. This is the way to the bathroom. They need more than This Way to the Art Museum. (FG6) In Europe they have public conveniences. It’s not the thing in America. If you don’t have a McDonalds, you’ve got nowhere to go. “Mommy I want to go to the bathroom” When you bring kids down here, there’s nowhere to go. (FG6)
8 During Made in America there was a huge population just outside the fence, listing to the music. There was nowhere for them to go to the bathroom. The cathedral had to close their bathrooms because there were so many people. (FG6)
More commercialization along the parkway doesn’t fit my vision of what the parkway should be. More pedestrian traffic, more people enjoying the greenway and cultural institutions. Those are gems no other cities have. Making it like the Champs Elyse, that’s kind of trashy, making it like an outdoor mall. (FG7)
I’m supporting the green painted bike lanes. I started riding to work and I enjoy it. (FG7) I would be shocked if, 20 years from now, the parkway is not a bicycle and pedestrian way only. It’s the trend. (FG7)
Consider the scale of the city, how small our city actually is. You can’t have things keep getting bigger and bigger because the streets can’t manage it. (FG7)
I think the Eakin’s Oval re-do every summer has been phenomenal. Well received by the community. It’s open-door, not gated. It’s really drawn a lot of people to the parkway at hours that normally wouldn’t be a draw. An installation there from Brazil with lights was phenomenal. As is the annual re-do for the kids. And the beer gardens. They give you a reason to go there. They reinvent it each year. And it’s not gated. (FG8)
The city is trying to squeeze a round peg into a square hole. Let us build more houses on the parkway. Let us go taller. Let us have more cafes. But to say this is just an event space is degrading to my city. (FG8)
Little League is big here. And at Fairmont Park they took all the fields, kids couldn’t have their finals in soccer. (FG8)
This is the parkway and the parkway should have its energy built into it not something that’s contrived on to it. I like active streets. If I wanted to sleep at night, I’d move to the ‘burbs. But don’t try to suburbanize the city by putting a fence around it. (FG8)
Cultural Institutions I love the cultural institutions on the Parkway and am a frequent user and member of several of them. It’s one of the reason I moved from suburbs down to the Parkway. (FG1)
People come to the city to see the Rocky statue. 24/7 they want to see it. Tourists are always asking for directions. It’s out of sight for many of these events. (FG2)
I would like to see some of our institutions stay open later, especially during the week. Philadelphia closes down in this area around 5 or 6:00 at night, maybe 8:00 once in awhile.
9 When you go other places, you see things open late at night. I think we need to draw visitors here with extended hours. (FG2)
I think it would be discouraging to be a tourist here when these events are happening along the Parkway. People come here to see what we have to offer and it must be frustrating to find our institutions closed. If they come during an event, they can’t see what we want to show them. (FG2) It should always be a beautiful venue to walk from Center City to the art museum. Even when there’s no event, it’s very disruptive now. (FG2)
Seeing institutions host events more would be really exciting. Events that would spill out on to the Parkway. Our big institutions are focused on learning, on beauty, on civic culture and they do nothing on the Parkway. It’s a missed opportunity. (FG3)
It would also make the Parkway institutions not seem as though they are stuck behind their ivory towers. They’re missing the chance to use their front yards to get people in, to share what they have. During existing Parkway events, institutional attendance tanks. Not only do they have the institutional leverage they have something to bring to the table to find alternate ways to use the space. (FG3)
I think it should be a only a very rare occasion when the art museum space in front is cordoned off. If it’s considered a gem it should be treated as a gem. It should be curated as a gem and not just because someone wants to have their event there. (FG3) The event at the Franklin Institute for the eclipse was family friendly, there were a lot of families there. They did a great job providing equipment. There were no road closures involved. It wasn’t noisy. The Franklin Institute, when it uses the Parkway (which is infrequent) does a really good job. (FG4)
Neighbors around the prison are given free membership to make up for the Halloween Terror Event. That helps. It says: We appreciate your patience. This is our major source of funding and we appreciate it. (FG5)
The penitentiary’s Halloween event is one of the biggest in the country. They now use buses, they didn’t when they started. Parking is still something of a nightmare but they’ve tried to alleviate it by using the zoo’s parking lot. But the zoo is open during all these other events. At night time, for Halloween, it’s extra money for the zoo. (FG6)
The prison really makes a big effort not to be a nuisance. And they provide free membership for the people around it who are impacted. It’s a nice outreach. And the restaurants along Fairmont do very well because it’s not an event where they sell food. I like to see that. (FG6)
The penitentiary has established a model – the penitentiary is a great model. (FG6)
10 Small Events I love the weird little things you encounter. Someone has planned these events but I don’t have to follow something to find out cool things are happening. I will happen upon a beer garden or an event or a concert and be able to just stop and listen. I enjoy the big things and the small things. (FG2)
Something I discovered just by accident. I was walking on a Saturday afternoon and by Logan Circle there was a Buddhist parade. I don’t know what they were celebrating but it had all the attributes of an ideal parade. Hardly anybody was watching. It was short. It had no beer drinking, no trash on the sidewalk. Quiet, it hardly blocked any traffic. It was the ideal thing. Probably started early in the morning, ended by 12:00. Short, intimate, a cultural experience with low impact. (FG2)
I had a problem getting to work with the NFL but worse than that was the Hot Chocolate Run. I have an office here in the city, on the other side of the Parkway. The Hot Chocolate Run goes to something like 8th Street so just to get to my office is a challenge and it runs for hours. A solution would be to limit the events, and the noise, from an early part of the morning to 12:00 noon. With or without clean up included. Living where we live, looking across the street, we see tons of trailers and trucks all week. The inconvenience and unsightliness. My neighbor said, when he moved to my building he did not believe he would be living in a fairground. That’s it, it’s gone way over the top. (FG2)
The other night with my husband, walking down to see the Fireflies opening. I live on 22nd street & it was just so nice. Such diversity, the families, the openness; you didn’t feel boxed in. It lasted maybe 20 minutes. It was so nice, that after rush hour on a weeknight, we could all have this beautiful experience. It felt neighborly, I saw people I knew. Kind of like the Oval, which is something neighbors would want to do, not just tourists and people coming just for an event. (FG3)
Four or five years ago, there was this light installation piece that was on the Parkway. Beams of light along the Parkway shooting out & making patterns and designs. And at the Oval, they had recorded stories about people from Philadelphia talking about the unique aspects of the history of Philadelphia, the different neighborhoods. And one thing I learned was about the beer culture here dating back to the 19th century German immigrants who, because they were Catholics, were kept outside the rest of the city. So they preserved this rich, unique beer culture. And when that barrier fell, it integrated throughout the city so that to this day, it’s why Philadelphia has such a sophisticated beer palate. It was wonderful because it was very specific and local. And the lights shooting up didn’t close the Parkway itself but they had the Oval available. I thought that was a very thoughtful use of that space. (FG3)
The beer garden at Eakins’s Oval, we stopped by 2 or 3 times this season and took friends there. It’s been pleasant before but it’s better now. They did a really nice job, configuring the
11 beer garden part more like a German beer garden with lots and lots of tables for sharing and eating. A kind of communal space. They did a really nice job and it was carried through down the Parkway with Oval Plus locations. (FG5)
Doesn’t affect restaurant. Any small event on the parkway, doesn’t do positive or negative. I don’t think those events are negative but from an infrastructure viewpoint, I think doing small events down there is almost a nuisance to the area. In a very small way. Like the firefly, might work better at one of the neighborhood parks, that might reap the benefit better economically. And maybe better to scatter people around the city rather than always trying to meet together on the parkway. (FG7)
In terms of the small events and the neighborhoods they are serving, I think they’re really helpful. It’s an oasis for families who can walk there. It’s not attracting people from outside the area but it makes living in center city a lot more viable if you have children. At Shakespeare Park they’re going to have plays across from the library. I appreciate those efforts. The Oval is interesting in concept but getting there is difficult. (FG7)
That light show at the Oval was a real draw. It was open to everyone. You could walk in, walk out, stay, go. The music does make a difference to the ambiance. It was very pleasant. People were dancing and moving. (FG8)
The little ones make just as much disruption. You go out to the Parkway and there’s 200 people there. But they’ve blocked everything off because they want to run up and down. (FG6)
Big Events The events are great but too many. Could control the number of big events by having a 2-day limit on set up. I would limit events to 10. Made in America would have to take down pop-up garden in oval & put it back up again after so it could be up during fall, a perfect time for it. (FG1)
I love when the big events shut down the streets and you’re able to just be a person in the city and you can walk wherever you want. Free rein, open streets, public access. That’s something that’s really special. (FG2)
The taking of public space for private events trashes this resource. 12 foot fences block people from using it for too long. Neighborhood sports associations are unable to use the fields. It should still be a city resource. (FG2)
I like all the free events. I like 4th of July. I understand it causes problems with traffic, congestion, parking but it’s an open event. People come from all over to see the fireworks, to see the concert. I like the whole openness of it. And I’m ok, as a neighborhood resident, to
12 have my life impacted by a fairly negative thing. But I’m ok with it because it’s a open, public event. I like it, it’s good for the city and I know what to expect. (FG2)
I have yet to hear of a Jay Z School of Performing Arts in Philadelphia. I have yet to see a Beyonce anything in Philadelphia. The man is worth $500 million and in 10 years he has contributed a million and a half to charity. That tells you everything about what is going on here. I’m subsidizing Jay Z and Beyonce for no reason that I can see. And a Belgium beer company. (FG2)
Our public space is taken from us because they’re trying to fit the concert venue into this area right below, and all the trees are on each side, they take away this beautiful area. People should be sitting on the steps of the art museum enjoying the view. I don’t understand why they do that on big events. When you have big events, put things on the steps and allow people for that whole weekend to be in front of the art museum. (FG3)
The NFL Draft is atrocious. 1. The amount of time it took to set up 2. The amount of road closures, the amount of congestion that brought 3. The constant flying of helicopters from 6:00 in the morning to midnight, day after day. From a logistics standpoint, it was poorly thought out, poorly planned. The lack of consideration for the impact that would have – and this was an event that took place over 5 weeks, beginning to end. The city just sold itself out to this organization. And the NFL Draft, of course it’s great marketing opportunity for the NFL and yes they gave $25,000 to the public schools for flag football … and that’s of course exactly what the schools need (sarcastic), it was despicable and nauseating and I wanted to leave and never come back. And I’m a football fan. (FG3)
They’ve basically got Made in America down but the volume this year and profanity I could hear in my living room was WOAH. (FG3)
NFL Draft was a new thing for here & I don’t think the city did it’s due diligence well. It used to be in Chicago where they had the same problems. Did the city not talk with Chicago? They can’t say they didn’t know. (FG3)
Need more police presence after events in the neighborhood. While people are leaving. (FG3) Thanksgiving event and that’s one of the bigger events and takes a lot of time to clean up. But, coming from the UK, I was surprised at how quickly it was getting cleaned up. The Thanksgiving event is a good way to kick off the holidays and it brings the city together. And I think it has helped to regenerate, brings a lot of income into these areas. (FG4)
Lemonhill and other parts of Fairmont Park could be a really good solution, if Made in American has to happen at all. Have it there. It’s contained. It could be closed off without inconveniencing so many people. Because it’s contained, it could be a security benefit. People could still stroll on down to the Parkway and enjoy all the benefits here. (FG4)
13 Made in America has port a potties only inside the event. They sell a lot of beer. Once they leave, they’re not allowed back in the event and there are no portapotties outside the venue. They’ve essentially ordered those people to urinate on my steps. Solution: put some outside too. (FG5)
With Made in America, lots of people urinating with police watching but doing nothing to prevent it. And last year, I got puked on while waiting to cross the street – in the daylight with my dogs. The drunk kids harass us. It was better this year. Still, need more police to control public drunkenness. (FG5)
In addition to clean up fees written into contract, part of the revenue should be directed back to the neighborhood that is inconvenienced. Repair sidewalks, or a new light, or slide…give something back. (FG5)
I like the Pope. It was a little over the top with the security. But that was a feel good thing. It really showcased the city and helped to bring other things to the city. I also like parades. Things that are family oriented and don’t showcase alcohol. Things that bring out the neighborhood. I liked that about the NFL. It wasn’t only people from out of town. (FG6)
It’s a terrible place for some of these events, logistically. Only a couple hundred people can see and they are the ones with VIP seats. The acoustics are awful. Then they’re shooting off fireworks but there’s trees everywhere. (FG6)
There’s a lot of disruption with these events. With the Jay Z thing in particular, somebody’s making a lot of money. Especially when they charge $13 for a beer. But the neighborhood doesn’t get anything back. Yes, they pick up trash but permanent receptacles would be useful and nothing like that is left behind. The Civic Association gets no money from the city. Something could be supported to make the community a little bit better. It’s a one-way system. (FG6)
