Your Daily Guide

Is Your Philly Neighborhood Walkable?

Philly has consistently been ranked one of the most walkable cities in the country. What makes a city truly “walkable,” though? And does Philly check off all those boxes? We discuss our thoughts on Philly’s walkability score and solutions that could make the city more pedestrian-friendly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Uber Uses Aggressive Lobbying Strategies To Oppose Potential Tax

Uber claims more than 6,000 letters have been sent to City Hall opposing the proposed $1-per-ride tax on rideshare services. This comes after the company sent an email to its customers and added a banner to its receipts detailing the potential price hike. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: Mayor Parker intends to use the tax to fund the school district, if approved. [🎧City Cast Philly]

Franklin Mall No Longer on the Market

The real estate developer Dean Adler plans to convert the Northeast Philly shopping mall into a youth sports complex, complete with hotels, restaurants, and a Margaritaville water park. Adler also intends to include 250 on-site workforce housing units. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]

Art Museum Fountains To Remain Off

The city shut down rumors that the fountains along the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art would be reactivated this summer. The fountains were drained decades ago due to maintenance issues and use as unofficial swimming pools. [Axios]

I-95 CAP Project Prompts Temporary Closures

All lanes on I-95 South between Exit 22 and Exit 20 are closed until Friday between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for utility work. The capping project will create a new park and pedestrian bridge to connect Penn’s Landing to Center City over the highway. [Billy Penn]

Moving regularly each day can reduce stress, improve your sleep, and decrease your risk of diseases. So it’s no surprise that running clubs are a popular way to not only stay active, but also make new friends. However, some may want to start their wellness journey at a slower pace. Here are some walking clubs to ease you onto the trails.

We Walk PHL

This initiative between the Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation invites residents to get to know their neighborhood park — and perhaps visit others — through its walking groups. Trained leaders guide seasonal hour-long walks in parks around the city. Find a walk near you here.

The We Walk Spring Season Kick-Off will be at Love Park on May 1.

Walk Around Philadelphia

You may have walked through the city, but have you ever walked around it? Walk Around Philadelphia encourages residents to explore the city’s borders by walking its perimeter either on their own or with a group. The challenge is designed in segments (trying to walk Philly’s entire shape in a day may be too challenging) to connect with new-to-you sections of the city and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Philly, Philly.

Philly Girls Who Walk

Philly Girls Who Walk organizes multiple workouts each month all across the city. You may have seen its giant walk meet-up at the Art Museum before. In addition to its walking group, you can participate in other group-fitness workouts and a book club. All future events are found here.

Muuve Phila

Muuve Phila is a dedicated walking and wellness group for women of color in Philadelphia. The group organizes walks along the city’s bridges and trails or to specific destinations such as coffee shops and farmers' markets. Walks are adult-only unless specified otherwise.

Philly Goat Project

Walking isn’t only for humans. Philly Goat Project promotes accessible nature-based wellness activities with animals. The project hosts goat walks at its home base at Awbury Arboretum and throughout the city. In addition to its goat walks, it also hosts grief walks.

The 5 Mile Club

Did you know that if you walk just five miles, you’ve completed 10,000 steps for the day? That’s why the 5 Mile Club uses it as its marker for its weekly walks and runs. If you’re interested in joining the group and staying connected, you can fill out the contact form.

🏃 If you’re looking for a little more speed, check out these local running groups.