The Rail Park

The Reading Viaduct, a former passenger and freight train-line, has remained unused since the 1980’s. The Center City District of Philadelphia in collaboration with neighborhood leaders spearheaded a plan to re-imagine the aging infrastructure as a public park. Residents and local stakeholders helped form a plan that maintains the original materials of the railway while providing a rustic, safe green space for the community.

The Lighting Practice’s design integrates lighting into the landscape. Low-level fixtures are placed throughout the plantings creating a warm glow. Decorative pole lights are strategically placed to mimic moonlight through the trees. TLP’s design provides illumination for visitor safety without disrupting the evening views of the city. Underpasses featuring artistic color-changing light installations draw visitor attention to this new vibrant neighborhood park.