Television screws everything. They ruined Thanksgiving. You can’t get near it. Everything that was bad about the Draft was television. If you went to the event, it looked like a Catholic school Fun Fair. Humble kinds of events going on. Nothing very complex. But then we had a worldwide television studio built on the steps. And I can understand why they did what they did. They’re delivering a product to the world with billions of viewers. I’d do anything & everything to make that work. And that happened with the first Made in America, everyone got on their cell phones and the whole thing was overwhelmed. (FG6)
I know they move events down to the stadium area now, where there’s just a lot of parking. And Belmont Plateau. And the Mann Center. (FG6)
The thing with Made in America is that there is 30 or 40,000 people in there. That’s nothing. That’s a tiny population of people considering that on 4th of July we probably have 250,000
14 people coursing through the area. A small amount of people having an outsize impact. It never belonged on the Parkway. (FG6)
I know a lot of people don’t enjoy the big events being here but we’re in a tourism area and you’ve kind of got to get used to that. Getting a nice blend is good and I really enjoy it. (FG8)
We were used to events but it just got overwhelming. Out of control. Made in America was the bomb. It just set everybody against it. The decibel level and language was off the chart. Not just for Made in America, it kind of rolled into 4th of July. Multiple stages. Totally out of control. What really clinched it was when paintings fell off the wall in the museum, from the vibration. Now the Pope raised serious issues of control and access but there was understanding and acceptance of it. (FG8)
The NFL was a full four weeks of disruption. Four weeks out of 12 months, I did not have access to my house. That’s not a world class city. That’s a joke. B. “Oh, we have to see the art museum” and then they built that monster in front of it. Then it was fenced off for a square mile. I’m a walker and I have to put in an extra 3 miles to get around it. (FG8)
It’s not a good venue to see a stage. It’s not good acoustically. The one big thing is they want to see the art museum at the end. Jay Z covers it up. The NFL covers it up. Even the Pope covered it up. The Pope was in NYC too, where were the fences there? I didn’t see fences. (FG8)
The bottom line it’s bad acoustics, bad viewing and you’re sitting on asphalt. I know there’s a better place to do that in Philadelphia. It’s not about getting it out of my neighborhood because I love being half a block from Stevie Wonder. It’s just a bad venue. (FG8)
Solution: If it involves a fence, the answer’s No. (FG8)
We have an 8,500 acre park. It’s the biggest in the world. Fairmont Park. San Francisco does it in their main park, out near the ocean. New York has Central Park. They have concerts that are comparable to the Jay Z concert. It’s not in the grid. (FG8) Trash trash trash trash. Events need to pick cans up every hour or two. I don’t want any more cafes. I don’t like Comcast and their crazy kiosks with the food they want. We have enough trash. (FG4)
Trash is a huge problem with some of these events Made in America or even a race. Broken glass outside my place, broken beer bottles, cigarette butts and things. My children play outside in front. I would appreciate if some of the revenue that is coming in was spent on street sweepers, not just trash cans. Event revenue used to clean the neighborhoods that are getting trashed. (FG5)
15 They do an amazing job preparing for these big events but they don’t charge organizations for a lot of these events. Brian Abernathy said they did not charge NFL because they bring in so much revenue, it’s so good for the city. The broken trees, the broken sidewalks, the destroyed grass and the trash, that doesn’t have to be a given. If you’re that good at making it happen, you can be that good at making it un-happen. Whether it’s free or not for you to use our space, there should be a clean up fee. At the end of each event, you re-sod and repair damage. It’s not that much money. (FG5)
Benches destroyed by private events take too long to be replaced. (FG2)
The big events destroy parts of the Parkway and it takes forever for them to be fixed. (FG4)
Races are pretty easy to set up and take down. The things that are really impactful are Made in America, the NFL, especially Made in America in the rain. You’ve got 30,000 people out there stomping on the wet grass. Turning it to mud. They put boards down this year but if you put boards down and leave them for two weeks, it’s going to kill the grass. (FG5) Go back to when they cut down all the London Plane trees in the center. They were planted in 1928 and the outside ones were dying. During big events, people standing under the tree were tamping out all the oxygen. The replant was conditioned on only having 7 events a year of any size on the parkway. (FG8)
Health and Safety Issues I’m a nurse, I work at the Hospital at University of Pennsylvania. For the Pope’ visit, we had advanced notice to be ready for casualties, etc. so being at work was very important. My employer gave us information released by the city. I went out the night before and asked to be sure I could get across and walk to work. I was told that I could walk up to Gerard Ave. and around, or that I could go through metal detectors and across. The information was inaccurate -- what was given way in advance to my employer AND what was told to me the night before. That morning, there were many many people trying to get across. It took 2 to 3 ½ hours to cross the city. My solution is: To think about the essential functions of the city, one of which is health care. Realize the work of the city goes on. There were lots of health care workers -- 5:30, 6:00 in the morning -- trying to get to their jobs without adequate information. (FG2)
I work in home health care so for us, these big events that block things for weeks sometimes prevent our workers from visiting sick and homebound. I work for Hospice. The traffic box for the Pope’s visit forced us to move patients from their homes into our facilities because there was no way for us to get in. We are not EMS. We could get signs from the residence/building but police would not let us through. (FG3)
Accessibility to the streets just isn’t there during these events and that is an argument for keeping it small. Accessibility to nearby neighborhoods is a problem. A lot of people in my building have home health aides and they can’t get to them. (FG4)
16
Made in America is the worst. And there is underaged drinking going on. They do not check ID. And the police are not doing anything about it. (FG4)
Police “security” aren’t doing the job. Sit in their cars. Rude. (FG4)
With Made in America, they had to have medical teams go around the neighborhood to pick up drunk kids. There needs to be a better way to monitor these things. You get drunk kids all the time but not to that extent. I think it’s affected by who performs, they’re playing to a younger crowd. (FG6)
I was lucky to have my heart attack on a Sunday when there was no event on the Parkway. It could have made the difference between me being alive or dead. It’s not theoretical, there is documented research how events such as these impact emergency health services. Because I had to go, was taken, to Penn Presbyterian Hospital. We could not have taken that route had there been an event, almost any event. A run. Anything. People need to know this. I’m probably alive today because there was no event. (FG6) One of the reasons they close off a lot of the streets to parking is because a man did die at the Philadelphian one year. Slow emergency response. (FG6)
They had a fire on 25th Street, a few years back. They had trouble getting the engines through. They’ve addressed that. They say they’ve addressed that. Emergency vehicles can get through better. (FG6)
We had a couple with serious health issues at Parktown last year. To try to tell The Powers That Be, “we have 4 patients who have to go to dialysis on Saturday” Well, you just have to get them there. (FG8)
Effect on Business For Made in America, I’m out there (outside the restaurant) with all the people all day until the last stragglers leave at 2:00 in the morning and there are more problems on the 4th of July. Probably 10:1. It’s a much bigger crowd and it’s a free crowd. Nobody needs to spend any money. Just there to enjoy the fireworks. And act pretty bad on the way home. They’re not the most respectful people after they’re done having a good time on the 4th of July. Lots more urination in the streets and people passed out. This is 12 years, I don’t miss these events, I’m right there outside the place walking the neighborhood, making sure people are respectful because not only do I own my property I own a number of other properties there. After the events are over, I’m out there cleaning it up. The Color Run is probably the biggest disaster in terms of making a mess. They throw colored powder, I think it’s cornstarch. What a mess that is, until the next day it rains. Tracked right into the restaurant. (FG7)
17 The Papal visit affected a lot of businesses negatively. People came only for the Pope. They didn’t spend any money. And with the NFL Draft, once people hear about road closures, people from out of town don’t come and those who could walk to them leave. (FG7)
The two knucklehead things, and stuff like that, we’re a little too far away from it so we don’t feel it as much as some of the other business owners I know. If you have a beer & shot place, a fast casual place, I don’t know for a fact but I think those feel some positive business. My more upscale compatriots, Osteria, guys like that: you’ve just got to cringe when those things are happening. (What loss of revenue have you experienced?) Maybe 20% and I see it mostly on my second seating. People who are coming for the shows, they’ve already made reservations and so they’re committed to coming. They’ve just got to figure it out. (FG8)
Because of the way it is set up, people are abusing their local businesses. Tailgating at Sabrina’s, staying hours without buying much of anything. Using the restrooms. (FG2)
When streets are blocked it’s tough for my employees. They have to leave very early. And I have food to pick up because I’ve got to get food to the restaurant, I had to walk 3 blocks with very heavy carts of food. There was very little information about closures this year, I think it was better last year. (FG7)
Every event on the parkway affects my business directly. Usually in a positive way. Made in America is an example of a contained event. People spend all their money inside, they can’t leave. I get why they do it. I don’t know how long it will last. This year seemed to be less attended than years past. I think that was the case with all outdoor music festivals this past year, I was told. I find the crowds from Made in America respectful. They have money, which is good to consider if you’re going to host an event that takes place on the parkway. If people are going to put up the money to make sure the city’s coffers are filled from an event like that, and they’re taking care of the space, they’re responsible for re-seeding the grounds (FG7)
If it’s good for Philly, if it has positive impact – and for some a negative impact for those weekends – I’ll be able to communicate it to my hostesses who in turn can communicate it to the traveling public. I’ll be able to communicate it to my staff, to my manager. I feel it’s very fluid in terms of what you guys can do. (FG8)
If you could allow some jazz to end up on the parkway that would be great. They attract a different demographic base than the others. A Chardonnay drinking, pinkie out crowd, just to keep it fair. (FG8)
I don’t want to be negative about events. I recognize they’re good for Philadelphia and I’m all about that but they’re not necessarily good for local businesses people have to travel to. I think it scares people, personally. (FG8)
18 (Are there any that benefit your business?) Not my specific business. My business is more about location and destination. We’re jazz and bourbon and southern cuisine. When events are happening it sort of scares my clientele. I live here too at 640 N. Broad Street. So most of my peers will get out of Dodge, if they can, because it brings too much congestion. (FG8)
If you have a beer & shot place, a fast casual place, I don’t know for a fact but I think those feel some positive business. My more upscale compatriots, Osteria, guys like that: you’ve just got to cringe when those things are happening. (FG8)
Maybe it’s good for hotel rooms but do the numbers on what wasn’t spent normally. I do this for a living. I do not believe it was the big windfall they say. People left to avoid it. The money isn’t spent here. The people you want on the Parkway are the people coming in to the city to see the museums. They go to the restaurants. They stay in nice hotels. They’re not coming for Made in America or the NFL Draft. They’re coming for cultural events. Teenybopper concert goers don’t have much money to spend (beyond ticket price). (FG8)
The way they had Temple come up with the economic impact statement for the NFL Draft, it’s great to see $98 million coming in. That’s a lot of money spent. (But only two industries benefitted from that: restaurants and hotels. ) And all the unions who put up the scaffolding. It has a ripple effect throughout the economy, every dollar spent. And yet it’s not the ideal way to utilize the parkway, for the residents. (FG7) On the other hand, the parkway has been a showcase since the day it was built and it’s always been tough on the residents. My toughest day of the year always is 4th of July. It has become so much better since police started stopping traffic earlier in the day and there’s not cars everywhere. (FG7)
Diversity and Choice of Parkway Activities I think Logan Square has come back alive because of the reconstruction, you have the miniparks and Shakespeare, the chess set, sister cities is alive. It puts the residents and visitors and any group you want out there using it. We need to replicate that, use the microspaces more effectively-- not every 5 feet down the Parkway but the Oval is another good one. It needs to get bigger and more creative, stop being just a playground & do something that really showcases the city. Make it a destination. There should never be a fence in a public space. The whole private-public notion is really important to this city. In Europe, you never see anything fenced off. Especially around monuments. Activate the Parkway with public access. (FG2)
Last Friday’s kickoff to the Centennial of the Parkway opening. Events all over the Parkway and all the institutions open. Tango dancing in Logan Square, jazz at Moore College, two beer gardens, something going on in the Oval. It was a great crowd, a cross section of everybody and it was human scale. It was small and it worked and it was comfortable. Small but numerous
19 events everywhere. But it was quiet, not overwhelming. Small, intimate, human scale with free access. (FG2)
Fireflies and Parkway 100: it was great to have events that reflected culture and values of the institutions on the Parkway. (FG3)
Think we need to focus on the 4th of July for discussions like this. The 4th of July is about as big as Made in America and I think there’s no question that we should have it. But the difference is selling the tickets requires a gate and layers of fencing. Different events attract different people too which compounds the issues the neighborhood has, like the bottles. Made in America is just a drunken party and people come with that intent. The Pope was fun because they closed down the city and you could ride around the streets. The security zone for the Pope was much bigger and tighter. (FG5)
