By Sarah Welsh

Growing up in Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania senior Emma Schad spent countless days in the city’s parks, enjoying nature within the urban cityscape. Now, as a science, technology and society major with a minor in environmental science, Schad has turned a scholarly eye toward examining how Philadelphia manages its more than 100 neighborhood parks.

These spaces are owned and operated by the government, which means they are inherently public. Residents and visitors are able to use the parks as their own, following a few rules and regulations.

“The park is the ultimate public service,” Schad says. “We think of it as untouched by any influence. When you’re in a park in the city, you’re not thinking about how its run. It’s just your space; it’s free space.”

Schad herself hadn’t reflected on the governance of the parks until she embarked on a research project with John Tresch, an associate professor in Penn Arts & Science’s Department of History and Sociology of Science. In her initial research, Schad investigated the influence of park design on usership and how features of the park could invite or deter visitors.

But after parks are designed and established, how are they maintained? This question led her to her thesis research: exploring how Philadelphia park management has been shaped by the neoliberalist movement of the past three decades.

Neoliberalism is a political theory that seeks reduced government spending in favor of privatization of government-held business. This increase in privatization and citizen involvement is reflected in the management of parks in Philadelphia. 

In the late 1970s, Schad says, Parks and Recreation faced large budget cuts. The resulting strain on staff and resources meant many of the parks became unkempt, overrun with crime and graffiti. Seeing the decline of their local green spaces, groups of neighbors banded together across the city to revive them. Some residents picked up garbage, while others gathered to plant flowers and gardens in an otherwise disheveled space. Over time, some of these residents established formal groups to maintain the parks.

By the 1990s, these groups were working side by side with Parks and Recreation, bringing citizens into collaboration with the government, a partnership that neoliberalism encourages, says Schad. The groups are referred to as Friends groups, and today number more than 100 in Philadelphia.

The intimate relationship between the groups and Parks and Rec is unique among government-run offices, most of which operate without this type of support from the general citizenry.

Schad’s research also explored the corporate world’s role.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy, for instance, supports one of the largest urban park systems in the United States, comprising more than 100 neighborhood parks and 10,200 acres in the greater Philadelphia region, through fundraising, park stewardship, project management and development. The Conservancy is directed by community and business leaders, all of whom bring their expertise and connections to solicit funds for grounds upkeep, community events and park expansion.

Schad conducted her research by reading literature about park management throughout history and by interviewing people involved in park management, both at the government and individual level.

Schad’s part-time position on the Parks and Recreation stewardship team, which she has held since last summer, has also directly influenced her research by giving her an intimate view of the interplay between the Friends groups and the government. As a part of this team, Schad acts as a liaison between them.

Each Friends group has its agenda, depending on the needs of the park and the community. Schad and the rest of the stewardship team help groups gain funding by identifying and providing support in applying for grants and federal awards. The team also assists more-established groups in running community events and holds an annual dinner to thank the Friends groups. 

Schad’s research concludes that Philadelphia’s park system is a strong model for urban success. Rather than relying solely on federal dollars, which can be scarce, there is a tri-fold contribution: supervision by the government, support from the private sector and direct involvement by citizens, all playing a role in keeping the city’s parks healthy.

Parks, Schad says, are important “visual representations of a community, so, when they look good, it means a lot to the people.”

While Schad stays busy working part-time at Parks and Rec, she is also active on campus as the education coordinator for Penn’s Alternate Spring Break organization. In addition, she is a drummer for the African Rhythms dance and drum troupe, for which she also serves as historian. Schad previously played on the club volleyball team and now enjoys cheering the team on at their home tournaments. Schad has carried on a legacy by following two of her older sisters to Penn, making the University “a home not so far away from home.”

“Here,” Schad says “I have found friends for life, new passions and enough challenge of thought, character and ability to make these last four years defining.”