Shoemaker Green: A Destination and a Pedestrian Route	Print Issue
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Penn Connects 2.0—encompassing 2011-2015—builds upon the first phase of the 30-year master plan, reinforcing Penn’s vision, including the University’s sustainability goals. One of the major open space projects that enhances the campus pedestrian experience is the newly constructed Shoemaker Green. The 2.75-acre gateway off 33rd Street is a pivotal link leading to the Paley Bridge, which in turn provides access between Penn Park and the core of Penn’s campus; it is nestled between the historic Franklin Field with the new Weiss Pavilion and Education Commons, the Palestra, Hutchinson Gym and the David Rittenhouse Labs. Leading into Shoemaker Green is the 1951 War Memorial with new steps and a repaired platform. The retaining wall and vegetation that crowded the Memorial have been removed, which makes it and the view to the iconic buildings beyond it more visible.

Shoemaker Green is named in honor of Alvin V. Shoemaker, W’60, Hon’95, emeritus trustee and former chair of the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees (1986 to 1994). In 1994, Mr. Shoemaker received Penn’s Alumni Award of Merit.

Because the new public commons is a Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) pilot project for green landscape design, the project incorporates numerous environmentally sustainable elements within a space once occupied by six paved tennis courts (Almanac July 13, 2010). The site had been a ‘grey field’ but is now quite green with a central lawn of fescue—a drought-tolerant durable turf grass—stretching nearly 1.4 acres. The new addition to Penn’s ‘urban forest’ includes sweet gum, red maple, red oak, pin oak, and bald cypress: 103 new trees as well as 13 existing mature trees that were saved and protected forming tree-lined walkways.
Andropogon Associates, a Philadelphia-based landscape architecture design firm, incorporated a rain garden, porous pavers, and a 20,000-gallon cistern for rainwater reuse in the $8.5-million green-space project. These elements support Penn’s Climate Action Plan and improve storm-water management for Penn and Philadelphia. The favorable winter weather was a factor that supported the on-time completion of construction.

Native species—which need less water and less maintenance—were planted along the pervious pavements that allow water to percolate into the soil. On the terrace along the front of the Palestra, there are permanent benches containing recycled black locust, a native hardwood.

Shoemaker Green is intended for relaxation, studying, reading, passive recreation and casual lunches with seating in shade and sun, and has AirPennNet wireless coverage. Shoemaker Green provides room for outdoor classes, as well as being adaptable for special events involving large groups like Penn Relays, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Alumni Weekend and Commencement. Facility use guidelines and a rental request form are available at www.facilities.upenn.edu/stnd_pol_os.php Although bicycles may not be ridden through the site between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily, there are bicycle racks available. 

Shoemaker Green Opening Event: September 20
The Penn community is invited to an Official Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting, scheduled for Thursday, September 20, noon-2 p.m. with live music and refreshments.