By: Amy Hopf, Digital Content Associate
The Oval+, a pop-up park at Eakins Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is returning from July 20 to August 19.
This year’s theme, “More PARK, More PLAY,” builds directly on public feedback provided last summer. Over 40 percent of polled visitors to The Oval+ in 2017 said they wanted to see more family-related activities at the site.
This year, The Oval+ will feature:
- An active lineup of family-friendly programming, including family dance parties every Sunday with prizes, a DJ, face painting, games, and activities
- New large-scale murals
- Public furniture, including an 800-square-feet sandbox
- A rotating lineup of food trucks
- Weekly wellness classes, outdoor movies, and games
With “More PARK, More PLAY,” Philadelphians will have the opportunity to experience alternative uses of the Parkway that emphasize “more park” and “less way.” This year’s expansion of The Oval+ will make the Parkway more accessible and unique for residents and visitors alike.
Please note there will be limited road closures from July 5 to August 26:
- Outbound outer lanes (north side of Parkway) will be closed to vehicles between 20th street and Art Museum Drive
- Vine St. traffic will be directed to the Parkway inner lanes or to make a right onto 20th St
- Outbound bike lane and N. 20th St, N. 21st St., and N. 22nd St. will remain open
The Oval+ is presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy, Mural Arts Philadelphia, PORT, and Heads of State.
