Plum Street Plaza (Media Borough, Delaware County) is in the heart of Media’s downtown and has been a pedestrian-only area since 1988. It became a popular gathering place for residents and visitors to relax, socialize, or enjoy an outdoor meal from a nearby restaurant. However, overtime its appeal waned as residents clamored for more greenspace and shade. Recommendations in the Borough’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan and a need to address stormwater management issues, led to creation of a Steering Committee and development of a Plaza revitalization plan. Although the planning process and implementation took more than a decade, the Plaza is once again bustling with activity. 

Key features of the renovated Plaza include a variety of seating types, ADA accessible picnic tables with umbrellas, a large canopy to shade seating areas, a refurbished water fountain, decorative pavers and lighting, and native plantings. A water feature depicting a map of the Ridley Creek Watershed is often used as a wishing well. Sidewalk chalk can frequently be found for visitors to express their creativity on the Plaza’s brick facades. Today, Plum Street Plaza, which is within walking distance of most residents, is a vibrant and colorful community green space. It regularly serves as a pop-up site for performances or community activities. The closeness to downtown shops and restaurants helps to strengthen the local economy. The Plaza is cherished by residents, and community pride is abundant.