Franklin Park

Franklin Park Awarded $4 Million Through Bezos Earth Fund's Greening America's Cities Initiative

July 7, 2026

A major investment is coming to Franklin Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

Franklin Park has been awarded a $4 million grant through the Bezos Earth Fund's Greening America's Cities initiative, supporting a comprehensive regreening and renovation effort shaped by years of community engagement, resident input and collaboration among neighborhood organizations, the City of Allentown and local partners.

The investment marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen Franklin Park as a welcoming community space where children play, neighbors connect and families thrive. The project builds upon a community-driven design process that identified priorities for improving the park and expanding opportunities for recreation, gathering and connection.

Planned improvements may include:

  • New trees and shade structures
  • Dedicated play areas for children
  • Intergenerational gathering spaces with seating and game tables
  • A community garden with water access
  • Basketball courts and recreation amenities
  • Accessible pathways
  • Restrooms and water-spray features
  • Enhanced signage and park infrastructure

Serving more than 10,000 residents within a one-mile radius, Franklin Park is located in one of Allentown's most heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. The investment will help create a greener, healthier and more accessible public space designed around the needs and aspirations of local residents.

Located in Allentown's historic Franklin Park neighborhood, the park has long served as a gathering place for residents and families. The surrounding community is home to thousands of residents, including many multigenerational families and a vibrant Latino community. Neighbors, schools, faith organizations, nonprofits, businesses and city partners continue to work together to expand opportunity, support healthy families and create a stronger sense of belonging.

The Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health (LPPIH) celebrates this investment and the collaborative work that made it possible. As planning moves forward, residents and community partners will continue to play a central role in shaping the future of Franklin Park.
To stay updated on Franklin Park projects, neighborhood events, community stories and opportunities to get involved, visit OurFranklinPark.org.

 

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