a revolutionary experience
The walk brings us together
A unique phenomenon
Walk Around Philadelphia is a participatory project that invites people to experience the city by walking its edges.
Since 2016, thousands of neighbors from across the region have joined in — exploring the city’s perimeter through seasonal walk cycles, DIY walking, community events, and creative programming that centers curiosity, care, and connection.
Walking the edge reveals overlooked landscapes, waterways, infrastructure, and boundaries that quietly shape everyday life. The Walk is less about reaching a destination and more about noticing where we are — together.
What we’re doing – and why
The Walk creates shared opportunities to:
- explore the city from an unfamiliar vantage point
- reflect on borders, belonging, and access
- connect with land, water, neighbors, and ourselves
- slow down and practice mutual care
- re-imagine what community can look like
This is not a guided tour or a single fixed route. It’s a collective wayfinding practice — one that balances adventure with safety, openness with structure, and reflection with joy.
How the Walk began — and where it’s going
Walk Around Philadelphia began in 2016 when a small group of artists and friends set out to see what would happen if they walked the city’s entire edge.
Since then, the project has grown into a region-wide community of walkers, facilitators, volunteers, and supporters — with seasonal walk cycles every February and September and year-round programming.
We’re now working toward a long-term vision in which the Walk is accessible to residents from all backgrounds and neighborhoods — including youth, elders, new Philadelphians, longtime residents, and people for whom walking the edge may be newly possible.
Impact —
what Our Walk changes
Participants describe the Walk as:
- eye-opening — revealing a fuller picture of the city
- grounding — reconnecting them to place and body
- community-building — bringing together people who might never otherwise meet
- transformational — shifting how they understand borders, belonging, and care
Our work also supports:
- shared learning & civic engagement
- environmental awareness & stewardship
- equitable access through sliding scale contributions and stipend support
-> Impact
Who makes the Walk possible
Walk Around Philadelphia began — and continues — as an artist-led project that has grown organically through curiosity, trust, and participation.
Today, the Walk is stewarded by a small core team with support from a part-time administrator, a volunteer community advisory board, generous partners, and a growing circle of volunteers.
Just as importantly, the Walk is shaped by everyone who shows up — walkers, Trail Angels, storytellers, donors, neighbors, and friends. Every step, every conversation, and every act of support helps this budding organization continue to grow in thoughtful and sustainable ways.
Stay connected – or be in touch
Whether you’re curious, cautious, excited, or just learning about the Walk for the first time, you’re welcome here. We’d love to hear from you.