Mifflin Public Discussion at United Communities
Mifflin Public Discussion at Snyder Ave Congregational Church
Mifflin Public discussion at Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia 7th Street Office
Saturday, February 11
From CAGP’s Eddy Sacksith: Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia (CAGP) was very proud to host a community discussion about the future of Mifflin Square Park on Saturday, February 11, 2017. This park is only about one block away from our CAGP South Center. It is a favorite place to go for the children that participate in our Out-of-School Time (OST) programming. The park is heavily used by many of our community members. Parents along with grandparents of our OST students and other community members shared their concerns and thoughts about this popular neighbor destination. They were excited for the opportunity to express their future vision about Mifflin Square Park. The hope is that their voices were heard and the revitalization of the park and surrounding area will reflect that.
7th Street Walkshop
From SEAMAAC’s Somaly Osteen: The Walkshop was conducted on February 2, 2017 starting at 1pm and lasted until 3pm. There was about 20 people from different organizations met at I heart Cambodia restaurant. The Walkshop turned out to be productive. Conversations took place between the stakeholders and Brian the owner of Nusantara an Indonesian convenience store, as well as Samathea the owner of Save More Pharmacy was a significant. I am excited to see the cooperation between the community, SEAMAAC, CAGP, 7th Street Civic Association and other relevant sectors. Nobody should feel left out but to have a voice within the community. The beautiful characteristics of the diversity of this community are a great asset that everyone should acknowledge. Different authentic restaurants, convenience stores, places to shop that all represent different cultures is an amazing experience. Furthermore, Mifflin Square Park, located a block away from the south 7th street is another great asset that makes the community even more vibrant.
Mifflin Square Park column in Philly Inquirer
It’s not an official designation by any means, but the patch of South Philadelphia surrounding Mifflin Square Park holds claim to being the most diverse neighborhood in the city.
Mifflin Square Park & Neighborhood Plan Kick-Off
From SEAMAAC’s Andy Toy: “The Mifflin Square Park (MSP) & Neighborhood Planning and Organizing Project is a collaborative effort, building local capacity and community ownership of the Park and the surrounding area. SEAMAAC, with funding from the William Penn Foundation, along with partners from diverse community stakeholders and groups, and planning & design firm Hector Design LLC, is leading this 18 month effort at the epicenter of one of Philadelphia’s most diverse communities in south Philadelphia. The aim is to serve the interests of park users, residents, businesses and stakeholders in the planning area bounded by Mifflin street on the north; Oregon on the south, 10th street on the east; and 4th street on the west.”
Read more in the Philadelphia Free Press
Announcing the Mifflin Square Park & Neighborhood Planning Process!
We are building a coalition to improve Mifflin Square Park and the neighborhood it serves, and will only succeed if enough people join the effort to make the changes we want to see. Over the next 18 months, we will seek out people who know and care about this place to shape our planning, provide and give feedback on ideas, and organize politically to push to make our ideas into reality. In early 2017, we will reach out to organize neighborhood discussions; please let us know if you’d like to attend or host a discussion.
MSP@seamaac.org
(215) 467–0690
South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Project Schedule
January–March 2017 Beginning discussions
We will visit many groups and meetings in the neighborhood to discuss the issues and gather information and ideas, and organize a series of neighborhood convenings to bring people and ideas together.
April–August 2017 Building Agreements
We will draft and publish a draft plan incorporating what we learned so far and showing options for everyone to see and discuss.
September-October 2017 Testing & Revising
We will once again visit groups and meetings in the neighborhood to share the draft plan to gather thoughts, reactions, and suggestions, and organize a series of neighborhood convenings to set the final direction for the plan.
November 2017–February 2018 Finalizing the Plan
We will draft and publish the final plan and organize the community to put it into action!
Project team
Partners (in formation) SEAMAAC, Friends of Mifflin Square Park, Councilman Mark Squilla, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, 7th Street Civic Association, Bhutanese American Organization–Philadelphia, Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, United Communities Southeast Philadelphia, and The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program’s Restored Spaces Initiative
Consultant team Hector urban design, planning & civic arts with Alexa Bosse & Marc Norman (design & planning) and V. Lamar Wilson Associates (civic engagement)
Mifflin Square 