Kensington teens transform trash-filled lot into public garden with grant support.

In Upper Kensington, the intersection of Shelbourne and Willard Streets has gained notoriety among local residents as a hotspot for illegal dumping, laden with debris, trash, and rampant weeds. However, a ,000 grant from the Revive and Thrive pilot program aims to address this issue by transforming a neglected vacant lot at 859 E. Willard St. into a vibrant public park. This initiative will be led by local teenagers through the nonprofit organization Klean Kensington.

The prevalence of vacancies in Upper Kensington is alarming, with investigations indicating that an average block contains three to four vacant buildings or lots. This situation has been linked to the ongoing open-air drug trade in the area, prompting community leaders to seek solutions. Klean Kensington has been actively working since 2022 to revamp trash-strewn parcels into productive community gardens, notably on Madison, Westmoreland, and Hilton Streets. These gardens not only provide food for local residents but also serve as a positive engagement tool for the youth.

Jeremy Chen, the executive director of Klean Kensington, emphasized that the new project on Willard Street is an opportunity to “activate the corner.” By creating a garden that local residents can take pride in, the initiative seeks to acknowledge and uplift the community’s efforts. The project is designed with children and youth at its core, incorporating elements such as pollinator flowers, benches, art installations, and practical trash management solutions. Klean Kensington plans to employ 25 teenagers for this undertaking and will hire two to three local high school students to act as park ambassadors.

Partnerships with organizations such as Thomas Jefferson University’s Park in a Truck (PIAT) program, Circular Philadelphia, and Trash Academy will play a crucial role in the project. These partners will facilitate workshops focused on preventing illegal dumping, guiding the design process, documenting the project’s impact, and assisting with regular clean-up efforts.

Community engagement is vital, with clean-up activities expected to commence in early spring. Neighbors will come together to envision the potential for the 16-by-60-foot space owned by Esperanza Health Center. Lois Williams, co-director of Trash Academy, noted that this project has the potential to benefit both the city and nearby residents in combating illegal dumping.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration has prioritized neighborhood cleanliness and addressing the expansive drug market in the area. Chen hopes this initiative can serve as evidence to City Hall that empowering local organizations to engage in cleaning efforts fosters a sense of ownership, reducing the likelihood of future dumping. The garden is projected to open in the summer of 2026, signaling a transformative step for both the community and the environment in Upper Kensington.

Media News Source.