Do events always have to end up here, impacting the people who live here? Can’t they spread it around? There’s no consideration for the people who live and work here and have to get around. I think they forget how small the city is. Once you cut off the parkway and drives, you’ve cut off the whole city. The events that work are the ones that are ours, the ones that represent Philadelphia. 4th of July. Those seem to have been managed really well. No one has a problem with those. (FG7)
I think there are commercial events that can be on the Parkway. I don’t want to ban commercial events. I don’t want to commercialize the Parkway, it’s like Redding Terminal Market. Yes, you’ve got conventioneers and so on so you’re going to have food places but you can still buy meat and fruits and vegetables. They’ve done a good job of maintaining the balance so it’s a real, live market. The Parkway can absorb some commercial events, that shouldn’t be anywhere close to all that it’s about. It’s a gem. It really is. (FG5)
My daughter and I went over to NFL Draft. It was really exciting, really different. It had kind of an edge to it. The whole crowd booed the New England Patriots. And it struck me, I’d been there a few weeks earlier when we’d had a late snow storm. At work, a guy visiting from Uganda had never seen snow. So we went sledding together at the art museum. It’s not an Event but there’re a lot people who always show up for that, so it’s sort of an event that was there. (FG5)
Take the biggest ones off and the smallest ones off and you have a nice middle ground of events that fit the Parkway. NFL Draft was too big. I felt like I was living in a refugee camp with these trailers and towers. It’s so unattractive and it took forever to move out. (FG6)
20 Street Closures and Parking A more structured Plan A or Plan B for what traffic will be during events. Standardized throughout the city. Like when the snow plows. We have snow routes, why not event routes? So we can understand what a Plan B weekend will be. (FG1)
Street closures. I have a car and park it on the street. If the city would email us when the streets are going to be closed, that would make it a lot easier. And when huge events close off many streets, the residents really need parking somewhere else. (FG1)
They need to find ways to keep some streets open. For the South Side, 23rd St. exit should always be open to get off 9th St. & the 22nd St. entrance should always be open to get on. Increased police presence could make that possible. (FG1)
We need consistent closures that are clearly announced before you get to residential neighborhoods, on the roads that can handle the exits. (FG2)
The Box: Live Aide tried it once, so that if you lived here you could park your car here and move around but the outsiders couldn’t do it. From my viewpoint, that seemed to work ok. Otherwise it’s a solid block of cars for four hours after any event. (FG2)
My biggest gripe is the traffic. And the lack of info how to get around it. Need advance notice on I95, and other places coming in, when 22nd Street exit is blocked. I could have avoided it. I was so close to home & it took 2 ½ hours to get there because everything was so completely blocked. Even for small groups when 22nd Street is open, cops will block traffic for a thirty- person parade. Need an app for road closings and flashing highway signs so that approaching traffic can avoid blocked areas. (FG3)
My other problem is when they close 22nd Street for an event, they close it short of the 676 on ramp. 22nd Street connects both directions of 676, but there’s no reason – events always waste the space – between where they close and the on ramp. It’s so close! My solution is leave it open. They need to communicate better with drivers before they get that far. Use the light up sign boards that they tow. (FG5)
Sometimes the way they close 22nd makes people think they can keep going straight. Then it stops & they have to turn and get stuck, backing up traffic. A lot of times they close the exit for 23rd St (for no reason) and you get stuck in center city traffic. (FG5)
The other safety issue I have is, especially from the south side above 22nd Street., it’s almost like an impenetrable barrier for pedestrians to cross. There have been some updates recently but it’s still bad. Solution: keep working to fix it. (FG5)
21 Pedestrian crosswalk timing needs work too, at 20th and 21st, I can’t make it across either and then you get stuck on the little strip. (I jaywalk every morning. I get half way across then I throw my body into the traffic) (FG5)
Issue permanent/semi-permanent parking IDs. And they did that for one event. LiveAid . It worked really well. You had to show ID to get in. (FG6)
Out of towners with huge SUVs…ask ”Where the hell am I parking my beast?” Hey Dude, it’s hard to find a space for the residents. If they were told, if you’re coming from out of town, you’re parking at the zoo, you’re parking at the Mann Center. There are satellite places to park. Take a bus into the event. This is someone’s neighborhood. (FG6)
There’s a train station right under the art museum. Built. But no train has ever gotten there. There are still tracks, the whole system. A tram could run up the Parkway – even temporarily. Today, with the Rock N Roll marathon, there are empty parking garages downtown. Completely empty. We have the Flash type bus that services the museums. They could increase the FlashBus. Some of this Jay Z money could be spent on flash type busses. (FG6)
For the Pope, they encouraged people to park in the private garages. $5 for the weekend. You could stash your car there. For anybody. (FG6)
Think about the solution: if people park in the garages, then they go back to the garage. They’re in the center of restaurants and bars. You’ve filled up the parking garages and the restaurants. People would say, “Heck I’m going to get some pizza and wait out the traffic” Suddenly, we have something that’s designed for the space available rather than overwhelming the neighborhood. (FG6)
Noise Levels If we’re going to have loud speakers at events, we need someone to control the decibel level. There’s no reason to have such loudness. We need a 411 line to report these problems. (FG1) Noise from Made in America: It depends on which way the wind blows. I used an audio meter app on my iPhone and the measurement ranged in the 80s, which is the level between alarm clock and power tools. That was at 8:00 on Sunday evening. And the Philadelphian, where my mom lives, gets it worse all weekend. (FG3)
Noise levels on holiday weekends bother me less than in the middle of the week when people work. Should be normal by Monday morning or next business day. (FG3)
Noise is a big problem for people who are at home a lot. I live toward the back of the building. I am awakened at 5:30 or 6:00 with the noise. It doesn’t need to be like that. Made in America is the worst. (FG4)
22 Made in America was dramatically louder this year. If I knew they were donating $500,000 to the neighborhood school I’d say, OK I can live with this. (FG5)
Even Made in America, it’s kind of cool that Jay Z is here but some could hear every word, all day long. (Did you call the number?) They were really trying to get control of the noise issue. They moved stages around so it was more inward facing. Provided cell phone number of the guy in charge. “Call me anytime if the noise gets too loud.” The civic association held a meeting and promoted it. It was on the Channel 6 website. People don’t read newspapers. They don’t know what’s going on. (FG6)
Helicopters are the biggest complaint on the neighborhood websites. (FG6)
Bus Routes and Detours I’m very concerned about the bus detours. We have 3,717 seniors in 19130. If there’s a bus detour, many seniors can’t walk the extra blocks. 2800 people use the bus for work (in just our zip code). It’s a big impact. (FG1)
Today’s a good example, there are about 15 of the bus routes detoured. So people like me can’t take a bus. I can walk but tourists can’t get close enough to see what they want to see. And it’s kind of at the bus driver’s discretion to follow the detours. So you are aware of the detour and you go stand at the detour stop but you can look up the street and there goes your bus. I avoid using the bus on weekends because you can’t count on it being where it says it’s going to be. Communication coordination needed. (FG2)
The worst thing is the disruption in the neighborhoods surrounding the Parkway. Our biggest complaint is SEPTA bus routes. They move them, detours even today with the marathon. You have a long walk. And the busses don’t follow the detour routes. (FG6) They don’t really have satellite parking areas. For fireworks, I think there’s a bus that goes to the subway. (FG6)
Thursday night, I was coming home on the bus, they closed the center lanes at 5:30. Four lanes had to go into one lane. It took 50 minutes to get from 18 and the parkway to 22nd and the parkway. The whole bus ride is 20 minutes at the most. And that was Thursday. The event wasn’t until Saturday and Sunday. (FG7)
Coordination of Events and Communication with the Public Communication with the surrounding neighborhoods needs to be better. Let us know in a timely way when streets will be closed. (FG1)
Give incentives to the neighbors to make up for the impact on them. Free memberships. It’s an impact fee. (FG1)
23 If an event is going to be on the parkway, the next time it is here should be year 3. That’s for walks, some concerts & runs. Holiday events are good for everybody & should be allowed. (FG1)
Have staging areas so neighborhood is closed and people are bused in to events from areas set up outside the city. A system to keep cars and traffic out of the neighborhood. Residents could get in & out. (FG1)
The issue for me is the communications. Different entities putting out different communications. They do not have a coordinated way of dealing with it and putting the message out. My solution is to put more concerted effort into coordinating the communications. If we know, we can be prepared. And the police, sometimes they treat you like you’re trying to pull a fast one just by trying to get across. Some are nice but a lot are just plain rude. (FG2)
Need an emergency phone number or website to update on changes. “We are aware that the situation at _____street has changed. The nearest open street is _____ street instead.” We need something that can adapt to changing circumstances and put up real time information. And get that info to police and the people setting up so they are aware. (FG2) Seven o’clock on Sunday morning and the first TV helicopters come down. And the blade slap noise is bouncing around and you can hear the loud speakers and the people who are attending the event, because there’s no parking authority and no cops around, just park every which way so now we’ve got chaos and you can’t say anything. The solution: I’m not a big government guy but you need a Parkway District Czar who is accessible and accountable and who will listen to all of us complain for the first year and get three set plays for big, medium and small events where you have your footpaths and you can address specific issues. (FG2)
Right now, nobody can tell me how many events are on the Parkway each year. City manages it thru different departments, three police districts cover center city, none of the police districts coordinate road closures so there are days when you can’t get out of the city and you can’t get in. There’s no coordination and nobody is in charge. Nobody wants to listen to the angry neighbors. (FG2)
If they have a clear plan that says “These are the rules everybody is going to play by” & we can all look at them and maybe we don’t love them but at least we know what to expect. Organization and structure, that’s a great idea. (FG2)
I’ve taken an informal poll of my neighbors. We live where we do because it has convenient access to center city. When you cut off the Parkway, you cut that off. One neighbor likes to walk her 4 year old to day care. She knows how far her child can walk. So she confirms that the path is open but later discovers it closed. And then she is told she has to walk 6 blocks out of her way, that’s a huge burden. I walk and bike and use the bus as a backup plan. It’s really unfair when you are not leaving us with any options to get around. So do something to
24 prioritize people power and the bus to enable us to get around. So we can actually get through even when cars can’t. That should be the last thing to get shut down. (FG2)
With so many weekend events, nobody can come see you. It’s impossible to get here. People can’t get to church. A family with a young girl in a wheelchair waited for an hour to cross but the cops said there were too many runners. Was annoyed for myself too but they were trying to go to Mass and there was no way they could break through. (FG2)
The city has the biggest municipal park system in the country. There are other great green spaces available and architectural features like the arboretum. Show them! Show the rest of the city off. And they have parking galore. Solution is to market some of the other venues and stagger use of the Parkway. (FG3)
I like how the night markets are in different neighborhoods and even highlight struggling neighborhoods. Up and coming neighborhoods. Where they could benefit more from events. Fairmont Park has just tons of space to do events. (FG3)
It’s important that the event fits the structure well. (FG3)
The plans for security around the Pope’s visit and the Draft, show that someone did something right. There were no incidents. Nobody got hurt. That took planning. (FG4)
The detour signs need to go since they’re all going the wrong way. Four months & they’re all the wrong direction. (FG4)
Negotiating points for possible contract/playbook: Regulating the decibel level. You can’t do that at concerts. Maybe that’s why concerts shouldn’t be on the Parkway. Redirect the speakers. Erect sound absorption wall. Security on every block, it doesn’t have to be police. Idea is that events pay for security but since we can’t see the books, we don’t know that they do. There has to be a way for pedestrians to cross the Parkway AND residents to get in & out---bridge or tunnel An event transportation plan. You can’t just shut down a big part of the city when people have to come & go. Spring Garden Tunnel has 2 lanes, only one is open. Open the other to allow traffic to go in both directions. Would need some work on west side but it’s something that should be considered. Use the stadium area as a parking lot with subway or bus transport back & forth. Although there’s nothing like a schedule for the buses with the detour stops. Buses have to be able to cross. (FG4)
25 Consistency of communication is very important. They should use the latest technologies. Some of the hurricane evacuation technology is probably very simple and basic. Use overlays on Google maps. (FG5)
There needs to be a parking lot for all zone 6 residents during events, ¼ mile away. It’s been done but it’s not consistent. Every event, they reinvent what they do. Need standard operating procedures. (FG5)
Rock n Roll America used to be run by the city but the commercial organization running it now is doing a better job. They may be more graceful. But the marathons that the city runs, they do a good job too. (FG5)
There would need to be a penalty to not living up to the standard we set for events. Maybe that you couldn’t reapply for three years. (FG5)
People in Philadelphia drive down here for the fireworks, certain that they can find a place to park. And if they can’t, they pull up on your sidewalk. (FG6)
We need a coordinated transportation plan. These are annual events. You can get better & better at it if you say, “Let’s try to make it better, let’s try to make it better” (FG6)
