Getting to Green: Exploring Philly’s Green Spaces via Public Transit

Getting to Green is a multimedia project that encourages residents of Philadelphia to utilize public transit for accessing the city’s abundant green spaces. With over 500 parks and natural areas available, there are ample opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, complemented byan array of public transit options facilitating these journeys. The talented artist team of Shira Walinsky and Laura Deutch are leading the initiative to help make these connections.

The public launch of Getting to Green took place on June 10, 2023, amidst a vibrant celebration at the intersection of 4th & Oregon. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Route 7 bus, which had been adorned with a captivating bus wrap created by artist Shira Walinsky. The artwork on the bus, crafted through a combination of woodcuts, collages, and drawings, beautifully portrays a journey from a brick-row home to lush green spaces.

Jane Golden, the Executive Director of Mural Arts, spoke at the event and emphasized the project’s unique emphasis on promoting equitable public transportation. “This effort has a special focus on promoting equity in public transportation by reaching out to immigrant, refugee, and non-native English-speaking communities to provide access and facilitate a better understanding of the bus system.” A ceremonial ribbon cutting with the artists, funding partner Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, project partner SEPTA, elected officials, and community partners from SEAMACC, Southeast by Southeast, and Puentes de Salud officially inaugurated the ‘special’ wrapped bus.

The joyful atmosphere continued as the group boarded the ‘special wrapped Route 7’ for a journey from South Philly to 27th & Pennsylvania Ave. The experience included a walk to Lemon Hill, where a Fairmount Park Conservancy representative joined for a picnic lunch, info session, and trail walk.

“It was amazing to bring different communities together to experience new areas of Fairmount Park. It opened up possibilities for how they experience the city.” explains artist Laura Deutch of the excursion.

A second tour on July 22 with Migrant Education replicated the first experience. The two tours combined engaged up to 80 individuals and families from immigrant communities with access and knowledge to further explore bus rides and park experiences on their own. “This has helped us to know something we didn’t know about in Philadelphia. Route 7 is very easy, I didn’t know you could take it here, it’s very easy…now I know,” said Jaquelina, a tour participant.

Accompanying the eye-catching bus wrap, Walinsky also designed a trio of bus posters showcasing routes 9, 7, 25, 38, and 4, each leading to lush green spaces. Walinsky shares her thought process: “The bus wrap and shelter artworks were meant to excite, surprise and invite passengers to hop on the bus to visit one of the many city parks.” Placed in ten bus shelters across the city, the posters beckoned passengers with a spirited call to embark on a journey and uncover the city’s hidden park gems.