If you’ve spent time at The Lawn at uCity Square recently, you may have noticed something new, yet familiar. Colorful, oversized swings gently moving in the breeze and a welcoming shade structure have quickly become favorite spots to sit, gather, and take a break. These pieces bring both function and personality to The Lawn, and they come with a special story rooted in Philadelphia’s public-space history.

For nearly 15 years, The Porch at 30th Street Station served as one of the city’s most beloved outdoor spaces. What began in 2011 as a temporary experiment led by University City District (UCD) transformed an underused concrete area into a vibrant place to meet, relax, and connect. With movable seating, seasonal programming, greenery, food trucks, and signature swings, The Porch became a daily destination for commuters, neighbors, and visitors passing through the train station.

This past year marked a transition as stewardship of The Porch shifted to Amtrak as part of the 30th Street Station District Plan. While the space moves into its next chapter, some of its most recognizable and well-loved elements were thoughtfully preserved rather than retired.

Thanks to the coordination and care of University City District, two of The Porch swings and the shade structure were relocated to The Lawn at uCity Square. Today, they provide additional seating and shade for everything from community events and gatherings like Dinner en White Coat and Holiday Fest, to informal meetings and everyday moments in the park. Now, visitors can enjoy these familiar features while spending time in uCity Square, whether that means taking a break between meetings, catching up with a friend at Food Truck Thursdays, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Additionally, you’ll find Porch furniture at local schools including Lea Elementary and Penn Alexander, and at other UCD public spaces including its headquarters at 3940 Chestnut Street. Officials from Amtrak used The Porch as inspiration when adding chairs, tables, and umbrellas outside of Baltimore’s Penn Station, and in August of 2025, the Louisville Downtown Management District in Louisville, Kentucky installed two custom swings based on UCD’s original designs. More than just amenities, they help carry forward the spirit of The Porch in new settings. It is a reminder that great public spaces are not just about where they begin, but how they continue to serve people over time.

A big thank you to University City District for thoughtfully coordinating the relocation and ensuring these pieces continue to be part of Philadelphia’s fabric long after The Porch’s original timeline ended.

Photos by Russ Hickman and Arekusn “AK” Nguyen.