We need a strategy, some kind of staggering of these events rather than all the time. (FG7)
Transportation depends on the parkway. You can’t just choke it off and expect people to deal with it. I appreciate the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, they usually publish pretty detailed street closures for at least the Category 4 events. We’ve had the Papal visit, the Democratic National Convention, the NFL draft as well as Made in America and the usual stuff. We should be very proud to host these and the impact is disproportionate. We lose days of business with each one, and I can’t even take it as a loss. (FG7)
At the Philadelphian, we have a phenomenal system with email blasts. (FG8) The 100 year Celebration on the Parkway was very poorly communicated. Hardly saw anything about it. On the first day, they were handing out calendars but information was just for that day. It’s a year long event. Very hard to find that info on the website. (FG8)
The 9th District is our Police Station. But with events, traffic comes in & changes things. They don’t always communicate that with the 9th. Things change & they lose control. They bring in police officers from all over the city & that’s fine but they don’t know the community. “Too bad, you’re not going home” Not the officer’s fault because he hasn’t been prepped. Communication & control should go back to the locale because Captain knows the area. (FG8)
26 Transparency of Plans, Financials and Schedule Is there any information about how much the city loses by doing events? Interesting question, because the information we get is about how much the hotels make, but we don’t know how much the hotels usually get. Is there an increase there? 3% 30% the numbers are fuzzy. (FG1)
There’s an element of the city that says, “Wow! You mean somebody likes me? Come on in!” And that’s probably the most corrosive component of being able to cordon off space. The NFLs demands were outrageous. It shouldn’t be like that. It should be, “Why is your event worthy of this world class thing?” Shift the burden to the event. (FG3)
The reason I came here today: Made in America. I absolutely hate it, really really do. It happens every year. There is no cost/benefit analysis from the city. It infuriates me. My tax money goes to a company that is not even an American owned company. Budweiser is owned by a Belgium company. So the irony of Made in America really screams at me. The fact that they use garbage trucks to block off the streets is really emblematic of that whole thing. There should never be an exclusionary event in a public space. The 12 ft. fences drive me nuts. Two weeks later there is still trash and the smell of beer. Local businesses hate it. They get nothing out of it. They actually get lower attendance on that weekend. And the noise is really terrible. Big Stadium is where these kinds of events should be held. That’s what we paid for. (FG2)
Try to evaluate how much events detract from enjoyment of the place, the openness or the amenities that you can’t get to, negative impact on businesses that makes it hard to go out & spend money, hard to access sites on Parkway & catchment area, damages & detracts from natural beauty, disrupts access, parking, closures, makes people feel less safe about where they live because there are crowds of people and smoking & drinking on their front steps, AND events don’t matter/I just hate this stuff, too many runs. (FG2)
There’s a lack of transparency around events. As a taxpayer I want to know the costs of doing these events, projected volume and security plans. I don’t care about squishy numbers for goodwill and increased business. I want to know, will the event cover the costs? The city should have a playbook for costs and set up times, etc. (FG3) With Made in America and the Draft, it would be good to know just how much it cost the city. Every cop in the city was there. What must that have cost? It’s Christmas for the cops. You’re going to pay us overtime and we’re going to put tons of cops on the street. (FG6) We don’t know if they pay for re-seeding and we don’t know how much money they’re contributing to the city because the city is not transparent about that. (FG7)
But I’m not a critical resident & I’m not a critical businessperson. I think there are ways to do it better. Getting people information. For event categorization, I think people saw these hurricane warnings recently and they liked the idea that they know the basic difference between a 5 and a 1. It changed their mindset about everything, having that information. It doesn’t necessarily change what happens in an event but maybe there’s a limit about how
27 many Category A, Category B & Category C things they can have during a year. Even just the Philadelphia based things, those are more difficult to traverse in the city and have less of a positive economic impact. They’re all ethnically, civically, culturally important events and that’s our showcase spot. To take any of those away is not going to happen. But if we’re going to host those, we should be able to figure out how to host bigger things that have positive economic impact for the whole city. There’s good and bad with everything & I try to keep that in mind. (FG7)
Philadelphia: the Parkway’s Reflection on the City When the Pope was here, I didn’t have tickets to get close to him but with my friends, we found a way to get right up to the fence. I’m Catholic so for me, it was great. I know it caused a lot of logistical nightmares but I think it did a lot for the city internationally. Everybody knew Philadelphia and it was a very heartwarming experience. With this and the NFL Draft, Philadelphia has elevated its reputation in the world. (FG1)
Events elevate the city’s image, Positive economic impact & bringing revenue into the city, encouraging people to visit sites and businesses that are along & adjacent to the event, help to beautify the area, provide unique experiences to residents and visitors, elevate important causes (walks, runs), and giving people an opportunity to be part of something they feel good about. (FG1)
The inaugural fireflies event the other night was fabulous. An article in The New York Times highlighted that event. That’s a perfect example of an event that had a minimal effect on our city but got a lot of positive attention for Philadelphia. It’s creative, it’s family friendly, it’s multicultural, very participatory. (FG4)
It’s great to see us get things that really put Philadelphia on the map as a first-tier city – which I think we are. Something like the Pope’s visit showcases that. (FG4)
I’ve been a lot of places in the world and the Parkway is a world class place. And when you think about the museums there. It’s a world class gem. They do need to spend more on it. (FG4)
28 Historical Parkway Events and Closures from 2007 - 2017
Event 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 AIDS Walk ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Greek Independence Day Parade ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Philadelphia Marathon & Half ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Philadelphia Marathon Half, 8K Run ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Puerto Rican Day Parade ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Pulaski Day Parade ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Susan Komen Fndt. Race for the Cure ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Thanksgiving Day Parade ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Welcome America Concert & Fireworks ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Gary Papa Run/Walk ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Rathra Yatra Parade ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Parkway Run ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
St. Patrick's Day Parade ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Rock n' Roll Half Marathon ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Made In America/Labor Day Concert ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
The Hot Chocolate 5 & 15K Run ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
The Love Run Half Marathon ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
NFL Draft ✸
Parkway Fireflies Event ✸
Parkway Centennial Celebration Opening ✸
Diner en Blanc ✸
Philadelphia Science Festival/Logan Sq ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Papal Mass ✸
Bike Race/Pro-Bike Championship ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Out of the Darkness ✸
Turkish Day Parade ✸ ✸
Philadelphia Distance Run ✸ ✸ ✸
Phila College Festival/Campus Philly ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸
Gran Fondo ✸ ✸
Red Bull Ball Park Cranks ✸
Philadelphia Distance Run ✸ ✸ ✸
Unity Day ✸ ✸
Bruce Springsteen Concert ✸
First Amendment Events
Event 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Women's March on Philadelphia ✸
Alice's March for Equality ✸ March for Paris Agreement ✸ PA MAGA March ✸
Children's March Against Police Brutality ✸ ✸ Bring Our Girls Home Safely Rally ✸
29 Bibliography
A.P. (2015, September 27). Pope’s Philly visit was a flop for local businesses. https://nypost.com/2015/09/27/popes-philly-visit-was-a-flop-for-local-businesses/
Butkovitz, A. (2015, October). Analysis of Economic Impact Survey: Business Community’s Reaction to the Papal Visit. http://www.philadelphiacontroller.org/finance-policy/analysis-of-economic-impact-survey-business-communitys-reaction-to-the- papal-visit
Dent, M. (2017, April 13). The NFL Draft and big event fallout: Philly promises Parkway residents a hearing. https://billypenn.com/2017/04/13/the-nfl-draft-and-big-event-fallout-philly-promises-parkway-residents-a-hearing Johanson, K. (2017, April 27). Some Parkway Residents Tired Of Big Events. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/04/27/some-parkway-residents-tired-of-big-events
Saffron, I. (2017, September 07). After a century, Philadelphia struggles to figure out what the Parkway should be. http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/inga_saffron/after-a-century-philadelphia
Craig, D. (2016, August 31) “What’s the future of the Made in America festival in Philly?” http://www.phillyvoice.com/whats-the-future-of-the-made-in-america-festival-in-philly/
Rossi, K. (2017, April 28) “Opinion: NFL turns Parkway into privatized ‘brandscape’ and backdrop.” The Inquirer. http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/Opinion-NFL-turns-Parkway-into-privatized-brandscape-and-backdrop-WHYY- newsworks.html
Hall, O. (2015, September 26). Graphic: Estimating the Crowd Capacity of the Parkway | Philly. http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pope/Graphic_Estimating_the_Crowd_Capacity_of_the_Parkway.html
Parmley, S. (2017, April 24). Philly could see big payday as host of NFL draft. http://www.philly.com/philly/business/retail/Philly-Big-Dollars-NFL-Draft-Parkway.html
WPVI. (2017, September 02). Street closures, other info for Made in America. http://6abc.com/traffic/street- closures-other-info-for-made-in-america/1486252/
PennLive.com. (2017). NFL Draft in Philadelphia: The costs, benefits and risks for the city. http://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/index.ssf/2017/04/nfl_draft_in_philadelphia_the.html
Nark, J., & Schaefer, M. A. (2017, April 06). Philly residents who want to dodge the NFL draft. http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/NFL-DRAFT-MUSEUM-PARKWAY-EAGLES-WENTZ.html
Cuellar, D. (2017, May 30). Yo! Rocky statue closed off to visitors yet again. http://6abc.com/news/yo-rocky-statue-closed-off-to-visitors-yet-again/205275
Hatmaker, Julia. (2017, April 10). NFL Draft traffic info: Road closures, parking restrictions in Philadelphia have started. http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/04/nfl_draft_travel.html
Johanson, K. (2017, April 27). Some Parkway Residents Tired Of Big Events. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/04/27/some-parkway-residents-tired-of-big-events/
Readers, I. (2017, April 14). Mega events tarnish Art Museum and Parkway http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/letters/20170414_Mega_events_tarnish_Art_Museum_and_Parkway.html
Loyd, L. (2017, August 24). NFL draft in Philly attracted 250,000 visitors and generated $94.9M in economic impact. http://www.philly.com/philly/business/nfl-draft-in-philly-attracted-250000-visitors-and-generated-94-9m- in-economic-impact-20170824.html
Terruso, J. (2016, September 25). Pope's visit to Philly, a year later: Effects are personal. http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160925_Pope_s_visit_to_Philly__a_year_later__Effects_are_personal.html?photo_1
BECK, T. (2017, April 19). Local Businesses Share Predictions on How the NFL Draft will Affect Profits. https://spiritnews.org/articles/local-businesses-share-predictions-on-how-the-nfl-draft-will-affect-profits/
DeNardo, M. (2017, April 02). Parkway Museums Brace for Impact of NFL Draft. Retrieved http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/04/02/parkway-museums-brace-for-impact-of-nfl-draft/
George, J. (2016, September 1). Philly is hosting 2017 NFL Draft. What will economic impact be? https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2016/09/01/philly-gets-nfl-draft-2017-economic-impact.html
31 Intercept Survey
Parkway Council City of Philadelphia Survey 1. What is your home ZIP code? 2. Did you come here today specifically for this event? Yes No N/A ‐ I live here 3. In addition to today's event, which of the following events have you attended on the Parkway in the last three years? Made in America Race for the Cure Puerto Rican Day Parade NFL Draft Parkway Run Greek Independence Day Parade 4th of July/Welcome America Local charity races Pulaski Day Parade Visit by Pope Francis AIDS Walk Rathra Yatra Parade Philadelphia Marathon Thanksgiving Day Parade Summer activities on the Oval 4. What types of events do you like having on the Parkway or would like to see more of? Music festivals Art festivals Charity events Athletic events Craft fairs Parades Cultural festivals Food events Bike races Other 5. Below are some things people might say about what they like BEST about events like this one. Please tell us if you mostly agree or mostly disagree with these statements. Improves Philadelphia's image as a great American City Agree Disagree No opinion Increases my spending at businesses in the Parkway District AgreeDisagreeNo opinion Encourages me to visit museums on the Parkway Agree Disagree No opinion Helps to beautify the Parkway Agree Disagree No opinion Brings unique opportunities we need in the Parkway District AgreeDisagreeNo opinion Elevates cultures or causes important to our society Agree Disagree No opinion Makes me feel part of something good Agree Disagree No opinion 6. Below are some things people might say about what they DISLIKE about evens like this one. Please tell us if you mostly agree or mostly disagree with these statements. Detracts from my enjoyment of the Parkway Agree Disagree No opinion Makes it difficult to dine or shop in the Parkway District Agree Disagree No opinion Makes it hard to visit museums on the Parkway Agree Disagree No opinion Damages the park or detracts from its natural beauty Agree Disagree No opinion Disrupts access to the area by traffic and lack of parking Agree Disagree No opinion Makes me feel less safe because of the crowds Agree Disagree No opinion Events like this don't matter to me Agree Disagree No opinion 7. Are you likely to attend an event like this one if it were taking place at another location in Philadelphia? Penns Landing Definitely Maybe No No opinion Mann Music Center Definitely Maybe No No opinion Sports Complex Definitely Maybe No No opinion Belmont Plateau Definitely Maybe No No opinion 8. What is your opinion about events like this taking place on the Parkway?
