Truth: again in 1683, when William Penn was mapping out the design of Philadelphia, his aim was to create a “Inexperienced Nation City” that will entice settlers from throughout the Atlantic. The premise of his design? 5 public squares throughout the town—one in every quadrant of [what was then] the principle a part of the town, and one proper within the middle.
These integral public areas are actually Rittenhouse, Logan, Washington, and Franklin Squares; and Dilworth Park—just a few amongst a lot of our favourite parks within the metropolis for enjoyable, picnicking, folks watching, and studying on a park bench this summer season. Let’s soar into our full roundup.
Rittenhouse Sq.: There’s all the time one thing to do in Rittenhouse Sq., whether or not it’s watching road performers, procuring at a craft truthful, visiting the farmer’s market, or just studying a ebook on a park bench whereas folks watching. Pack a picnic, seize a blanket, and take within the sights and sounds of this stunning park all summer season lengthy.
The Rail Park: This park turned unused rail strains right into a public hangout! This former industrial viaduct is now decked out with steel swings and enjoyable vegetation. The Rail Park is a imaginative and prescient that’s revitalizing three miles of unused rail strains right into a usable, stunning, public area for all—and is a must-see in the event you’re close to Heart Metropolis.
Penn Treaty Park: Positioned on the Delaware River, this park is nearly 130 years previous! At this time, it’s residence to a fantastic inexperienced area that’s only a picnic ready to occur. Head over to this Fishtown park for picture-perfect views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Grey’s Ferry Crescent: This city park is situated on the Schuylkill River and actually has one thing for everybody. Get pleasure from nice views, a skate park, mountain climbing trails, biking paths, and extra.
Logan Sq.: Stroll alongside the Ben Franklin Parkway to Logan Sq.—you’ll spot the spectacular Swann Memorial Fountain sculpture from a distance. With the Free Library a block away, it’s unimaginable to not wish to seize a ebook and spend the day studying within the park, with a pleasant mist from the fountain cooling you off on a sizzling day. Try Sister Cities Park, simply throughout the road, for extra greenspaces, fountains, and a café!
Schuylkill Banks: That is Philly’s hottest biking, strolling, and working path, and is part of the bigger Schuylkill River Path and the Circuit Trails—stretching from the Artwork Museum right down to South Road! The Banks hosts film nights in the summertime in addition to kayak and riverboat excursions. Try the boardwalk over the river and the neighborhood canine park close by at 25th and Spruce.
Washington Sq.: Smack dab in the course of Heart Metropolis and Outdated Metropolis, Washington Sq.’s tree-lined park (a.ok.a., loads of shaded areas!) is correct across the nook from historic Independence Corridor, and makes for the proper resting spot in between a day of exploring throughout Philly. See if yow will discover the tree within the park that has taken a visit to the moon. Sure, critically!
Spruce Road Harbor Park: The Delaware River deserves simply as a lot credit score because it’s western neighbor, the Schuylkill, particularly now that this park has turn into the go-to spot for daytime and nighttime actions alike. With Philly’s high eateries like Chickie’s and Pete’s, Lokal Artisan Meals, and extra organising store alongside the boardwalk, there’s all the time a purpose to hang around right here in the summertime. Lounge in a hammock, sit above the river in a suspended internet, or watch a dwell band on the weekend. Head to Spruce Road Harbor Park’s web site to view an unbelievable lineup of free occasions.
Wissahickon Valley Park: If you’re within the Wissahickon (or “the Wiss” as many name it), you’ll overlook that there’s a bustling metropolis simply 4 miles away. With greater than 50 miles of trails for each talent stage, a large gravel path known as Forbidden Drive to bike or stroll on, and scenic views alongside the creek, it’s simple to remain right here for hours. The paths are principally shaded, too, so it’s an ideal escape from the sunny metropolis in the summertime.
Franklin Sq.: Between Philly-themed miniature golf, snacks and burgers, a carousel, and year-round occasions on the park, the historic Franklin Sq. is the proper respite from the busy metropolis. It’s a couple of blocks north of Market Road, and tremendous accessible by public transportation. Do you know Tastykake relies in Philadelphia? At Franklin Sq., you’ll be able to get pleasure from a Tastykake milkshake! It’s a must-try.
Dilworth Park: The expansive park surrounding Philadelphia’s Metropolis Corridor, Dilworth Park, simply retains getting higher every year. The primary attraction is the park’s colourful curler rink in the summertime, however there’s tons extra to get pleasure from too—like ample seating for lunch breaks and picnics, fountains, gardens, and even free health all through the week. There’s additionally a subway station immediately in the course of the park, so getting there’s a breeze!
Clark Park: If you happen to’re within the College Metropolis / West Philly space, or simply need an excuse to take the Market-Frankford line to a park you’ve by no means visited earlier than, be sure that to go to Clark Park. There’s 9 acres of greenery (it’s big!) crammed with greater than 300 timber, and there’s all the time an occasion happening—farmer’s markets, motion pictures within the park, concert events, performances, and a lot extra. Study extra right here!
Fairmount Park: To categorise this as only one “park” is barely loopy, for the reason that 9,200 acres of trails, bike paths, hills, and wooded areas make this one of many world’s largest municipal park programs. Bike, run, or stroll alongside Kelly Drive for the perfect views of the Schuylkill, discover Fairmount Park’s historic mansions, or get pleasure from car-free streets on Martin Luther King Drive each weekend from April to October!
Belmont Plateau: Right here’s a enjoyable truth to impress your pals: DJ Jazzy Jeff’s “Summertime” music video was filmed proper right here on the Plateau. If you’re photographs with the town skyline within the distance, it seems prefer it’s miles away, however this big park on a hill, crammed with picnic areas, limitless fields, kite fliers, mountain bikers, and children working round, is simply 4 miles from Heart Metropolis. You’ll be able to take SEPTA proper to the park (the 38 bus cease is a half-mile away)!
The most effective factor about Philly is that for such a big metropolis, all the pieces is so shut. These parks are simply accessible by public transportation, a pleasing bike journey alongside the river, or by automobile. We’re planning to go to all of them this summer season—and it’s best to, too!