This past weekend, the City of Philadelphia officially opened the newly redesigned Muni, formerly Thomas Paine Plaza. It marked the debut of a reimagined public space where skateboarding is designated and welcomed as a core use. The project represents the first time a major U.S. city intentionally designed a civic plaza with legal skateboarding at its center.
Vans played a central role in bridging the city, design teams, and skate community. The redesigned Muni incorporated salvaged granite from Love Park, City Hall, and the original plaza, blended with new materials. A central domino skate feature reflected the numbers 6 and 6 in tribute to Vans’ founding year of 1966. Vans supported the project through funding tied to installation costs for granite, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to skateboarding and public space.
In addition to this tribute, the plaza features a subtle checkerboard granite pattern integrated into the surface design—another nod to Vans’ visual language and legacy, embedded within the civic materials of the space. A commemorative plaque will also be installed on site, recognizing the partnership between Vans and SkatePhilly in bringing the redesigned Muni to life.
The transformation of Muni began in 2023, when unannounced fencing signaled the start of a city-led structural renovation. Through sustained advocacy and collaboration, SkatePhilly partnered with the City of Philadelphia to ensure skateboarding was integrated into the plaza’s redesign.
As part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the space, Mayor Cherelle Parker was joined by key city partners, our very own Patrick Heid (Americas, Senior Strat Account Manager), local skaters, and Vans athletes. The event featured an open skate jam format, creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere.
Vans riders T-Funk, Efron Danzig, and Dick Rizzo participated in the celebration, engaging directly with the core skate community. The event drew more than 1,000 attendees over the course of the day.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has more than 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand inspires and empowers everyone to live “Off The Wall”, embodying the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless drive to push culture forward across action sports, music, art, and design. Vans builds communities through progressive platforms such as Vans Pipe Masters and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