9. Your age: <18 18‐34 35‐54 55‐74 75 + Prefer not to answer 10. Check ages of all other people in your party today. Children/youth: <6 7‐12 13‐17 Adults: 18‐34 35‐54 55‐74 75 + Prefer not to answer 11. Your racial/ethnic identity: (Check all that apply.) White American Indian Middle Eastern Black, African American Asian Indian Multi‐racial/Multi‐ethnic Hispanic, Latino Asian or Pacific Islander Prefer not to answer Other:______
For staff/internal use only: EVENT/LOCATION: DATE:
32 Intercept Survey – Map of Respondent Zip Codes
33 Intercept Survey Responses
The following charts and graphs present data collected through the intercept survey and include analysis of the data for each question. There were 540 total responses to the intercept survey.
Did you come here today specifically for this event? 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% Surveyed during… Surveyed 10.0% 0.0% Cai Guo- Made in Puerto Philadelphi Parkway Qiang: Parks on AIDS Walk America Rican Day a Marathon Run (n=68) Fireflies Tap (n=33) (n=138) (n=162) Parade (13) (n=86) (40) Events 66.0% 80.9% 76.9% 72.5% 42.4% 92.0% 91.9%
Did you come here today specifically for this event? 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Not Residents of Philadelphia All respondents (n=540) Phildelphia Residents (n=341) (n=199) Series1 78.0% 75.1% 82.9%
34 In addition to today's event, which of the following events have you attended on the Parkway in the last three years?
Rathra Yatra Parade 0.0%1.5% Pulaski Day Parade 0.5%2.6% Greek Independence Day Parade 0.5%3.2% Local charity races 6.5%9.4% Parkway Run 8.5%10.3% Race for the Cure 8.0% 13.2% Puerto Rican Day Parade 5.0% 14.4% None of the above 15.5% 26.1% City Residents (n=341) Thanksgiving Day Parade 15.8% 11.1% Non-Residents (n=199) Philadelphia Marathon 15.6%15.8% NFL Draft 12.6% 20.2% Visit by Pope Francis 9.5% 20.8% Summer activities on the Oval 21.1% 26.1% 4th of July/Welcome America 13.1% 25.8% AIDS Walk 14.6% 28.7% Made in America 29.6%32.6% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%
What types of events do you like having on the Parkway or would like to see more of?
2.9% None 7.5% 26.4% Craft fairs 21.1% 19.6% Bike races 16.6% 30.2% Athletic events 31.7% Food events 49.9% 43.7% City Residents (n=341) Charity events 36.1% 32.7% Non-Residents (n=199) 46.6% Cultural festivals 38.2% 50.4% Art festivals 40.7% 31.1% Parades 31.7% 64.2% Music festivals 67.3% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0%
35 The following charts are in response to Question 5 on the intercept survey that asked for respondents to indicate agreement, disagreement or no opinion on each statement regarding “what they like BEST about events like this one.” Each statement is represented in two charts – one showing responses from Philadelphia residents and non-residents and the second indicating responses intentionally attending the event on the Parkway. In all instances responses are at each event surveyed.
• Improves Philadelphia's image as a great American City
Improves Philadelphia's image as a great American City 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphia Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 88.2% 94.9% 83.3% 96.8% 84.6% 95.5% 97.2% Non-Residents (n=199) 89.9% 82.8% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 92.9% 100.0%
Improves Philadelphia's image as a great American City 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 93.5% 90.9% 100.0% 96.6% 100.0% 96.9% 97.2% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 80.0% 84.6% 66.7% 100.0% 78.9% 72.7% 85.7%
36 • Increases my spending at businesses in the Parkway District
Increases my spending at businesses in the Parkway District 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 88.2% 71.8% 83.3% 90.3% 84.6% 90.0% 100.0% Non-Residents (n=199) 88.4% 86.2% 100.0% 100.0% 85.7% 78.6% 98.0%
Increases my spending at businesses in the Parkway District 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 89.7% 76.4% 100.0% 93.1% 92.9% 89.8% 98.7% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 85.5% 84.6% 66.7% 90.9% 78.9% 63.6% 100.0%
37 • Encourages me to visit museums on the Parkway
Encourages me to visit museums on the Parkway 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 74.2% 79.5% 66.7% 77.4% 65.4% 88.2% 91.7% Non-Residents (n=199) 71.0% 69.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 71.4% 86.0%
Encourages me to visit museums on the Parkway 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 82.2% 76.4% 90.0% 86.2% 78.6% 86.6% 89.9% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 54.5% 69.2% 66.7% 72.7% 68.4% 63.6% 71.4%
38
• Helps to beautify the Parkway
Helps to beautify the Parkway 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 61.3% 74.4% 83.3% 74.2% 84.6% 88.2% 83.3% Non-Residents (n=199) 68.1% 72.4% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 78.6% 70.0%
Helps to beautify the Parkway 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 68.2% 76.4% 100.0% 79.3% 100.0% 89.0% 73.4% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 56.4% 61.5% 66.7% 81.8% 78.9% 54.5% 100.0%
39
• Brings unique opportunities we need in the Parkway District
Brings unique opportunities we need in the Parkway District 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Cai Guo- Puerto Philadelphi Made in Parks on Parkway AIDS Walk Qiang: Rican Day a Marathon America Tap Run Fireflies Parade City Residents (n=341) 95.5% 88.9% 87.1% 83.3% 82.8% 80.8% 74.4% Non-Residents (n=199) 89.3% 88.0% 100.0% 100.0% 87.0% 100.0% 89.7%
Brings unique opportunities we need in the Parkway District 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 92.5% 83.6% 100.0% 93.1% 100.0% 94.5% 87.3% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 69.1% 69.2% 66.7% 81.8% 73.7% 90.9% 100.0%
40
• Elevates cultures or causes important to our society
Elevates cultures or causes important to our society 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Parkway Made in Parks on AIDS Walk Rican Day Qiang: a Marathon Run America Tap Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 95.5% 91.7% 87.2% 83.3% 78.5% 76.9% 71.0% Non-Residents (n=199) 85.7% 84.0% 86.2% 100.0% 81.2% 85.7% 77.8%
Elevates cultures or causes important to our society 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 86.0% 83.6% 100.0% 79.3% 85.7% 93.7% 87.3% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 67.3% 100.0% 66.7% 54.5% 73.7% 90.9% 85.7%
41
• Makes me feel part of something good
Makes me feel part of something good 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Cai Guo- Puerto Parkway Philadelphi Made in Parks on AIDS Walk Qiang: Rican Day Run a Marathon America Tap Fireflies Parade City Residents (n=341) 96.4% 92.3% 88.9% 83.9% 83.3% 76.3% 57.7% Non-Residents (n=199) 92.9% 96.6% 94.0% 88.9% 85.7% 82.6% 71.4%
Makes me feel part of something good 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelph Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk ia America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 86.0% 94.5% 100.0% 86.2% 71.4% 96.1% 93.7% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 65.5% 92.3% 33.3% 81.8% 52.6% 90.9% 71.4%
42 Conversely, the following charts are in response to Question 6 on the intercept survey that asked for respondents to indicate agreement, disagreement or no opinion on each statement regarding “what they dislike about events like this one.” Each statement is represented in two charts – one showing responses from Philadelphia residents and non-residents and the second indicating responses intentionally attending the event on the Parkway. In all instances responses are at each event surveyed
• Detracts from my enjoyment of the Parkway
Detracts from my enjoyment of the Parkway 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 21.5% 7.7% 0.0% 12.9% 3.8% 16.4% 16.7% Non-Residents (n=199) 18.8% 13.8% 14.3% 11.1% 0.0% 3.6% 2.0%
Detracts from my enjoyment of the Parkway 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 14.0% 7.3% 10.0% 6.9% 0.0% 15.0% 7.6% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 32.7% 23.1% 0.0% 27.3% 5.3% 0.0% 14.3%
43
• Makes it difficult to dine or shop in the Parkway District
Makes it difficult to dine or shop in the Parkway District 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 37.6% 7.7% 16.7% 16.1% 7.7% 18.2% 25.0% Non-Residents (n=199) 26.1% 24.1% 14.3% 22.2% 0.0% 14.3% 14.0%
Makes it difficult to dine or shop in the Parkway District 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 25.2% 9.1% 20.0% 13.8% 14.3% 18.1% 17.7% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 47.3% 38.5% 0.0% 27.3% 0.0% 9.1% 28.6%
44 • Makes it hard to visit museums on the Parkway
Makes it hard to visit museums on the Parkway 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 39.8% 15.4% 16.7% 16.1% 15.4% 19.1% 19.4% Non-Residents (n=199) 33.3% 20.7% 14.3% 22.2% 0.0% 25.0% 6.0%
Makes it hard to visit museums on the Parkway 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 31.8% 12.7% 20.0% 13.8% 14.3% 22.0% 11.4% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 47.3% 38.5% 0.0% 27.3% 10.5% 0.0% 14.3%
45 • Damages the park or detracts from its natural beauty
Damages the park or detracts from its natural beauty 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 36.6% 23.1% 16.7% 12.9% 11.5% 20.0% 13.9% Non-Residents (n=199) 31.9% 24.1% 14.3% 11.1% 0.0% 0.0% 4.0%
Damages the park or detracts from its natural beauty 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 31.8% 16.4% 20.0% 6.9% 21.4% 16.5% 8.9% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 40.0% 53.8% 0.0% 27.3% 0.0% 9.1% 0.0%
46 • Disrupts access to the area by traffic and lack of parking
Disrupts access to the area by traffic and lack of parking 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 61.3% 35.9% 16.7% 22.6% 50.0% 46.4% 50.0% Non-Residents (n=199) 50.7% 48.3% 28.6% 33.3% 28.6% 25.0% 30.0%
Disrupts access to the area by traffic and lack of parking 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 52.3% 36.4% 30.0% 27.6% 50.0% 41.7% 38.0% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 65.5% 61.5% 0.0% 18.2% 42.1% 45.5% 42.9%
47 • Makes me feel less safe because of the crowds
Makes me feel less safe because of the crowds 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 18.3% 15.4% 0.0% 6.5% 7.7% 15.5% 5.6% Non-Residents (n=199) 20.3% 13.8% 0.0% 22.2% 0.0% 3.6% 8.0%
Makes me feel less safe because of the crowds 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 15.9% 10.9% 0.0% 10.3% 7.1% 14.2% 7.6% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 25.5% 30.8% 0.0% 9.1% 5.3% 0.0% 0.0%
48 • Events like this don't matter to me
Events like this don't matter to me 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Made in Parkway Parks on Philadelphi Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk America Run Tap a Marathon Parade Fireflies City Residents (n=341) 18.3% 2.6% 0.0% 0.0% 3.8% 14.5% 5.6% Non-Residents (n=199) 15.9% 17.2% 0.0% 11.1% 0.0% 3.6% 0.0%
