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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
    23
    Full Moon Hike at Champions Park
    7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
    Champions Park Playground, 910 Tustin St, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA

    Full Moon Hike at Champions Park

    April 23, 2024
    7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, 1 hour
    Champions Park Playground, 910 Tustin St, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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    Full Moon Hike at Champions Playground 


    April 23 | 7 p.m. 


    Join us for an evening hike under the full moon. Outdoors, almost all weather. 


    ~1-mile hike on uneven, rocky trails in the dark. No flashlights will be used on the hike. Adults & Teens. Free

  • Apr
    24
    Science for Seniors
    1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
    Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600A Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115, USA

    Science for Seniors

    April 24, 2024
    1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, 2 hours
    Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600A Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115, USA
    map

    Science For Seniors


    W April 24 | 1 p.m. 


    Join us each month for a new adventure in natural sciences. 


    Older Adults. Free. 

  • Apr
    25
    Homeschool: Tech & Nature
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600A Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115, USA

    Homeschool: Tech & Nature

    April 25, 2024
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600A Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115, USA
    map
    Tech & Nature | April 25 | Nature apps are popular. How to use them & still enjoy the outdoors. 

    This will also prepare the kids to participate in CNC at home. 

    1-3 p.m. | 2nd grade & up. | $5 per child per lesson. Cash only.

    This is a drop off only, outdoor program.

    Registration required at https://forms.gle/uaRgng6Zwj8B4v9A8

    Parking is available at the center with additional street parking.
    The center, bathrooms, and picnic areas are all accessible, however, the trails are rocky and uneven.
    This is an all-weather, outdoor program. Please dress for the weather and hiking.
    Photos will be taken of participants during this program for use by the Pennypack Environmental Center and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. If you wish to opt out, please let us know before the program.
    City of Philadelphia Covid-19 information at phila.gov.
    TICK CHECK upon return and every day after nature play.
    Questions? Contact us at pec@phila.gov or 215.685.0470

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