After numerous delays, Dilworth Park finally opened in Center City Thursday.
Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley as well as state and local officials attended the grand opening ceremony for the newly renovated park, which began at 10 a.m. on the west side of City Hall on 15th and Market streets.
The new park and former Dilworth Plaza includes a public space for 400 benches and chairs, a large lawn, tree groves and a fountain.
The park links the Avenue of the Arts with the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and connects the office district with Market East destinations.
It also provides new entrances to SEPTA trains and trolleys and makes the Market Street Line as well as subway surface lines accessible by elevator.
City, state and federal governments picked up most of the bill for the $55 million reconstruction project, while private donors handled the remaining $15 million.
Paul Levy, the President and CEO of the Center City District, also said last year he was relying on the private sector to cover the cost overruns.
“We’re building and actively fundraising so we will have all of the money in place to pay for all the cost,” Levy said. “We will not be asking taxpayers for any more money.”
Click here for more information on Dilworth Park.