Events like this don't matter to me 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Parks on Rican Day Qiang: AIDS Walk a America Run Tap Parade Fireflies Marathon Intentional Visitors (n=421) 14.0% 5.5% 0.0% 3.4% 7.1% 12.6% 2.5% Unintentional Visitors (n=119) 23.6% 23.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 9.1% 0.0%
49 Question 7 on the intercept survey ask respondents if they would likely to attend an event like this one if it were taking place at another location in Philadelphia. They were given four choices of venue and asked to indicate definitely, maybe, no, or no opinion for each venue. Following are six charts:
• Overall responses to each of the four venues • Definite/Maybe responses by residents and non-residents to each venue • Definite/Maybe responses from specific events regarding Penn’s Landing • Definite/Maybe responses from specific events regarding Mann Music Center • Definite/Maybe responses from specific events regarding the Sports Complex • Definite/Maybe responses from specific events regarding Belmont Plateau
Are you likely to attend an event like this one if it were taking place at another location in Philadelphia? (n=540) 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Penns Landing Mann Music Center Sports Complex Belmont Plateau Definitely 56.7% 33.5% 39.3% 26.5% Maybe 24.3% 32.2% 29.3% 31.5% No 7.6% 15.9% 17.8% 16.3% No opinion 11.5% 18.3% 13.7% 25.7%
50 Would attend event at other location - Definitely/Maybe
100.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% Mann Music Penns Landing Sports Complex Belmont Plateau Center City Residents (n=341) 84.5% 66.6% 68.1% 61.5% Non-Residents (n=199) 74.8% 64.4% 69.4% 51.7%
Would attend event at Penns Landing- Definitely/Maybe
100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Cai Guo- Made in Puerto Philadelphi Parkway Qiang: Parks on AIDS Walk America Rican Day a Marathon Run (n=68) Fireflies Tap (n=33) (n=138) (n=162) Parade (13) (n=86) (40) Penns Landing 71.0% 88.2% 84.6% 87.5% 87.9% 91.3% 70.9%
Would attend event at Mann Music Center Definitely/Maybe 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Puerto Cai Guo- Philadelphi Made in Parkway Rican Day Qiang: Parks on AIDS Walk a America Run (n=68) Parade Fireflies Tap (n=33) (n=138) Marathon (n=162) (13) (40) (n=86) Mann Music Center 58.0% 73.5% 61.6% 77.5% 69.7% 74.0% 54.6%
51 Would attend event at the Sports Complex- Definitely/Maybe 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Cai Guo- Made in Puerto Philadelphi Parkway Qiang: Parks on AIDS Walk America Rican Day a Marathon Run (n=68) Fireflies Tap (n=33) (n=138) (n=162) Parade (13) (n=86) (40) Sports Complex 63.6% 77.9% 77.0% 60.0% 60.6% 76.1% 64.0%
Would attend event at Belmont Plateau - Definitely/Maybe 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Cai Guo- Made in Puerto Philadelphi Parkway Qiang: Parks on AIDS Walk America Rican Day a Marathon Run (n=68) Fireflies Tap (n=33) (n=138) (n=162) Parade (13) (n=86) (40) Belmont Plateau 46.3% 66.2% 69.3% 62.5% 63.7% 69.6% 48.9%
52 Respondent Age
50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Under 18 18-34 35-54 55-74 75+ No response (n=540) 6.7% 45.4% 28.0% 17.4% 1.1% 1.5%
Ages of Others in Visitor Party
60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% No one else Under 6 7-12 13-17 18-34 35-54 55-74 75+ in party (n=540) 12.0% 10.9% 14.8% 53.1% 30.2% 15.4% 2.2% 14.3%
Respondent Racial/Ethnic Identity (multiple choice)
60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Black, Asian or Multi- Hispanic, American Asian Middle No White African Pacific racial/Mult Latino Indian Indian Eastern response American Islander i-ethnic (n=540) 53.0% 23.9% 13.9% 1.7% 3.5% 3.5% 1.1% 3.1% 6.3%
53 Resident Survey
54
55
56
57 Resident Survey Respondents
Anonymous (5) Lenny Cohen Stephen J. Greenfield Amber Abbas Sandra Colatrella Phyllis Grode Alexa Adams Nancy T. Coleman Katherine Gulick JoAnn Aiello Rudick Megan Collyer Patricia Haffy David Altenhofen Kathleen Conlon Susan Hagen Jonathan Altschuler Mary Elizabeth Conroy Phyllis Halpern Kaitlin Anastasia Vaughn Cook Bonnie Hamilton Andeer Andeer Ross Cowan Beth Hamlin Anita Andrews Chris Crompton Ernest Hanna Aicaterine Angelos Shawn D Michael Hanowitz Arellano Arellano Ken DaPonte Huntley Hardison Peter Atherton Chris DeLaurentis Catherine Hawkes Jonathan Atwood Gerard Dever Kate Hemady Marguerite Ayres Tony DiEgidio William Higgins Kari Baber Steve DiPardo Suzanne Hill Norman Bach Trish diPietrae Mike Hoffberg Dr. Julianne Baird Liz Diretto Audrey Holtzman Mary Elizabeth Bairstow Brian DiSteano Marion Hoover Nick Baker Deborah Douglas Robert Hornick Margo Barton Megan Doyle Cheryl Hornyak Myron Bassman Carolyn Drafyz Stanley Horwitz Julie Becker Julie Drendall Albert C. Hotchkiss Adam Benforado Chuck Eckert Robert Hughes Beth Bensley MaryAnne Egan Katherine Huseman Evelyn Benson Mete Egemen Ed Hushen Carole Bernstein Barbara Elliott Dr. June Idzal Julianna Bibas Eileen Farnon Laura Irwin Stephanos Bibas Sandra Farrell Johanna Isaacs Andrew Biggin Mary Feingold Aidan Jamison Frank Amber Bird Sandor Ferenczy Angelica Jaszek Darren Black Micah Fish Gertz Matt Jefferson Kyle B. Block SM Fishman Kendall Jennett Julia Bobb JR Flanders Natalia Johnson Elias Borne Karen Flynn Ashley Joyce Cheryl Boyd Judy Foley Carol Katarsky Patrick Boyle Mona Forman Doyle Svetlana Katsev Lisette Bralow Laura H. Foster Ryan Kavanagh Martin Brigham Heather Frattone Greta & Robb Kazenski Scherrice Brown Neil Freedman Craig Keefer Shirley Brown Patricia Freeland Stew Keener Benjamin Bruening Jessie Funchion Bernice Kelly Ryan Brunsvold Caroline Furr P. Kelly Susan S. Brunsvold Marieke Gartner Dennis Kessler Ryan Bukoski Beth Gibson Fallon Kider Monika Burke David Girardot Danielle Kim Caroline Cahill Albert I. Glassman Linda Kirson Lisa Calemmo Barbara Gold Andrew Kleeman Angie Campbell Judith Goldberg Geni Klein Brian Caputo Janet Lynne Golden Debrah Kless Ken Carpel Douglas C. Gordon Deborah Knast Geraldine B. Carr Trish Gormley Jerome Knast Frances Carter Margaret Grace Lisa Knoflicek Joe Caruso Imani Green Beth Kocay Ceili Cascarano Jon Green Elizabeth Kozart Alexis Cocco Dan Greenberg Barbara Krassenstein Susan Cohen Smith Micaela Greene Marcia Kravis
58 Hadas Kuznits Lydia Parigi Michelle Sohlich Miller Milton Lau Neil Patterson Daniel Solis Cohen Peter Leckman James Pavlock Judi Space Andrew Lees Linda Pennington Deena Squires Clare Leinweber Daren Pfeifer Christina Stasiuk Georgeann T. Lenard Brent Pierce Paul S. Stavrakos Todd Lentz Robert Platten Paula Stillman Fran Levi Netanel Portier Kathryn Stoedter Andrea Levin Gail Pray Susan Stolting Karen Levinson Catherine Price Kati Stratos Diana Lind Jenna Quaile John Strock Kathleen Lydon Douglas Randall Deena Stryker Sandra Mack Alexandra Rau Ewa Strzelecka Rebecca Malcolm Christine Reilly Amy Summerville Bianca Mandel Alise Reynolds Melissa Sweeney Michael Maniero Catherine Riker Christine Taber Marjorie Marjorie Bicknell Derek Riker Alan Tarver Anthony Mauro Erin Roark Letty Thall Danielle McAvoy Lari Robling Theresa Thompson Claie Mcdowell Daniel Rodan Pamela Thurmond Kristin McKeown Gabriella Romani Richard Torchia Lawrence McMullen Jennifer Rose Andrea Toy Ohta Stephen McWilliams Jason Rosencranz James Trachtenberg Frederick Mertz Andrea Rowe Chris Turk Derek Miller Harriet Rubenstein Adrienne Turner GD Miller Carol Ruddick Fred Turoff Lucinda Miller Cynthia Rudy Cherie Vallance Tucker Susan Miller Pat Sanders Susan Van Buren James Mitchell Anahi Santiago Elissa Viscelli John Montano Margaret Sayvetz Matthew Wakeman Chris Montowski Stuart M. Schmidt Collen Walsh Danielle Moritz Lionel Schnell Jill Wasserman Steven Moskowitz Adam Schreiber Jeffrey Watson Jamie Mosser Leslie Schultz Jan Weatherwax Roberts Martha Muldoon Pat Schuyler Kate Webster Joseph Muldowney Adina Shapiro Kara L. Weiss John Murdock Brian Shapiro Christine Weisshaar Patrick Murphy Kathleen Shields Anderson ML Wernecke Joan Myers Goodman Cherin Silver Robert Weyman Patricia A. Mynaugh John Sindoni Chet Wichowski Amara Nash Marion Sindoni Lois J. Wickstrom Jessie Nichols Michelle Singer Harriet Williams Alan Niederman Michelle Sipics Jaqueline Wolf Glenavie Norton Joe Sirbak Louis Woloszyn Steven Occhiolini Alex Smith Donald Woods Elizabeth Osborne Briar Smith Geoff Woolery Nicole Ozdemir Matthew Smith Janet M. Yamron George Pahler Hertis Smithey Michael Young Robin Palley Mary Smotrys Erica Zimmer Michele Palumbo Leticia Socal Dorothy Zubras
59 Resident Survey Data Charts
Respondent Type
100.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% Resident Business Both (n=322) 96.3% 0.6% 3.1%
Respondent Age
60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% Under 18 18-34 35-64 65 and over (n=322) 0.0% 13.4% 52.5% 34.2%
Gender Identity
100.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% Male Female Non-Conforming (n=322) 37.3% 62.4% 0.3%
60 Respondent Racial/Ethnic Identity (multiple choice)
100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% Axis Title 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Black, Asian or Multi- Hispanic, American Asian Middle White African Pacific racial/Mult Latino Indian Indian Eastern American Islander i-ethnic (n=321) 93.6% 1.5% 1.2% 1.2% 0.0% 0.6% 0.6% 1.2%
Events Residents Like Having on the Parkway
None 15.8% Music festivals 26.1% Bike races 26.7% Athletic events 26.7% Charity events 31.1% Parades 34.2% Craft fairs 37.9% Food events 50.9% Cultural festivals 55.0% Art festivals 56.2% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%
Ranking of Benefits to Consider (for events on the Parkway) - Rank by Importance:
Improves Philadelphia's image as a great American city 1 Encourages visitation of museums on the Parkway 2 Makes people feel that they are part of something good 3 Helps to beautify the Parkway 4 Elevates cultures or causes important to our society 5 Increases spending at businesses in the Parkway District 6 Brings unique opportunities needed in the Parkway District 7
61
Ranking of Detractors to Consider (for events on the Parkway) - Rank by Importance
Damages the park or detracts from its natural beauty 1 Disrupts access to the area by traffic and lack of parking 2 Disrupts residential life on the Parkway 3 Makes it hard to visit museums or other institutions on the Parkway 4 Makes it difficult to dine or shop in the Parkway District 5 Detracts from the enjoyment of the Parkway (by people not attending the events) 6 Makes the Parkway District less safe because of the crowds 7
62 Resident Survey Open-Ended Responses
The following responses are to an open-ended question on the resident survey: Please tell us about the BEST types of events to have on the Parkway and what positive benefits they bring.
Responses are presented here unedited and without attribution.
