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, to each other, and to fun physical and social opportunities. We manage historically significant Philadelphia events and special venues, and we work with communities and organizations, leading capital projects and introducing creative programming.

Philadelphia’s large, diverse parks and recreation system provides something for everyone. Listed below are some of facilities and programs we’re responsible for:

  • 300+ neighborhood parks, rec centers, and playgrounds
  • 166 miles of trails and 40 historic sites
  • 60 community gardens, farms, and orchards
  • 3 environmental education centers
  • 600+ baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields
  • 74 pools
  • 400+ basketball and 200+ tennis courts
  • 5 ice skating rinks
  • 5 golf courses
  • 25 public computer centers

Connect

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

Parks & Recreation finder

Looking for something to do?

Use our finder to search for activities and locations.

Go to the finder

Announcements

Boathouse Row lightings: December 2020

Boathouse Row holiday lightings

Boathouse Row will light up in festive colors throughout December.
These lightings honor the city’s multicultural holiday celebrations:
  • Hanukkah: December 10 – 18
  • Christmas: December 19 – 25
  • Kwanzaa: December 26 – January 1, 2021

Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive closed to vehicular traffic

Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive is closed to vehicles until further notice.

The closure:

  • Stretches from East Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval.
  • Will be in place 24 hours a day.
  • Will allow for greater social distancing among trail users.
The City of Philadelphia encourages residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Under current restrictions, parks and trails remain open.
Residents who visit outdoor spaces to recreate should:
  • Practice social distancing.
  • Wash their hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer after visiting.

More from Philadelphia Parks & Rec

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Events

  • Dec
    12
    Creek Care Day
    10:00 am to 12:00 pm

    Creek Care Day

    December 12, 2020
    10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2 hours
    Get your hands dirty to improve local creeks and streams! We need volunteers to help remove invasive plants, clean up litter, and plant native plants. Together, we’ll remove litter that could otherwise end up in waterways and promote native plants that filter stormwater pollution. We’ll be at a different location each month in Philadelphia or Montgomery County. For the location, RSVP to ryan@ttfwatershed.org or call 215-744-1853. Note: Event time may shift, check back! https://www.facebook.com/events/692284788332273/?event_time_id=692284818332270
  • Dec
    14
    It's Winter: Storybook Trail
    10:00 am to 2:00 pm
    Pennypack Environmental Center

    It's Winter: Storybook Trail

    December 14, 2020
    10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 1 week
    Pennypack Environmental Center
    map
    Begins Monday, December 14 at 10am and Ends Monday, December 21 at 2pm As we lead up to the first day of winter, enjoy this storybook walk, describing the animal life, plant life, weather, colors, clothing, and feelings associated with the winter season. The storybook trail will be left for you to enjoy for the week. The self guided trail begins at the environmental center will lead you through the meadow and back to the center. No Registration Required. https://www.facebook.com/events/651644719045914/
  • Dec
    15
    Volunteer Event: Tuesday Clean Up
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm

    Volunteer Event: Tuesday Clean Up

    December 15, 2020
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3 hours
    Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park clean and beautiful? Then join FOW on Tuesday morning for a clean-up in one of the most visited places in the park! Registration is required for each event, and the capacity is limited. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all volunteers are required to wear a face covering and maintain a safe 6-foot distance from other people not in their household. If you are feeling ill, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for for Covid-19, please stay home. Bringing your own gloves is highly recommended. Detailed information and the specific meeting location will be sent by email the day before each event. For more information contact Shawn Green at green@fow.org. Register for a cleanup at https://fow.org/events/. https://www.facebook.com/events/1021207048347415/?event_time_id=1021207075014079

Top