Posted on 01/08/2024 6:22:30 PM PST by lightman
Independence National Historical Park has withdrawn the review of a draft proposal to rehabilitate Welcome Park and closed the public comment period, the National Park Service (NPS) said Monday.
The preliminary draft proposal, which was released prematurely and had not been subject to a complete internal agency review, is being retracted. No changes to the William Penn statue are planned, according to the press release, which continued: “The National Park Service remains committed to rehabilitating Welcome Park as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Upon completion of all the necessary internal reviews, the park looks forward to engaging in a robust public process to consider options for refurbishing the park in the coming years.”
A proposal to renovate and redesign a Philadelphia park steamed some members of the state GOP as well as many online commenters, mainly because it involved removing a statue of William Penn. The National Park Service unveiled its proposal on Jan. 5 to make Welcome Park a “more welcoming, accurate, and inclusive experience for visitors.”
The redevelopment would offer an “expanded interpretation of the Native American history of Philadelphia” as well as a new planted buffer on three sides, and a ceremonial gathering space with circular benches, according to the proposal.
Said Gov. Josh Shapiro in a post Monday evening on X: “My team has been in contact with the Biden Administration throughout the day to correct this decision. I’m pleased Welcome Park will remain the rightful home of this William Penn statue — right here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Penn founded.”
Pa. Sen. Bob Casey added similar sentiments on his X account: “I heard concerns that there were plans to permanently remove William Penn’s statue from Welcome Park. After checking in with the Department of the Interior, I’m pleased to report that there are no plans to remove William Penn at this time.”
The park is located on the site of William Penn’s home, the Slate Roof House, and is named for the ship, Welcome, which transported Penn to Philadelphia. The design and construction of Welcome Park was funded by the Independence Historical Trust and was completed in 1982, the release said.
Updates on the project can be found on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/INDE.
ANd if my gut is correct, They only lease the properties. Like independence hall is leased to the park service and owned by the city. I suspect this spot is leased as well. Time to kick the mfers out.
The fact that King Charles II made it excruciatingly clear that it was named after his father and not him, isn’t something to be proud of.
His hasty retreat of the U.S. after roughly 18 months, and several terms in the debtors prison (not for his religion) casts further doubt on his legacy
I only came to know this after touring his estate and all the hosts/actors/docents trashed him and I decided to verify what they said, and it was surprisingly accurate, especially coming from strongly suspected anti-Christian liberals.
But, neither you or I knew him, and I don’t really care about him. This was a free exchange of ideas, and there are only winners in that.
used to walk through there five days a week. That park needs NO work. Simply flabbergasting waste of taxpayer dollars.
And FWIW, William Penn was a pathetic individual, the state was named after his father.>>> Interesting. The son spent time in prison as a quaker. and the father bailed him out paid the king for the property known as pennsylvania. The guy negotiated with the indians. Settled the rural areas via an agreement that you would get a rural plot as you bought plots closer to the city.
His book written while in jail
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/44895/44895-h/44895-h.htm
The great business of man’s life, is to answer the end for which he lives; and that is to glorify God and save his own soul: this is the decree of Heaven,
Good for Shapiro. He’s a guy with national ambitions and at least he’s willing to squash the more extreme elements of his party on occasion.
Casey Junior was the “man bites dog” news.
from wiki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slate_Roof_House
For two years (1699-1701), during his second visit to America, William Penn rented the house for use as a city residence while maintaining his country house at Pennsbury Manor in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was at the Slate Roof House that he wrote and issued his “Charter of Privileges,” a progressive framework for Pennsylvania’s government that became the model for the United States Constitution and is still the basis of free governments all over the world.
Thanks for the heads up on the good news! Whew!
“No plans to remove the statue at this time.” If that statue isn’t “welcoming” enough for your ignorant ass, go back to where you came from. Obviously you have too many mental issues to be around other people.
I think if we can put up statues glorifying millionaires who made their millions playing sports, we can put up statues of important people in American history who did something that made America the country that it is.
what did Chunk have to say about it?
I was saddened to hear they might remove the statue of William Penn. A few years ago I wrote a book that talks about a Cherokee named William Penn Adair. His educated family named their Indian son after the British Penn. An entire book couldn’t cover all the exploits of Wm. Penn Adair.
http://jesusweptanamericanstory.blogspot.com/2008/05/jesus-wept-american-story.html?m=1
Thanks Albion Wilde.
Glad to hear this news. Thanks for the ping!
Unless you are white.
Sounds like they are like today's Border Patrol.
Although; under these two Quakers - Herbert Hoover and Richard Nixon - the border was MUCH more secure than it is today under this Catholic!
There’s that word, inclusive.
Don’t worry about our rich history make everyone able to get a prize.
“No changes to the William Penn statue are planned”
Wonder who made the phone call? Fettermen?
As they did two weeks ago at Arlington cemetery
there are no plans to remove William Penn at this time.
....................................
AT THIS TIME
Whew!
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