Our Initiatives

Community Planning

Photo of a town street with crowds of people gathered around food trucks. A central title reads "Swarthmore Public Realm Concepts."

Town Center & Community Visioning

Engaging with experts, community leaders, and most importantly our neighbors, we have led a series of planning projects—beginning in 2017 and continuing today—that strive to bring together diverse voices and perspectives to help build a vision for our future.

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Scholarships and Awards

Edmund Jones Scholarship

We award the Edmund Jones Scholarship to an outstanding high school senior who resides in Swarthmore. The winner is selected based on the student’s citizenship, community service, and academic achievement.

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Shine A Light Award

This award recognizes a person or organization who has made Swarthmore a more diverse, inclusive and equitable place to work, learn, do business, or live.

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Local Artist Series

Robert Bohne print

Robert Bohné Limited Edition Print

We are pleased to offer the first edition of an annual series of collectible, heirloom-quality giclée canvas prints of iconic Swarthmore scenes. We commissioned renowned landscape artist Robert Bohné to paint a Swarthmore scene you will want to hang in your home or office and pass down to the next generation as a lasting reminder of your time in Swarthmore.

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Revitalization & Beautification Projects

  • Centennial Park

    Unveiled in 1993 — Swarthmore’s centennial — Centennial Park, funded by the newly established Centennial Foundation and designed by Ed Dunning, was dedicated with a re-enactment of the first borough council meeting.

  • Borough Hall Bell Canopy

    A canopy was installed in 1996 at the entrance of Borough Hall to house a bell (purchased in 1910 by the Fire Association for $290) that was later rescued from a 1950 fire that destroyed Borough Hall. It is rung each Independence Day and at other special events.

  • Swarthmore Gateway Park

    Gateway Park

    Created in 2002, Gateway Park provides a welcoming entryway into the borough. The Centennial Foundation remains a consistent benefactor to the park and its plantings, with ongoing assistance from the Swarthmore Horticultural Society.

  • Swarthmore train station clock

    Train Station Clock

    Installed in 2007, the traditional clock installed at the SEPTA train station is accented with a pair of benches and a garden, maintained by the Swarthmore Horticultural Society.

  • Swarthmore Central Park

    Central Park & Amphitheatre

    Completed in 2016, Swarthmore’s Central Park plaza and amphitheatre serves as the heartbeat of the community. In addition to improved parking, it’s home to the Swarthmore Farmers Market, events, performances and gatherings.

  • People doing yoga in the Great Hall of the Park Avenue Community Center

    Park Avenue Community Center

    In 2022, the Centennial Foundation supported capital improvements for usability, accessibility, and technical capabilities to the Park Avenue Community Center. The Great Hall and other spaces now support a variety of inclusive community programs and rental events.