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Philadelphia's post-pandemic recovery is at a critical juncture. Center City has recaptured 90% of foot traffic, and a residential population exceeding 2019 levels. But now, that progress is threatened by sweeping and drastic service cuts coupled with significant fare increases to balance SEPTA’s budget in the absence of additional state funding.
Center City District offers ice skating, outdoor dining and cold weather fun through February 2022! Beginning this November, visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn. In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin.
With temperatures telling us that summer is approaching, Center City District Parks are welcoming visitors with a full schedule of events and seasonal amenities. Beginning June 1 through the end of August, expect everything from dancing fountains and sprawling lawns to art installations and a splashing pond, plus outdoor concerts, educational programming and movies under the stars.
Parkway Pals Play Day at Sister Cities Park will return for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with free activities and entertainment for children and their families. The all-day celebration of laughter and learning is the official kick-off event for Parkway Pals, a summertime educational series that brings nearby cultural institutions outside for kid-friendly programming.
After a two-year hiatus, workers returning to the office will have the opportunity to socialize with colleagues after hours with the return of Philadelphia’s favorite happy-hour tradition: Center City District Sips.
This edition of the CCD and CPDC quarterly newsletter includes: CCD President, Paul R. Levy's cover essay about economic recovery and the return to work, fall events in CCD parks, shopping, dining and entertainment promotions, CCD’s partnership with Project HOME, the Center City District Foundation, CCD/CPDC Reports and a recent CPDC hardhat tour.
Sustained by a diversified retail customer base that includes the third largest downtown population in the U.S., workers, tourists, and regional visitors, Center City Philadelphia is on pace for the second consecutive year of positive net openings, according to the new Center City District/Central Philadelphia Development Corporation Center City Retail, November 2022.
A new CCD/CPDC report highlights how steady increases in office workers, shoppers, theater- and museum-goers, and visitors helped downtown pedestrian volumes reach 78% of February 2019 levels.