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 |
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parksandrecreation |
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Phone:
(215) 683-3600
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| Social |
Announcements
MLK Trail is now open
MLK Trail is reopened for use! Walkers, runners, and cyclists can now enjoy a wider, safer trail that is more accessible for everyone. Upgrades to the trail include:
- New signage and on-trail pavement markings.
- Improved crosswalks and ADA accessible ramps.
- Redesigns and repaving to avoid existing tree roots.
- Clearing of dead and damaged trees.
- Modern drainage systems.
- New, widened bicycle ramps at key locations to improve access.
Finishing touches to the $1.4 million project will continue through May.
Look out for a ceremonial ribbon cutting this summer when all work is completed!
Parks & Rec is accepting applications for PlayStreets supervisors
- Live on a small, one-way street.
- Take part in the summer food program.
- Open and close the street to traffic each weekday.
- Have less than 25 percent of residents submit an objection to the creation of the PlayStreet
Parks & Rec’s Summer Food Service Program provides daily lunches or snacks.
Boathouse Row Lightings: May 2021
Wondering why the lights along Boathouse Row are a certain color? Here’s the scoop:
| Dates | Color | Cause or organization |
| April 1 – 2 | Red | Phillies home opener |
| April 17 | Red | Hemophilia awareness |
| April 19 | Purple | National crime victims rights week |
| April 22 | Green | Earth Day |
| April 23 | Blue and gold | Philadelphia Union opener |
| May 10 | Teal | American Lung Association |
| May 13 | Pink | Neurofibromatosis and high blood pressure awareness in children |
| May 19 | Blue and gold | School District of Philadelphia—Our Class, Our Future Awards |
| May 20 | Kelly green | Marine Corps Vaccine Clinic Worker Thank You |
Parks & Rec Permits Update
Parks & Rec is now accepting permits for more activities in our parks, fields, and recreation facilities.
Effective March 16, 2021, Parks & Rec will issue permits for the following activities:
OUTDOORS
Picnics
Parks & Rec offers a wide variety of sites for picnics.
- Picnic sites serve 20-30 people.
- Pavilions can hold up to 100 people.
- Current Health guidelines limit social gatherings to 100 people.
Friends and community group events
Parks & Rec issues permits to Park Friends groups and community groups for events at neighborhood parks.
Outdoor recreation and athletics
Parks & Rec fields and courts offer space for group activities. You need a permit to reserve a recreation facility or field.
- All sports are allowed outdoors.
- Fields are available for permitted use.
- Masks must be worn at all times when a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained.
- Maximum participation (includes players, coaches, and spectators):
- 100 people on fields.
- 50 people on courts.
Special events
- Parks & Rec Special Events Office will review applications for any event over 100 people.
- Special event permit applicants must also submit a COVID-19 Operating Plan to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for approval.
➡️ Get a permit for a large event for festival.
Weddings
Media projects including videos, photos, and film
➡️ Use this form to apply for a permit to film or take still photos on Parks & Rec property.
INDOORS
Indoor recreation and athletics.
Parks & Rec facilities are open for group recreation and athletics. You need a permit to reserve a recreation facility or field for group activity.
- All sports are allowed indoors.
- Maximum participation (includes players, coaches, and spectators):
- Gymnasiums: Up to 50 people per gym, 35 for smaller gyms.
- Other rooms: permitted to allow at least 40 square feet per person.
- No more than two indoor programs can be held at the same time in each facility.
- Indoor permit holders must attend and be responsible for the content of the Standard Operating Procedure Training hosted by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation staff.
- All participants will have to complete and sign a screening form.
