As Philadelphia prepares to host one of the nation’s most historic celebrations, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Tork, an Essity brand, unveiled a new Hospitality Hub in LOVE Park designed to help visitors feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for during America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Through a multi-week partnership, Tork is helping to bring four Hospitality Hub restrooms to life along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—creating a connected network designed to support the millions of visitors expected for Philadelphia’s semi-quincentennial celebration. Located in LOVE Park, Eakins Oval, Lemon Hill, and Logan Square, these strategically placed hubs provide convenient access to restrooms and hydration stations, while highlighting the important role inclusive hygiene plays in creating a welcoming and accessible visitor experience for all. The initiative will support major events across the city during the summer.

As the official professional hygiene provider for the Philly250 Hospitality Hubs and hydration stations, Tork is supplying certified user-friendly, high-capacity hygiene solutions designed for high-traffic environments.

“Philadelphia is preparing to welcome the world, and creating a positive visitor experience starts with making people feel safe, comfortable, and included,” says Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “These Hospitality Hubs and hydration stations are an important part of how we support residents and visitors throughout the summer of special events."

The partnership builds upon ongoing efforts to remove barriers to hygiene in public restrooms. Research from Tork shows that 44 percent of people feel anxious about using public restrooms, often shaping how they plan their daily activities and travel. These barriers can ultimately limit participation in public life and shared experiences. As expectations shift from perception of clean to proof of clean, the commercial cleaning industry continues to prioritize cleaning for health.

“As Philadelphia prepares for the Philly250 celebration and a summer of major events, it’s important to recognize how access to inclusive hygiene can shape the visitor experience,” shares Amy Bellcourt, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Professional Hygiene, Essity. “For many, access to a restroom can determine how long they stay, how comfortable they feel, and whether they can fully participate in the festivities. Through this partnership, Tork is helping create more welcoming environments so people of all abilities can more easily take part in these experiences.”

Leaders from the city and Essity officially welcomed visitors to the hubs with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, walk-through tours of the restroom trailers, and demonstrations of the hygiene technologies being implemented throughout the Hospitality Hubs. Beloved Philadelphia Eagles mascot SWOOP was on hand to assist Commissioner Susan Slawson from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation with the first handwash.

Philadelphia’s summer celebrations are expected to draw national and international attention throughout 2026, positioning the city’s healthy and safe restroom facilities as a key part of the visitor experience infrastructure. The initiative builds on broader efforts across the city to expand accessible hygiene, including recent restroom upgrades at Lincoln Financial Field.

For more information about Tork and its inclusive hygiene initiatives, visit Eliminating barriers to hygiene in restrooms and beyond.