By Brenda Hillegas

Earlier this month, Old City District, in partnership with the Elfreth’s Alley Association and support from the Old City Community Fund, announced plans to create a new public park at the corner of Elfreth’s Alley and N. 2nd Street. 

Dolly Ottey Park will honor Dolly Ottey, a resident of Elfreth’s Alley who led preservation efforts for the street in the 1930s.

Old City has one of the highest densities of residents and visitors in Philadelphia, but some of  the smallest amounts of public space outside of the National Park. Annually, close to 400,000 people from around the world visit Elfreth’s Alley which has been continuously inhabited since 1703. The Elfreth’s Alley Association anticipates 2026 will draw even larger crowds as millions gather in the city to celebrate the Semiquincentennial.

“Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country, offering a powerful example of how everyday people shaped the nation at the time the street was first established and continue to do so today,” says Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director of Old City District. “Its survival is due in large part to preservation efforts led by advocates like Dolly Ottey, whose work ensured the Alley remained a living street rather than a static historic site.”

“Philadelphia and especially its historic district will be under international spotlights as we celebrate our nation’s 250th. The new park design will be well able to accommodate the expected increase in visitors, and at a crucial location in the neighborhood,” says Liz Welsh, President of the Elfreth’s Alley Association. “We’re excited for the many possibilities the finished park will open for us and look forward to seeing how residents and neighbors will incorporate Dolly Ottey park into their everyday lives as the semiquincencentennial festivities wind down.”

Old City District aims to raise $60,000 to fund installation, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements, with hopes that construction can begin in February 2026. The park will feature planters, trees, and crushed stone pathways, creating an aesthetically pleasing entrance to Elfreth’s Alley. This interim design will allow stakeholders to activate the site immediately and community feedback will shape a permanent park project.

“While it’s still early to define exactly what a permanent park could look like, the long-term vision will be shaped collaboratively and informed by how the temporary improvements are used and received by the community,” says Itzkowitz. “This initial phase allows us to observe, listen, and learn before reevaluating next steps, with the goal of creating a space that reflects neighborhood needs while staying true to Old City’s historic character.”

Donations to the Old City Community Fund are tax deductible and can be made directly at givebutter.com/dollyotteypark. Beyond financial support, Itzkowitz hopes the community will use the space as a place to gather and enjoy Old City in a new way. 

“Dolly Ottey Park is about creating a space where local residents can gather, visitors can connect with history, and our community can come together, and we’re excited to work alongside our partners to bring this vision to life,” says Itzkowitz. “This project transforms an underused corner into a welcoming gathering place that honors our neighborhood’s past while serving its future.” 

Community members, businesses, and visitors who want to support the creation of Dolly Ottey Park can learn more by visiting oldcitydistrict.org/dollyottey and by following @oldcityphilly on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest progress.