Who We Are
Welcome to FESPP (Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park), the community behind your neighborhood's green oasis.
We're a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the areas surrounding Eastern State Penitentiary for local residents and students of Bache-Martin Elementary School.
FESPP fundraises for park improvements, coordinates maintenance, and collaborates with the City of Philadelphia and partners. Join us in stewarding this shared space, fostering unity and positive relationships across our community.
Welcome to FESPP—where green spaces thrive, and connections grow.
FESPP emerged from a collective effort by dedicated neighbors determined to rejuvenate the surroundings of Brown Street and Corinthian Avenue, neighboring the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. Independently funded and not associated with Eastern State Penitentiary, our group formed in response to the neglected state of the area, overrun with weeds and litter, crying out for restoration.
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In 1996, FESPP received a Philadelphia Urban Resources Partnership grant, marking the beginning of our journey as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Over the following years, from 1996 to 2000, the Brown Street Lawn and Corinthian Gardens took shape, followed by the construction of the Playpen from 2004 to 2005. The culmination of our efforts, the Corinthian Gardens area, incorporating public gardens, recreational and educational spaces, and individual garden plots, officially opened to the public in 2020.
Today, FESPP diligently tends to these areas and hosts a variety of educational and community-centered events throughout the year.
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Eastern State Penitentiary Park owes its existence to the unwavering commitment of local businesses and the tireless efforts of neighborhood volunteers. Since its inception, these volunteers have played a pivotal role in the development and upkeep of the park's welcoming community spaces.
Individual donations and grants directed to FESPP are instrumental in supporting our volunteers' endeavors, ensuring the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the park for all to enjoy.
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Coming soon!
Visit Us
Discover our playground, expansive lawn, and vibrant community garden. Join us in stewarding this shared space and fostering community connections.