That’s right. Historic Germantown has launched its Green Space Stamp Rally programming to showcase the greenery on the consortium grounds.
With the support of a William Penn Foundation grant, Historic Germantown provides all explorers with a Stamp Booklet that lists 18 sites across Germantown, with a map and information about each, encouraging neighbors to connect with the neighborhood’s outdoor assets between now and early Fall.
The executive director of Historic Germantown, Tuomi Forrest, says the initiative allows them to strengthen their community engagement within the neighborhood. They get to connect “with neighbors and local businesses and other institutions to really bring more people in and help community members actually plan events and activities in these spaces.”
Each time a person visits a place, they will have their booklet stamped, and folks who explore with all their might get rewards. Prizes include an Historic Germantown tote bag, a membership to the organization, an Historic Germantown hoodies and a luxury picnic valued at $500. Neighbors have until October 12 to fill their green space passports.
Wellness is also incorporated into this initiative through the monthly Stamp Rally Walks. At these walks, neighbors are guided from site to site, allowing folks to get their steps in, socialize, learn more about these spaces, and collect stamps.
Upcoming walks will be on Sept. 13 and Oct. 11.
Aside from the community engagement aspect, the grant will also allow Historic Germantown to provide small grants to different consortium sites to improve the gardens and green spaces. Forrest says that may include landscape features, more public seating, fixing walkways, and more ways to make these things more welcoming and inviting for the public.
Heather Zimmerman, program director at Historic Germantown, expressed excitement for the initiative and invites all neighbors to come out and explore. “These sites are a community asset for you, and that includes the beautiful green space where you can be outside,” Zimmerman said. “And whether you’re passively walking or you’re engaging in a program that’s being run, you’re welcome in these spaces. Come see what they have.”
For more information, visit historicgermantownpa.org/stamprally.
