Best of Philly 2019: Parks & Rec wins big!

Philadelphia magazine just released the “Best of Philly 2019” issue with lists of restaurants, shops, and activities. This year, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation won big with six accolades! Check out the excitement and adventure to be found, year-round, at these award-winning locations:

1. Philly Pumptrack: Best Dirt Bike Track

The Philly Pumptrack is an earthen bicycle pump track. Located in the Parkside neighborhood of West Philadelphia, the track has separate beginner and expert sections. Track staff offer loaner bikes and helmets free of charge. The track is an ideal place for riders to learn bike handling skills in a safe controlled environment.

2. Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course: Best Outdoor Activity in March

Founded in 1976, Sedgley Woods provides rough, forested terrain for a rewarding and challenging game of disc golf. This is one of the world’s first disc golf courses! The 27-hole course is lovingly maintained by The Friends of Sedgley Woods.

3. Bartram’s Garden: Best Outdoor Activity in May

This oasis of quiet fields and modest 18th-century farm buildings is where gardening first took root in America. The riverfront site offers a beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline. Join a morning bird walk or catch a breeze along the Schuylkill River Trail. Stroll through the upper kitchen garden and the fragrant flower gardens. Or visit the riverside meadow full of grasses and wildflowers. The site also includes a playground equipment, picnic areas and a boat dock. Take a look at their list programs including boating, fishing, gardening, and art.

4. Shakespeare in Clark Park: Best Outdoor Activity in July

Join hundreds of your friends and neighbors at Clark Park for the annual Shakespeare theater productions. Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to “the Bowl” section of the park to enjoy a family-friendly and free performance. This year’s production of “King Lear” just ended, but check back to see what’s in store for next season. Meanwhile, explore Clark Park — a 9.0-acre site in West Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood. The park features basketball courts, cafe seating, a massive lawn, shady trees, and a beautiful playground — plus the only statue of author Charles Dickens in the world!

5. The Trolley Trail: Best Hiking Trail

The Trolley Trail in West Fairmount Park follows the scenic pathway of the long-defunct Fairmount Park trolley. Trolleys operated here from the 1890s to 1940s. This trail-in-progress will ultimately be five miles long. Enjoy a quiet walk in the woods and the sights of nature, bridges, and tunnels.

6. The Discovery Center: Best Fun in Nature

The Discovery Center in East Fairmount Park provides educational programs to over 15,000 students per year. These programs inspire self-discovery and build community across Philadelphia. The Discovery Center also hosts weekly events for visitors of all ages. Besides programming, you can walk along a gentle hiking path that surrounds the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir. Bonus: sunset views that’ll knock your socks off! Check out the Discovery Center events calendar.