Bainbridge Green

Bainbridge Green is a unique linear park located in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Situated in the middle of Bainbridge Street between 3rd and 5th Streets, this narrow green space has an interesting history and is currently undergoing revitalization efforts.

The area that is now Bainbridge Green originally housed public market sheds in the 1830s. After these were demolished in the early 20th century, the space was converted into a park in 1906 due to advocacy from the City Parks Association. Over time, however, the park space was reduced to accommodate more parking, resulting in its current configuration of planted medians surrounded by parking spaces.

Bainbridge Green consists of oddly wide tree-lined strips running down the center of Bainbridge Street. While technically parkland, the space is currently dominated by parking, with approximately 175 spaces along its length. The park features small pedestrian plazas at the end of each block, though these are described as "dilapidated and broken" in their current state.

A community-driven effort is underway to transform Bainbridge Green into a more vibrant public space. Led by the Friends of Bainbridge Green and supported by local organizations, plans are being developed to enhance the planted areas, improve the pedestrian plazas, and create a welcoming gateway to the adjacent Fabric Row on 4th Street.

The park currently includes some notable features, such as a historic horse trough installed in 1910 at the 3rd Street end, which is one of the few original elements remaining from the early 20th century park design.

Revitalization plans for Bainbridge Green aim to balance the needs for public space, pedestrian amenities, and parking. Proposed improvements include widening the green space, adding seating areas, improving lighting, and incorporating sustainable features like stormwater management systems.