Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) and the Fairmount Park Conservancy (FPC) developed a revitalization plan for South Philadelphia’s largest park, FDR Park with a balance of nature, water and human activity as the main focus. A process that included feedback from over 3,000 community members.
FPC asked Little Giant Creative to lead further conversations with youth sports stakeholder around 12 new turf fields planned primarily to address the chronic lack of (free) playing space for Philadelphia’s youth sports teams. Feedback informed the language and tools developed by LGC to encourage public advocates for the park’s sports facilities and plan overall.
Scope
Project Highlights:
- We spoke directly to youth sports coaches through information sessions that introduced them to the FDR Park Plan, with a focus on the development of the fields and accompanying facilities. We then had 1-1 meetings with a smaller group of coaches to apprise work in progress and discuss some of the public opposition the project is facing.
- We developed a visual toolkit that included shareable social media graphics and a postcard (all highlighting water, nature, human activity and sports) for coaches to share with their constituents.
- We provided FPC and PPR with a two-year activation strategy that addressed a few key areas including future permitting, the communication of plan updates, further discussions with sports teams and deepening engagement with civic associations.
Objectives were met to empower youth sports coaches, players, and parents to become more informed advocates for the new FDR Park and laid the groundwork for active contribution to future planning discussions. Additionally, our work gave FPC’s newly appointed Director of Coalition and Convening a head start in creating the Youth Sports Advisory Council that will continue to lead advocacy efforts.
