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 |
|---|---|
|
parksandrecreation |
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Phone:
(215) 683-3600
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| Social |
Announcements
Parks & Rec Permits Update: Summer 2021
Parks & Rec is accepting permits for most activities in our parks, fields, and recreation facilities.
Effective immediately, COVID-19 action plans are no longer required as part of the event permit process. This is based on the latest guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Health.
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.
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.
Special events
Any gathering of 100 people or more held at a Parks & Rec site requires a special events permit.
- These events may require portable toilets, signage, sound systems, and/or city services.
- Special events include:
- Public and private events.
- Festivals.
- Large athletic events.
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.
- Be sure to follow posted mask guidance.
Boathouse Row Lightings: June-July 2021
Wondering why the lights along Boathouse Row are a certain color? Here’s the scoop:
| DATES | COLORS | CAUSE OR ORGANIZATION |
| June 4 | Orange | National Gun Violence Awareness |
| June 5 | Teal | Scleroderma awareness |
| June 7-8 | LGBT flag | LGBT Pride Awareness |
| June 9-11 | Blue and gold | Drexel University |
| June 12 | Blue and gold | Philadelphia School District – Senior Class of 2021 |
| June 13, 14 and 16-18 | Red, black & green | Juneteenth |
| June 15 | Red | Variety Club |
| June 19 | Red | Sickle Cell Awareness |
| June 22 | Blue | Philadelphia Police Foundation |
| July 1-4 | Red, white & blue | Wawa Welcome America and the 4th of July |
