Planting trees along a major commercial corridor isn’t as simple as burying the seeds. In the case of 52nd Street in West Philadelphia, it required a mix of ongoing community outreach and education, centered around the idea that a greener corridor is a better corridor. Akeem Dixon, former 52nd Street corridor manager through The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation before founding The Intersect, developed a community-informed project plan to implement a collective vision for a greener 52nd Street.
After consulting with 52nd Street business owners and other local community members, Akeem worked with the Department of Parks & Recreation’s TreePhilly program to plant 36 trees along the corridor. These new trees served to fill many of the empty plots that had previously pockmarked the sidewalk. The new trees resulted in a more uplifting and appealing environment for both neighborhood residents and visitors looking for an enjoyable shopping, strolling, and dining experience.
