The Singing Fountain
In 2013, Philadelphia Inquirer Architecture Critic Inga Saffron wrote “Behind every neighborhood success story in Philadelphia, there seems to be a rejuvenated park…In East Passyunk, it was the Singing Fountain plaza.” The Singing Fountain has been a neighborhood landmark and gathering space for 20 years.
In 2000, PARC’s predecessor organization acquires the land for the future Singing Fountain. The island of concrete, located between Tasker St., 11th St., and Passyunk Ave., was once home to a gas station and then a cheesesteak stand.
The Singing Fountain opens to the public in 2004. The Philadelphia Inquirer credits the idea for a fountain on Passyunk Ave to then councilman and future mayor Jim Kenney. The Fountain’s signature cherubs, storks, mermaid, and sound system evoke a welcoming, Italian-inspired atmosphere.
Throughout the 2000s, neighborhood groups and businesses work together to revitalize the East Passyunk Avenue Commercial Corridor. These efforts include assisting existing businesses, recruiting new businesses to fill empty storefronts, and beautifying the corridor by investing in public space improvements. The revitalized avenue attracts visitors and new residents to the East Passyunk neighborhood.
In 2009, the East Passyunk community organizes a “Save the Fountain” fundraiser to raise money for fountain maintenance. The fundraiser includes food and drink from local businesses and speeches from local politicians. Ultimately, block party attendees raise the $4,000 needed to maintain the fountain.
In 2011, PARC assumes stewardship of the Singing Fountain and plaza. PARC completes upgrades to make the space more inviting, including removing the fence surrounding the fountain, adding trees, and installing chess boards and benches.
During the 2010s, the Fountain provides space for cultural productions including dance and musical performances, and holiday celebrations including Halloween costume contests for kids and dogs alike. The Singing Fountain continues to welcome the annual Holiday Tree and Menorah lightings, and the “Flavors on the Avenue '' food festival.
In 2020, PARC engages in a strategic planning process to expand the Singing Fountain Plaza. This project would add additional seating and larger planter beds.
In 2024, PARC completes fountain conservation work, replacing more than 220 missing tiles, and installing new drainage. PARC remains committed to stewardship of the Singing Fountain as a welcoming space for both residents and visitors of Passyunk Ave.