In Philadelphia, lots of people take the bus to work or school. It’s easy, affordable, and better for the climate than driving a car. But many people do not know the bus can also bring them to nature’s doorstep.
Walinsky: “We already have a good transit system. We have a great park system. … So this project is about making those connections for people.”
Artist Shira Walinsky and her collaborator Laura Deutch worked with the city’s transit agency and other partners on a multimedia art project called Getting to Green: Routes to Roots.
Walinski created a hand-painted foldout map that shows which bus routes go to 10 parks across the city and includes information about what people will find at each – like hiking, wildlife viewing, picnic facilities, and more.
The team also created colorful artwork on the side of a bus and on 10 bus shelters.
Walinsky: “The art was really meant to catch people’s eye, to make them aware of the project … and getting people to think, ‘Oh, yeah, maybe I take the bus from work to home, but if I go a few stops further, I get to the park.’”
So they’re making sure people know there’s open green space within reach – and you do not need a car to get there.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
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