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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Protecting over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and managing hundreds of recreation, environmental, and cultural centers.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

What we do

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation connects the city’s residents to the natural world, each other, and fun things to do and see.

Our dedicated staff help manage:

  • Parks, rec centers, playgrounds, and pools.
  • Permits for picnics, sports fields, and important venues.
  • Creative and inclusive programs.
  • Signature city events and important historic and cultural sites.
  • Trees in parks and along the public right of way.
  • Capital and natural lands projects.
  • Recreation paths, trails, and boat launches.
  • Community gardens, farms, and orchards.
  • Special venues such as:
    • Environmental education centers.
    • The Dell Music Center.
    • Ice skating rinks and golf courses.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch Street
10th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email parksandrecreation@phila.gov
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Announcements

Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive weekend road closures

The City will close Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive to vehicular traffic from 7 p.m. on Friday through 7 a.m. on Monday. The drive will be closed to vehicles from the Falls Bridge to Sweetbriar Drive. The weekend closures begin on March 30, 2024 and last until late fall of 2024.

Closing MLK Drive to vehicles on weekends adds to the city’s recreation options. This shared space is great for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Be sure to check out the great views of the river and skyline!

Events

  • Apr
    20
    Swing into Spring
    9:30 am to 11:30 am
    Anna C. Verna Playground, South Philadelphia West, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    Swing into Spring

    April 20, 2024
    9:30 am to 11:30 am, 2 hours
    Anna C. Verna Playground, South Philadelphia West, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA
    map
    Organized by Fairmount Park Conservancy and Friends of FDR Park. Celebrate spring with a family-friendly concert. TWO OF A KIND children's band's performance includes singing, dancing, sign language, and puppets. 

    Go to Fairmount Park Conservancy's website for more information. 
  • Apr
    20
    Earth Day at Gold Star Park
    10:00 am to 11:00 am
    Gold Star Park, 613 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

    Earth Day at Gold Star Park

    April 20, 2024
    10:00 am to 11:00 am, 1 hour
    Gold Star Park, 613 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
    map
    Celebrate Earth Day at Gold Star Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be kids activities from 10 a.m. to noon. A veggie start give-away will be begin at 11 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. Go to Facebook for more information. 
    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=796676725824002&set=a.620852360073107
  • Apr
    20
    Meadows Clean-Up
    10:00 am to 11:30 am
    FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue &, S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    Meadows Clean-Up

    April 20, 2024
    10:00 am to 11:30 am, 2 hours
    FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue &, S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA
    map
    Come join FDR staff every third Saturday of the month to remove invasive plants and build trails in the former golf course.

    For more information, go to Friends of FDR Park's website. 

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