• Cultural events, meaning ethnic • Events that support wider utilization of cultures; pride in and understanding of the cultural institutions in the Parkway diversity region • Events bring people together- good • The NFL Draft was one of the most thing. The bad is early morning or late amazing experiences I have seen on the night loudspeakers. Folks near parkway Parkway since we purchased our house. should get some tax compensation for The set up was long, but the several putting up w/ noise, drinks and street days of events were fantastic and our closures. neighborhood wasn't impacted as • The best types of events are ones that much as expected. I also greatly enjoy are non-disruptive (no loudspeakers, no the Oval events and summer set up. barriers/street closures), long-term (not • Free, public events that engage a a single day), aimed at everyone and diverse audience of Philadelphia open to everyone, and strengthen the residents fantastic existing institutions along the • I think the best types of events would Parkway. be events that benefit from being • Non-commercial events, no corporate outdoors so food or athletic events. I sponsors think this is a normal and acceptable • I think events could integrate what the use of the space. parkway already has in terms of linking • I like them all except for when the to museums, sculptures, etc. music is so loud my house shakes. • Events that close off the streets to • I like the running events because they traffic (on weekends only) are great to are set up and put back down very bring the community together and quickly and many people attend recreation into the streets. • Cultural/food festivals are the best • When you involve residents it’s positive types of events because they promote for everyone! family visitation and less damage to the • Free concerts like the Oval has. So nice Parkway grounds and neighborhoods to chill with a picnic. relative to music festivals • Events that last only one day including • Music/cultural events set-up and break-down. • Charity events, cultural events, and • I like the special events and runs, events that allow for the parkway to be because they bring some of the city used for run/rides/other races. together. • I think having Arts festival or food • Cultural and charity events spotlighting festival is important because it brings important causes, for the attention and more people to the city. exposure. All large events that offer • Any event that brings people together exit/reentry for their positive effect on to share in cultural experiences. As a area businesses. runner, I certainly enjoy and appreciate
63 all of the races that provide access to • The bigger events with a smaller our beautiful city. residual interruption (4th of July as • To the people who live here they are a opposed to the Draft) nuisance • Events that integrate the local • Ones that don’t ruin attendance for community museums. Most events are crap for • The Oval, 4th of July parkway institutions. There is data to • NFL Draft and other national events back this up which showcase the city • Free events that are open to all and • Arts and culture. that are not supporting a corporate • I like a variety of events on the parkway interest. The free pedicycle/art exhibit but would like them to be less frequent. is a good example, as well as the free • Arts and Culture Events are wonderful. games in front of the Free Library and They showcase the city and its roll as a the book festival and science festival. major arts center. They expose • Bike race. Food events everyone to the beauty of the diverse • Our Parkway is a PUBLIC treasure and, cultural mix that makes up the city. as such, should be used only for public Including food, drink and culturally (not for profit) events. important and relative entertainment • Parades convey a sense of urban vitality adds tremendously to such events. • Cultural events, and parades • Any event that attracts citizens to more encourages teaches and understanding fully participate in elevating the tone about other cultures. currently prevailing in our society. • Events that are short term (1-4 days), • I like most events, but share the are unique, and can be easily and benefits of location with other areas of quickly taken down are great for the the city, the Belmont Plateau, Navy Parkway. Would love to see music or art Yard, Delaware Ave, etc. This may have events that aren’t large, ticketed benefits to those areas, economically festivals and developmentally. • No event that impacts people who live • Fund raising - athletic events and or near the museum is good cultural. I would rank musical events • Free and parades towards the bottom • Non profit events open to the public • NFL Draft, Runs/walks/bikes, festivals - with no fees. Brings positive, family friendly and • Charity runs, the Philadelphia often athletic outdoor activities that are Marathons, cultural events because the family friendly. parkway the museums are such an • Events that allow for non-paying amazing spot in the city and it's great participation by all, so as to create a to show it off! community space. Events that help • Charity runs. 4th of July festivities highlight the cultural institutions along • Parades? the parkway, so as to help increase • One day events that encourage families future attendance. to come and that don't require parking • The kind that have minimal impact on prohibitions for neighbors traffic and closures, the kind that do not • Family events so that the Parkway can end up impacting the while city for be used for its design purpose days, ripping up fields, leaving trash, being noisy, etc.
64 • Anything that is open to all -- it is a way • Family friendly- kid zone, food trucks, to bring different people/communities beer garden, etc. together. • Events that do not need a month of • Events that are geared toward a WIDE closures in order to set up and break range of people. Some of the music down. Craft and art fairs would be a events are aimed toward a very young nice addition. Events that belong in the audience stadiums should be held in the • Charity events, for good causes, that do stadiums. not interfere too much with the lives of • Purely public events that allow access local residents or tie up traffic too for all and that do not invade my much. private space with extremely loud noise • Summer event at Oval is good, Pope like Made in America does or like the Francis, Obama speech worthwhile, party on the parkway last night did otherwise I hate parkway events, they • Art events and events on the oval that are a tremendous inconvenience for the don't disrupt traffic or destroy the residents (nauseating pollution from beauty of the area and also bring in noise and generators, trash and tourists and attract new residents. destruction of grass, blocking access in • 4th of July Welcome America and out of neighborhood by foot, • In support of the community and public transportation or car). Philadelphia culture • Events the entire family can participate • Anything that brings people together in. I don't believe events do encourage and establishes Philly as a premier east visits to museums or even restaurants in coast city. many cases. NFL set up tear down was • The best events are the ones often crazy and it would be interesting to most publicized. It makes for better know exactly what that cost the city and planning for residents, better how much money NFL paid and who it performance of the event, and more really went to. prominence for the city. • Small family friendly culturally inclusive • NONE will encourage people to visit the • Races; concerts. parkway and enjoy events that they • Family, No loud music, quick setup & might not have done so in the past. The break down Firefly rides are a good example, not a • Events that are set up and removed in a lot of disruption but very important to quick timeframes (no more than three see the parkway. days of construction/any type of • Events that don't have helicopters. disruption total) That's my main complaint—on mother's • Events that do not interfere with local day they started circling at 5am. NOT A residents’ lives for extended periods of GOOD WAY TO START YOUR time. MOTHER'S DAY. My other complaint is • Runs especially marathon weekend the crowds for the 4th of July and • Many different events. Labor Day concerts. The music is • Family-friendly, during day, not disruptive and the area ends up excessively loud trashed. • Events celebrating U.S, and • Races, large events for sports. It shows Philadelphia history, cultural events, off Philadelphia and brings people to family-oriented events. the city
65 • Any event that increases Philadelphia's • Quieter events image to everyone outside of the city. • All events are good if it does not close • Holiday-related events (fireworks, off streets for a week in preparation! parades) bring families to the Parkway • No events should be held on Parkway if and improve the city's reputation. owners not compensated. • Large, public events. Elevates • A limited number of charitable Philadelphia's image in public eye fundraising events. They legitimately • The Parkway is one of the best spots in raise money for diseases/homeless etc. the city to have any event. Despite the Not national People/organizations that inconvenience some events cause the are for profit. benefit to our neighborhood and city • Bike races outweigh them. The NFL draft was the • Festivals that are attractive to people best even the Parkway hosted. regardless of age or race • Thanksgiving Day Parade Family event • Best events take advantage of the and free to all specific iconic nature of Parkway, cause • Open Streets—close down the middle little disruption in daily life for lanes to thru traffic allowing only residents, extend the audiences for bike/peds on the weekends from Mar- Parkway institutions, are pedestrian Nov like on MLK Drive friendly and diverse. • Thanksgiving parade, it only messes up • Interactive events, with food availability, traffic for a few days and it can be that pull in people from all over the city enjoyed by all. and region. • Art festivals, cultural events, family • Events that all people can attend, with events. Brings in responsible people minimal disruption to residents. Not who will actually spend money in the private events nor events that cause neighborhood and not disrupt it. extensive damage to the beauty of the • None. There are way too many events Parkway. It is disheartening to see the that close the roads, leave trash residual damage for days and weeks everywhere and disturb nearby after events. Highlight the beauty don't residents. destroy it. • Cultural/Arts Festivals are best. They • IF the event is open for free to the elevate and compliment the character public, IF it does not serve primarily as of the Parkway. a money-maker for rich people or • Events that bring people to the institutions (e.g., the NFL), IF people parkway to experience the great genuinely want to participate rather museums and food experiences that than run away, IF traffic disruption is are free to attend. These let people short-term, then a cultural event can know what a great city Philadelphia is. have a positive impact for city residents • I loved the pedicabs, cultural and art and for the city’s reputation. focused. Fourth of July is fine - the city • None the parkway does not need has learned to manage it. The walks someone’s idea of help. It’s doing fine, and runs are good. thank you! • Events should be easy to attend and • Culture parades athletic events attract a good cross section of the • Events that are inclusive and not for population. Events should not private profit. Cultural events that negatively impact the residents of the promote the museums. Would love to Parkway district.
66 see a "bring your own meal and dine revolving door of events back to back on the Parkway" yearly event. to each other with no end in sight. • Family events • 4th of July and Cultural Parades; plus, • Athletic events (some, not every summer oval and music/food truck weekend), social/cultural events. NOT options encourages public use of the anything that limits access and creates Parkway and provides enhanced undue noise and disruption for visibility for museums neighbors, e.g. "public" concerts for • Parades, pop up cafes. Events that which the entrance fee is exorbitant, promote community cost, disruption, and noise is awful. • Parades - they are philly traditions (and • I like the art/craft events and the free a few races are okay) participatory events that don't • Less encumber the residents around the • Cultural events would hopefully parkway (i.e.: not MIA or the NFL Draft) increase museum attendance along the • Open access, family-friendly events Parkway. provide opportunity for the community • The statements in #8 are not true, Best and city-at-large to come together and events are small, family oriented events. enjoy the public space as a community • July 4 celebrations while enriching local businesses. There • Events that don’t wake residents at the are not many locations in this vicinity crack of dawn. that can offer entertainment, education, • Art Events enhances the art museum dining, and shaded outdoor space for a attendance large number of people to enjoy at • I like some of the events, but they are once too many. • Family events. The Parkway can be a • Free events that minimally restrict beautiful area if cared for properly access to the surrounding areas. Events which is also likely to lead to positive that local residents and tourists can tourism for the city. stumble upon and participate. • Only those events that benefit the • Craft shows, music events.....more time cultural institutions and residents who for the oval events for children live along the Parkway. Too often they • Events that do not disrupt the are inconvenienced and the Parkway is neighborhood (parking, noise, trash, diminished by events that are held commuting) for long periods (multiple, there. consecutive days) • Sports, Costume Events, Children’s • Again, no more events, they disrupt our Events (to see) lives • The best event on the parkway is the • ALL events on the Parkway are good, oval. It's something that the residents but I especially like ones that bring in can enjoy without traffic restrictions. It people from all over. happens more than 1 week and is • The parkway experience has been so family friendly. I also like tradition, so negatively impacted by its crass the thanksgiving parade and July 4 are overuse good. Family friendly make for great • Parades and family events events. • Occasional cultural and holiday • Parades that are a one day event. parades, and extraordinary events like Multi-day events are extremely the Pope's visit are fine. I believe disruptive. It seems like there is just a
67 events help vendors and organizers, not Parkway. Move events to a designated museums and local businesses. event space like the Constitution • NFL Draft...Carnivals...etc. Center. • We personally enjoy the summer Oval • Family events such as food trucks and activities & beer garden because it is movies at the oval. The fireflies were family-friendly entertainment nearby. great! There are benefits to lots of other • Events that don't shut down streets activities though, including ones that • Philadelphia Orchestra. bring people to the city and increase • Unique none repeating not concerts revenue for our local businesses. and things that. Are easy setup and • Parades, multicultural festivals and removal other FREE and open to the public • Love all types of events on the parkway events. • Events at the Oval • Events that bring diverse people • Cultural and civic events together for shared experiences. • Parades for major holidays bring • Fully inclusive and encourage use of collaboration and honor. Parkway institutions and neighborhood • Races - brings people together to be businesses active and healthy. • Festivals and runs. The concerts are • Art events - enhance museum profiles unnecessary and beautifies parkway • I believe the best types of event to • Charity events that include athletic have on the Parkway, are events that events. primarily focus on the cultural • Thanksgiving parade. Food events. institutions. Although, despite the Family events disruptions, the 4th of July events • Free & inclusive of all people should continue. My opinion is that • Charity major events on the Parkway should be • BIG events, like the Draft, the Pope, limited to (4) per year. and July 4th, are where the parkway • Events that are open to the public, really shines. allow people to participate, and have • Parades, art fairs, athletics activities for children. • I don't have an answer to offer • NFL draft was unique & well run • I love the culture and art events. • I believe a mix of events to appeal to • Signature events that highlight the the community makes sense. Things parkway and are open to the public that enhance our museum’s stature etc. (e.g., the Marathon, the Thanksgiving Races for charity, reasonable musical parade) and occasional large events events, culture events. Food events that such as the NFL Draft and Pope visit. do not detract from neighborhood The Parkway should not be closed off business. for events like the Made in America • Time-limited cultural events concert that are both disruptive and • 4th of July and other FREE events there restrict access for the benefit of for- celebrate the city’s history or profit entities. importance in the world (like the Pope • Limited public events that do not visit. provide profit for private enterprise. • July 4th, Breast Cancer Walk, Marathon And events where traffic is better • None. They jam up traffic and make it managed so residents are not held impossible to live anywhere near the hostage in their neighborhood.
