About
The Site
Orkney Park is located on the 800 block of North Orkney Street, a historically-certified cartway. It’s bounded by Reno Street to the south and Myrtle Street to the north. Various trees—elm, pine, locust, buckeye, spruce, and of course the prominent cottonwood— thrive alongside shrubs, perennials, and majestic fauna. Orkney Park has been maintained as open space since the early 1980s, protected from development by the vision of neighbors Mitch Deighan and Mike Anderson.
Over twenty different types of birds as well as other wildlife have been identified in the four lots of Orkney Park. The biodiversity of such a modest plot of urban wildness will have a significant effect on its surrounding residents. The rich diversity of plants, insects, animals, and trees also provides an educational opportunity for children and adults to learn about nature right outside of their front door. While some use Orkney Park as an escape from their busy lives, others will use it as a chance to experience what this historic oasis has to teach.
Did you know?
The diversity of the natural environment around people is more important than the size of that land and can improve overall psychological well-being
The presence of green vegetation significantly contributes to residents’ sense of safety
Compared to a larger woodland area, a secluded but well-lit park makes visitors feel much more secure
Green space improves neighborhood social ties and brings people closer together
By the community, for the community.
We are a group of determined citizens working to fulfill the dream of the owner to preserve Orkney Park as open space forever. Through partnership with Philadelphia's Neighborhood Gardens Trust, our coalition includes neighbors and collaborators from city, state, and national organizations committed to supporting nature and incorporating it into the urban experience.
Board of Directors
Bob Aretz
Janet Finegar
Tony Hochstetler
Leslie Kaufman
Mallorie Lauvaux
Donald Phillips
Liz Reed
Bob Reicher
Neighborhood Gardens Trust (NGT) works with self-organized gardeners, community organizations, property owners, and the City of Philadelphia to secure ownership or long-term leases for community-managed open spaces to prevent the threat of development or other reuse.
NGT provides community gardeners with peace of mind that the open spaces they care for will be protected for their continued use and for future generations.
