Navy Yard
| Navy Yard Central Green | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban park / Corporate campus |
| Location | Navy Yard / South Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.8950,-75.1750 |
| Area | 5 acres |
| Established | 2012 |
| Operated by | PIDC / Navy Yard management |
| Features | Lawn, walking paths, seating, public art, events |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus 17, Navy Yard shuttle |
| Website | Official Site |
The Navy Yard Central Green is a public park at the heart of Philadelphia's redeveloped Navy Yard, providing green space and gathering areas within the corporate and residential campus. The park anchors the transformation of the former naval shipyard into a modern mixed-use district.[1]
The Central Green exemplifies the Navy Yard's transition from industrial to innovation campus.
History
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia Navy Yard
[edit | edit source]Historic naval installation:
- Founded 1801
- Major shipbuilding during World Wars
- Employed tens of thousands
- Closed 1996
Redevelopment
[edit | edit source]Post-closure transformation:
- PIDC-led redevelopment
- Corporate campus development
- Research and technology focus
- Green infrastructure priority
Central Green
[edit | edit source]2012: Central Green completed:
- Designed as campus heart
- Public gathering space
- Sustainable design
- Event venue
Features
[edit | edit source]Lawn Areas
[edit | edit source]Open green space:
- Central lawn for gatherings
- Passive recreation
- Lunchtime use by workers
- Event programming
Walking Paths
[edit | edit source]- Circulating paths
- Connection to broader campus
- Running routes
- Dog walking
Seating
[edit | edit source]- Benches and seating walls
- Moveable chairs (seasonal)
- Shaded areas
- Outdoor work space
Public Art
[edit | edit source]- Sculptures and installations
- Campus-wide art program
- Rotating exhibitions
Events
[edit | edit source]- Summer programming
- Outdoor films
- Food trucks
- Corporate events
- Community gatherings
Navy Yard Campus
[edit | edit source]Surrounding Development
[edit | edit source]The Central Green is surrounded by:
- Corporate headquarters (Urban Outfitters, etc.)
- Research facilities
- Residential development
- Retail and restaurants
Transportation
[edit | edit source]- Navy Yard shuttle (from AT&T Station)
- SEPTA Bus 17
- Delaware River Trail connection (planned)
- Bike infrastructure
Other Green Spaces
[edit | edit source]The Navy Yard includes:
- Historic Core open spaces
- Crescent Park
- Waterfront areas
- Trail connections
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Security presence
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Central Green, Navy Yard, South Philadelphia
By Public Transit:
- Navy Yard shuttle from Broad Street Line (AT&T Station)
- SEPTA Bus 17
By Car:
- Parking available
- Enter Navy Yard at Broad Street gate
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The Navy Yard is worth exploring beyond the park
- Historic ships and buildings visible
- Food options at Urban Outfitters HQ and elsewhere
- Bike-friendly campus
- Delaware waterfront accessible
Significance
[edit | edit source]The Central Green represents:
- Industrial-to-innovation transformation
- Corporate campus design
- Public space in private development
- Sustainable urbanism
- Philadelphia's economic evolution
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Navy Yard — Surrounding campus
- South Philadelphia — North
- FDR Park — Northwest
- Delaware River — East