68 • Charity & various civic events are • Bring people together and for good laudable uses, but the weekly onslaught causes/ charity- diversity in cultural coupled with events that are too large events-good for society at large. and debilitating are inappropriate • Events that benefit the widest range of choices for the space. people and that are civic in nature. Not • Events like the NFL draft or art festivals all these specialized events for separate bring together people of varying races, groups. ethnicities, gender identities, and socio- • Public events that benefit the general economic statuses. They also appeal to population, not for profit events that young and old. benefit a corporation and appeal to a • Unique events that bring notoriety to specific population the City. • Events that draw a regional or national • Absolutely no events audience; free events; events that that • The best types of events are those that include designated family-friendly encourage people getting together on activities/areas the oval, in the parks and around the • Events that do not block traffic, and museums that have little impact on the events that do not project amplified surrounding neighborhood in terms of sound traffic. And bike races. • I love the Oval+ programming because • Art happenings create a sense of it has something for every type and wonder for those who experience them, age! and give credence to the idea that • Inclusive events that serve the public Philadelphia is a first class city. Events good, activate public spaces, create a tied to social causes also increase and sense of community pride, bring support the sense of community Philadelphians together, engage or are solidarity that is one of the most led by important factors making Philadelphia residents/businesses/organizations. The unique among other cities of its size. Parkway is a public space for all • Summer oval activities for children in Philadelphians and events that the area. recognize that improve the city's sense • Cultural events because they support of itself and the way it is regarded by the museums. Food events because others. showcase Philadelphia foods. • The best events are open to all and not • Family. Attractions, movies, the kind of gated. They do not require extensive events that are presented at Oval periods of closing axis to the cross • Events that are limited in scope and streets. They enable people to learn duration and do not unnecessarily put and grow and do not benefit financially residents at a disadvantage. the organizers • Short term PUBLIC events-- private, pay • I like them all but I am also spared the for service events like MIA or NFL noise of concerts because I'm to the • I thought the NFL Draft was extremely sided and behind the Museum. I do well-done, and went more smoothly think consideration needs to be given than other similar large events (like the to those residents who live close. It Pope's visit). Made in America was also would also be fantastic if our impressive to me the year I went. An neighborhoods received civic arts festival would be really cool, I think. association and school funding for the • Cultural events trouble.
69 • All the events are good, but every and include active people. Not crazy weekend, it is exhausting, especially about supporting the NFL draft given when they detour the buses, as that is their current problems with racism. mostly the way to get around for us • The best events are those that bring older folks. people together. When an event can • Events that invite people to enjoy bring people of different cultures, etc. Philadelphia in a positive, unobtrusive, together that's the ultimate goal, legal way. whether it's concerts, sports, athletic • I think all events are beneficial. events, etc. • Large events that bring attention to • Holiday & Charity events Philly. • Events that are free to get into but • Parades cultural events charity events provide opportunities to engage at • Events that are open to the public to within. enter and exit throughout the day (as • Family/child friendly and centered opposed to ticketed events) which events--makes Center City a place bring little economic benefit to local where people have opportunities to do business things with their family (a reason for • Community small business events at the them to not move to the burbs!) oval like during the summers • Ones that residents, not just tourists, • Events that all can attend and do not benefit from. Family friendly is good promote drinking and loud noise. too • Events open to EVERYONE, not just • Fewer events athletes or corporate events. • I absolutely loved NFL draft-it was • The Oval The Science Fair non-profit family friendly, had things for everyone events that pull community together to enjoy even if not a sports fan, and it family oriented Please NO commercial just looked amazing! The oval is one of ticketed events in public space my favorites, I’ve been attending • Events that highlight what is already activities there for years—the beer here. i.e. museums garden, food, movies and games are • Would enjoy more food tasting (foodie) awesome especially with two small events and museum promotions children. • Parades • Oval, ride of silence • Events that are shown nationally • Events that attempt to bridge the • Needs to be a mix of international diversity of Philadelphia, both of age, events (the Pope) and local, gender, race/ethnicity, etc. Too often community-oriented family events events are geared towards one group • Firefly bikes - nice ride giving more or interest. color and life to the Parkway. Also an • Bike race, running races, college artistic exhibition. Oval: great family- welcome events, are all good; the oriented event Fourth of July fireworks are okay, • Celebrations of culture and people- especially set off early; balloon race that are free and do not close streets from the parkway was great... the for more than 24 hrs before and after. location is beautiful for all of these. • Free events that involve the city and its Not so for the NFL draft...it blocked the residents. Bring people together. parkway and the museum, disrupted • Almost all of the events are good on the area for 4-5 weeks, not worth it. the parkway that contribute to people • Food Trucks
70 • Ones that don't involve loud music • Eakins oval summer events are great for • The best types of events are ones that families and all generations. are free and ones that don't go on for • Charity races that last for one day send days at a time -- i.e. requiring days to a positive message and are not too set up and days to take down -- which disruptive negatively impact the quality of life of • I have no problem with parades and residents like myself. races. It would be nice to have a craft • Participatory events or art event. These are events that • Occasional high profile events, i.e. bring out the residents of the parkway. pope visit, 4th of July activities and limit • Events that have low barriers to entry the amount of "runs". but which allow for individuals to • Events of short duration that do not purchase items at said event obscure the beauty of the Parkway. • The oval beer garden outdoor space on Races and parades are good uses of the the parkway is the best area. The Parkway is a beautiful • Cultural events and the park at the oval outdoor area for walking. • The parades and athletics events are • Events that increase quality of living in best but all are good. The events put Philly. Philly in a very good light and develop • Single-day charity events and parades a healthy and positive view of the city • I think the Parkway is a good location by people who live elsewhere. Also for occasional high profile events, like good for residents. the Pope's visit and the NFL draft. The • NFL draft was well-planned and issue is the number of events and the executed. very long traffic detours. • National event like the NFL Draft show • What makes you think all these events the beauty of the Parkway. on the Parkway are GOOD? Best type • I feel like there are so many athletic of events are Fourth o July, Heritage events in the late summer and fall, I parades, the Philly marathon. Worst are think having more cultural activities will NFL Draft (we were just taken add more variety to the mix, such as advantage of by the NFL!!!) and Made concerts and maybe something like in America. “Shakespeare on the Parkway”. • The summer events are great, as are • Cultural events cultural events. Everything but the NFL • Any type of event that promotes draft has for the most part, been a walking and reduces congestion of great use of the Parkway. traffic. • I disagree with the some of the items • Bike Race, Marathon, 4 of July Made in on the list of positive factors. Wear and America are fun to watch, appeal to a tear does not beautify Parkway; huge diverse audience and improve how events drive business down; neighbors others see Philly. The cultural and don't feel "part of something good" thanksgiving parades are also fun to with all events. watch. • Marathon-type events • Cultural events • National events that bring attention to • Events that truly highlight the area and the area and events that truly benefit the city that do not block the area for a the businesses in the area so that the month before and after non-monetary cost to residents are offset.
71 • Where people of all ages can enjoy and • Events that do not add to the already feel safe. Ending concerts at reasonable noisy city environment and do not hours! Residential area! inhibit use of public streets • Events that appeal to a wide variety of • Any that help the community people and where people can interact. • Events that attract people for a cause in Events on the Parkway are great but a peaceful gathering respect must be given to the area. • Events that are QUIET between 9pm Events that do not leave mounds of and 9am. Cultural family events free trash behind in the surrounding and open to all that don't trash the neighborhood, that end at a reasonable park. Art events like firefly pedal cabs. hour and that are inclusive should be • Events that do not require cutting down the goal. beautiful old trees and hindering the • Events that do not involve closing my walkable access along the parkway and neighborhood off from the rest of the neighborhood. We don't need huge city for weeks or months. The parkway disruptive events. Simple public art wasn't designed to handle it, and interactive installations are great as well there's little transit and no parking. as the smaller cultural festivals in the • Events with minimal disruption to traffic oval. and residents • Free to public • Events that don't impact traffic flow. • Smaller events that are for the residents Whether you like it or not, the parkway of the City is a critical city artery. Having a private • Events by non-profit organizations that for-profit event shut down the parkway reach out to all people and minimally is unacceptable. What is the benefit to disrupt access to center city and are not the people who live in the loud. neighborhood? If you show benefit, • The benefits of any event do not then maybe it would be palatable. outweigh the inconvenience • Closed traffic pedestrian and family • No Alcoholic Beverages, Family oriented events. Firefly event was Friendly, no cussing in music. End at a great. reasonable time at night. • Free large scale events that are for a • Holiday and ethnic parades local audience • Family oriented events; international • Parades, light shows, open (not gated) events; parades. Events like these music appeal to a wide variety of residents • Non-paid ticketed events that are and don't feature alcohol inclusive are most important. NFL draft • Historical, cultural events to showcase tied up the area for weeks, prohibiting the museums and relate to the pedestrians from crossing. Benefits development of the parkway should include parking for displaced • I think the above questions are slanted residents, preserving vonColln field, and designed to elicit positive opening museums. NOT setting responses regarding current parkway Parkway apart with ugly fences and events. Thus I think the study is flawed. Please, reduce concert noise! Sound Many events do great harm to the checks, too. museums and their visitorship. • Science fair. Easy access for lots of • Brings people and revenue to the area. people. • Multiple diverse events
72 • Events that do not require more than accessible to Philadelphians of all walks one or 2 days of set up. Limit events to of life. 3 a year. The best events are the local • Ones that don't shut down streets for cultural and holiday one day events. more than 36 hours. • Anything that is quiet • We live in a large city. Cities are • Cultural events, because they are the destinations and places where people most inclusive. come together for a myriad of reasons. • Turn the parkway into a park. I like all of the events. I think there are • Race for the cure, walk against Blood some logistical, communication and Cancer financial opportunities. • Anything that doesn't block traffic, or is • Philadelphia is diverse, and the events noisy. hosted need to be diverse (as they • Is it necessary to have every weekend seem to be) to allow every citizen the creating traffic problems? It would be chance to utilize the beautiful gathering useful to actually have PPD moving space of the parkway. The Mummers traffic along instead of standing by have South Broad, the rest of us get the watching and laughing at the parkway :) congestion • The annual 4th of July concert brings a • No comment. diverse crowd & is moderately • Open to public, no harm to businesses, disruptive. The papal visits were an decent noise level inspiration & the pilgrims were friendly • Saturday morning races, non-disruptive & good guests. cultural events • Clouds less than 50000 • Thanksgiving parade and the Rathra • It is less about the type of event and Yathra parade. more about the disruption to the • The best events bring together people neighborhood. from different locations outside the • Concerts, parades, food events, cultural area to show the very best of what events, charity events/races Philadelphia offers • NFL Draft - was a tremendous • Free events, not profit making concerts showcase for the city. The Pope visit • Event like music festivals and cultural was also an incredible show casing for events that draw people from both the city, and both events brought a outside and inside Philadelphia. They tremendous amount of visitors to the help Philly businesses, make our city, which I believe is a great thing. neighborhood vibrant, and are great for • The choices above do not reflect the showcasing Philly. impact on the area. People cannot visit • Things that are not so noisy or huge as cultural institutions. to overwhelm the neighborhood too • Unique, high profile events...generate • I have always enjoyed the concerts, the national publicity...and $. parades and the bike race, but aside • The 4th of July festival is the best from being convenient for me ... I do example. Any weekend event that non- not believe they provide any other profit, celebrates our nation, its people, positive impact for the District and cultures, and is free and open to • Art festivals. They broadcast the public is what should be hosted on Philadelphia's Arts impact to the the Parkway. country and make the Arts more
73 • Fourth of July and Thanksgiving place to exercise and enjoy the parades--key holidays in our nation's beautiful scenery we have (Kelly Drive!) culture and enjoy our local businesses after the • There are too many events that races. inconvenience residents and taxpayers. • . Events should be moved to Fairmount • Inclusive events that don’t fence out the Park where they are free from confusing community that lives there and keeps traffic patterns. There has never been attendees trapped and forced to eat an accounting of how much revenue is expensive vendor fare brought in with events and where • Butterfly cabs money is spent. • Events that will not bring parking to the • The parkway should be used sparingly residential area because the parking or the profitability from the events authority and police do not enforce should be used to reduce property regulations during these events. taxes in the surrounding area, hire more • Public events, rather than private. police offers for the district, give the • The occasional non-recurring residence impacted some tangible opportunities like the Pope visit and the benignity Dornstreich the for putting up NFL draft. Other annual events have a with all the noise, trash, parking issues diminishing impact and become more Andy inconvenience. nuisance than benefit. • Marathons, City events and • Oval activities for children’s events celebrations which will let families know that they • Concerts are important to city, ethnic events • Parks on Tap is great as it does not Celebrating Philadelphia’s diversity, gum up traffic and Women’s march brought to Phila • The Eakins oval summer events bring the opportunity to participate in world the community together without being event an inconvenience to the neighborhood • Anything that requires fences, trailers • Music events should be held at stadiums • Free, family-centered events that • G rated musical events but with volume encourage Museum visitation. To some that doesn't disturb neighbors who extent, charity races/walks in would rather not participate. Outdoor moderation where the dollars raised are cultural events (teaching sessions) by spent on the cause, not on the the Art Museum and all other museums administration. on the Parkway. Anything that doesn't • Small events, cultural events ruin what used to be green areas on • Love showcasing the parkway and all it and around the Parkway. has to offer, events should encourage • Best events have little to no impact to people to visit and not make it difficult local traffic patterns. Should not to get there or disruptive to residents obstruct access to the Parkway • I like the activities at the Oval. It especially when the entity is a for-profit. engages the neighbors as well as Should not increase the amount of people from other parts of the city. vandalism and crime in the area. • Marathons, 5ks, Charity events, Parades - All help promote the city as a great
74