By 2035, the Foundation will have supported 50,000 participant program days of park, trail, and water programming.

An important part of improving public spaces like parks, trails, and waterways is programming that inspires Philadelphians to experience them. The benefits of this approach are two-fold. Participants gain tangible health and wellness benefits by being active and connected to nature, and the physical condition and safety of these spaces is enhanced when more people appreciate and value them.

In order to inspire Philadelphians to spend time outdoors, we are focusing on increasing the amount of participant program days across the city’s parks, trails, and waterways.

We recognize that there are many ways that organizations and communities can increase programming in our outdoor spaces. We are seeking to support projects and programs that organizations in Philadelphia believe will be most effective in making progress on the objective above. Possible efforts may include programming that draws more people to experience public spaces, to enjoy recreational opportunities with fellow community members, and to build an affinity for protecting these spaces.

Progress toward achieving this objective will be monitored and measured through grantee reports of participant program days.