We are Old City Green
Old City Green (OCG) is a non-profit, all-volunteer, community-based organization focused on improving Old City – specifically, improving and maintaining public-accessible green spaces and green infrastructure.
Following are some of the OCG programs and initiatives:
Public Space Improvement
Commerce Street Walkway
Image Courtesy of: David Rubin’s Land Collective
This initiative-in-progress reimagines the interior-block public space as a green respite amenity, uniquely Old-City in character. This initiative, proposed by OCG, was awarded a 2018 Community Design Collaborative planning grant to create the overall concept plan. David Rubin’s Land Collective led the concept design phase. Design finalization and engineering, led by Julie Bush’s Ground Reconsidered, began in early 2020 under funding provided by Councilman Squilla. Fundraising efforts for construction are underway.
The first wave of improvements were started in 2007 by volunteers now leading OCG. All improvement projects since have been proposed, designed, and managed by OCG. Principal funding for the 2016 general restoration of the park, fountain, and all new furniture was provided by Old City District, with supplemental funding provided by OCG. Funding for the 2019 garden redesign, the 2023 new seating for the Fourth Street garden area., and 2023-2024 park fountain infrastructure improvements provided by OCG.
All public spaces surrounding the firehouse, including the garden area along the Fourth Street edge, are maintained daily by OCG volunteers.
Tree planting events are organized in accordance with opportunity and demand. After planting, trees are regularly watered, pruned, and the tree pits maintained. OCG volunteers have planted over 200 trees locally, with the majority provided through the PHS Tree Tenders program. OCG plays an active role in planning and managing local non-volunteer tree planting efforts lead by Old City District and Parks & Recreation. Our efforts ensure timely removal and replacement of spent trees and best application of City-allocated resources. It’s A Tree Pit, Not A Pee Pit message cones are our latest tree-health initiative.
Our local dog-waste management program, Scoop the Poop has been in continuous operation since 2011. OCG volunteers service the 21 dog stations every day. Program material expenses – over $5,000 each year – are funded by annual sponsorships* and contributions, small and large, made by Old City community members.
* 2024 Scoop the Poop Sponsors
Old City District
Arch Street Lighting
3rd Street Ace Hardware
Center City Veterinary Hospital
Rob Florig and Brett John