The Rail Park Playspace was generously supported by KABOOM!’s Play Everywhere Philadelphia grant.
All Aboard! The Rail Park Playspace
As part of the Play Everywhere Philadelphia initiative, the Rail Park Playspace was designed through an inclusive, community-driven process that centered the voices of Chinatown families and children. Conversations with residents repeatedly highlighted the story of the Monkey King, inspiring mandala-shaped play structures that reflect cultural heritage while inviting climbing, gathering, and imaginative exploration.
Children contributed design ideas and prototypes, including oversized boba cups and storefront elements that connect directly to the neighborhood’s identity. These features encourage pretend play, storytelling, and early literacy skills rooted in familiar community landmarks. The movable play pieces foster flexibility and creativity while promoting shared responsibility and stewardship. Through its collaborative design and culturally grounded elements, the playspace builds trust, community pride, and joyful engagement in a space that belongs to everyone.
The Learning Goals
The Rail Park Playspace strengthens content knowledge in literacy by encouraging storytelling, narrative sequencing, vocabulary development, and symbolic play inspired by neighborhood storefronts and the story of the Monkey King. As children create and act out stories, they build foundational language and early reading skills rooted in culturally familiar contexts.
It also fosters communication and collaboration as children and caregivers co-construct narratives, negotiate roles, and share ideas during imaginative play. Through these shared experiences, the playspace deepens language use and strengthens social learning in a community-centered environment.
The Team
The Rail Park Playspace was created through a collaboration between The Rail Park, Playful Learning Landscapes, TinyWPA, Watchdog, and PopUpPlay.
