SEPTA and Center City District Commemorate Dilworth Park Accessibility

SEPTA Deputy General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel and Center City District President and CEO Paul R. Levy joined advocates from the disability community to celebrate the opening of two new surface-level elevators at Dilworth Park. These add to the three elevators SEPTA placed in service earlier this fall that provide access to the 15th Street Market-Frankford Line and Trolley stations.

The park, which was recently transformed into a welcoming community space, serves as a distinct gateway to mass transit with new entrances to SEPTA’s Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line and Trolley routes.

“This elevator project was made possible because of a strong working partnership with Center City District, an agreement with Disabled in Action of Pennsylvania and our shared commitment to public transit in Philadelphia and the region,” Knueppel said. “Dilworth Park is both a new destination for leisure and special event activities and a growing hub for travel to and from just about anywhere in the region.”

The two new elevators, installed by the Center City District, are located in two distinct locations above and below ground. The freestanding elevator located adjacent to the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn transports visitors from the park at street level to the upper concourse SEPTA fare line at 15th Street Station along the Authority’s Market-Frankford Line. The second elevator, housed near the Rosa Blanca Café, travels from street level to the upper concourse and fare line before arriving at the 15th Street westbound Trolley platform.

SEPTA forces will maintain these elevators along with three others serving Dilworth Park and SEPTA transit visitors.

"The new Dilworth Park is for everyone – visitors, residents, workers, and students. Now with the improved access to transit, even more people can enjoy the park’s green lawn, Rosa Blanca Café, trees and flowers, and cultural and entertainment offerings,” said Paul R. Levy, president and CEO of the Center City District.

Projects such as this improve accessibility and ensure that the future is strong for everyone who uses transit. Planned future improvements for the City Hall Station complex along with the additional improvements scheduled for the 15th Street Market-Frankford Station, the pedestrian concourse network under Broad and Market Streets, and the purchase of new vehicles are part of the cornerstone of SEPTA’s Rebuilding for the Future program, made possible by the Act 89 funding.