The National Park Service has announced its plans to remove the statue of William Penn from Welcome Park in Philadelphia, a park that commemorates his founding of Pennsylvania and is located at his former home.
In a news release, the NPS stated that the proposed "rehabilitation" of Welcome Park aims to create a more inclusive and accurate experience for visitors. The plan includes an expanded interpretation of the Native American history of Philadelphia and was developed in collaboration with representatives from the Haudenosaunee, the Delaware Nation, the Delaware Tribe of Indians, the Shawnee Tribe, and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.
Welcome Park, named after the ship that Penn sailed on to Philadelphia in 1682, was established 300 years later. The NPS is now seeking public feedback on the proposal through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) platform. Already, there have been over 500 comments submitted.
While some users on social media have expressed their opposition to the removal of the statue, with one user stating, "Leave the statue right where it is," others have used the opportunity to voice their broader concerns. One user wrote, "My input is defund and disband the national park service."
It is important to note that comments submitted through social media, phone calls, email, or mail will not be accepted. Official comments can be submitted to the NPS through the PEPC platform from January 8 to January 21.
If the NPS proceeds with the proposal, Welcome Park will still retain certain aspects of its original design, such as the street grid, the rivers, and the east wall. However, there will be additions, including a planted buffer on three sides and a gathering space with circular benches.
The NPS's decision to remove the statue of William Penn from Welcome Park reflects its commitment to creating a more inclusive and accurate representation of Philadelphia's history. The public's feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the park and its commemorative elements.
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