PHILADELPHIA, PA — August 19, 2026 — The Woodlands Trust for Historic Preservation has been awarded a $459,375 grant from the William Penn Foundation to restore the historic gates and improve accessibility, wayfinding, and visitor experience at The Woodlands. The three-year grant is part of the Foundation’s Environment and Public Space program.
The project, Restoring the Gates, Opening the Grounds: Access and Wayfinding at The Woodlands, will restore and illuminate the nearly century-old historic gates designed by Paul Philippe Cret and improve wayfinding and accessibility throughout the 54-acre green space.
The improvements come at a pivotal moment for The Woodlands. The site’s main entrance sits directly across from the 40th Street Trolley Portal, where the City of Philadelphia is implementing the Woodland Avenue Trolley Portal Complete Streets Project, which includes a new high-visibility crosswalk connecting the busy transit hub to The Woodlands. After more than a decade of advocacy by The Woodlands and its community, the new connection will create safer, more direct access to the largest greenspace in West Philadelphia and National Historic Landmark District.
“It’s going to be wonderful to have a properly welcoming entrance to such a significant space for the community,” said Jessica Baumert, Executive Director of The Woodlands.
The project responds to community-identified needs for safer access, clearer navigation, and a more welcoming presence. The project will build on The Woodlands’ existing partnerships, including with Art-Reach, who recently conducted the site’s first accessibility survey, the Philadelphia Orchard Project, and University City District.
Today, The Woodlands welcomes an estimated 150,000 visitors annually, including neighborhood residents, students, families, commuters, and participants in cultural and educational programs. By making the site easier to enter and navigate, the project aims to ensure that this free, daily public green space can serve an even broader and more diverse community.
The William Penn Foundation’s award is part of a broader commitment to improving public spaces across the Philadelphia region. In its August 2026 announcement, the Foundation awarded 16 grants totaling $6 million through its Improvement of Public Spaces objective, with projects expected to improve 34 existing public spaces in Philadelphia and Camden.
About William Penn Foundation
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is committed to expanding access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for all. We do this through funding programs in the Philadelphia region in arts and culture, children and families, democracy and civic initiatives, environment and public space, and workforce training and services. Learn more at www.williampennfoundation.org.
About The Woodlands
The Woodlands' 54-acre undulating landscape is at once a one-of-a-kind 18th-century English pleasure garden, 19th-century rural cemetery, and a modern green oasis for its neighbors in bustling University City and West Philadelphia. The Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich resources. Today, its mission is to enrich the lives of area residents and visitors by serving as a hub for activities and educational programs that interpret, celebrate, and make available to the public The Woodlands' historic buildings and tranquil green space. Learn more at www.woodlandsphila.org.
Media Contact:
Hann Daly (they/them), Events & Communications Manager
The Woodlands Trust for Historic Preservation
daly@woodlandsphila.org