For roughly 20 years, Friends of Gold Star Park has worked to create a welcoming green space that connects people to nature. The Friends group is one of more than 140 groups across the city. Park Friends groups are community-led organizations. They partner with Parks & Rec and Fairmount Park Conservancy (FPC) to improve neighborhood parks.
On April 20, 2024, Friends of Gold Star Park celebrated Earth Day. Liz Dailey, a longtime volunteer, said roughly 50 people turned out for the event. The Delaware Estuary donated seeds and peat pots. Children decorated pots and planted seeds. The event also featured a scavenger hunt, a music concert by Kids At Play, and a plant and compost giveaway.
The group also hosts other activities including:
- Craft’n’Flea markets that help raise funds for activities.
- Music concerts held in May, June, July, and September.
- A water and splash play day.
- An obstacle course for kids.
- A winter festival with inflatable holiday characters and hot chocolate.
- Geography workshops for kids.
- Storytime.
- Clean ups.
Liz and Jim Byrne help maintain the park grounds by spreading compost, planting grass seed, and picking up trash.
Thanks to the Friends Group, Liz said there is a strong sense of community.
About five years ago, The Philadelphia Design Collaborative created a design for upgrades to the park. Renovations to the park were completed in 2021.
The restoration of the park cost $845,000. The Friends group and Councilman Mark Squilla’s office funded the project.
Some of the upgrades included:
- New play equipment.
- Safety surfacing.
- Decorative borders.
Learn more about a Friends group near you by participating in a service project during Love Your Park Week, May 11-19, 2024.
