University City District: Spotlight on West Philly’s Green Neighborhood

You may know your neighborhood garden like the back of your hand, but do you ever out what the other neighborhoods in Philly are doing? We ventured over to West Philly to check out the University City District’s latest sustainability initiatives.

University City District of Philadelphia strives to promote a vibrant and safe public living and social environment. It works for the neighborhood by providing opportunities, hosting events, and shaping public places.

So what is the University City District doing to stay green?

1. Engage the neighborhood with sustainability. Some of UCD’s projects include The Dirt Factory, The Porch at 30^th Street Station, and Woodland Green. If you have visited these lovely spaces, you might have noticed the how lively they are! Since many people in Philadelphia commute by foot or bike, these areas provide safe and comfortable places for people to rest or socialize.
2. Sweeping the Broken Windows (theory). In addition to enliven Philly’s environment, University City District promotes clean neighborhoods and safe streets. Not only does UCD brighten up public spaces, but they focus on the upkeep. University City District provides trash, graffiti, and leaf removal, community cleanups and recycling pickups. Trained Public Safety Ambassadors patrol University City everyday from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.
3. Focus on Community Jobs. University City District promotes many opportunities to business owners, students, and workers. The UCD connects students, both in high school and college, and adults with opportunities to do research and find jobs. The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative tries to prepare residents with the skills necessary to find and maintain a job.
4. Events both indoor & out. With hard work comes some fun! University City organizes fun and exciting events to bring people together like celebrating local food, diverse backgrounds, and varying social cultures. A lot of these events highlight the arts found in Philadelphia, whether it be going to a movie night, the Clark Park Farmers’ Market, or a museum or gallery.

If you would like to help University City District in making University City a more welcoming and clean environment, you can donate or volunteer.

Readers, have you checked out this neighborhood? What’s your favorite hidden gem?

Photo: DailyCandy