In a recent announcement, the National Park Service (NPS) revealed its plan to remove a statue of William Penn from Welcome Park in Philadelphia. The park, which commemorates Penn's founding of Pennsylvania, is set to undergo a "rehabilitation" to provide a more inclusive and accurate experience for visitors, according to an NPS news release.

The proposed rehabilitation project has been developed in collaboration with representatives from various Native American tribes, including the Haudenosaunee, the Delaware Nation, the Delaware Tribe of Indians, the Shawnee Tribe, and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. The NPS aims to expand the interpretation of Native American history in Philadelphia as part of the park's transformation.

Welcome Park, named after the ship "Welcome" that carried Penn to Philadelphia in 1682, has stood for 300 years as a symbol of the city's history. Should the proposal move forward, the park will retain its original design elements such as the street grid, rivers, and east wall. However, it will also feature enhancements such as a planted buffer on three sides and a gathering space with circular benches.

While the NPS's intentions are to create a more welcoming and accurate experience, the proposed removal of the statue of William Penn has faced criticism. Responding to a tweet by Independence National Historical Park, one user shared their objection, stating, "Leave the statue right where it is." Another user expressed their disapproval of the NPS altogether, writing, "My input is defund and disband the national park service."

As the NPS moves forward with its proposal, it aims to ensure that Welcome Park reflects a more comprehensive understanding of Philadelphia's history, including the contributions and perspectives of Native American communities. This rehabilitation initiative is seen as an opportunity to foster a more inclusive narrative while preserving the park's historical significance.