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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Protecting over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and managing hundreds of recreation, environmental, and cultural centers.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

What we do

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation connects the city’s residents to the natural world, each other, and fun things to do and see.

Our dedicated staff help manage:

  • Parks, rec centers, playgrounds, and pools.
  • Permits for picnics, sports fields, and important venues.
  • Creative and inclusive programs.
  • Signature city events and important historic and cultural sites.
  • Trees in parks and along the public right of way.
  • Capital and natural lands projects.
  • Recreation paths, trails, and boat launches.
  • Community gardens, farms, and orchards.
  • Special venues such as:
    • Environmental education centers.
    • The Dell Music Center.
    • Ice skating rinks and golf courses.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch Street
10th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email parksandrecreation@phila.gov
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Announcements

Updates to the MLK Drive Weekend Closure for Recreation Schedule

The City of Philadelphia Department of Streets, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), announce the suspension of the MLK Drive Weekend Closure for Recreation on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 due to the 54th Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.

MLK Drive will remain open to motor vehicles as it serves as a key point of access for regatta competitors and audience members.

Seasonal recreation closures will resume on November 2, which includes weekend vehicle restrictions.

Here’s the remaining seasonal closure schedule:
November 2-3 – Regular weekend vehicle closure
November 9-11 – Extended vehicle closure for Veterans Day
November 16-17 – Regular weekend vehicle closure
November 23-24 -Regular weekend vehicle closure
November 28 – December 1 – Extended vehicle closure for Thanksgiving and the last weekend of the seasonal closure

Please plan your trips accordingly.

Events

  • Nov
    2
    We Walk FDR
    8:30 am to 9:30 am
    Boathouse at FDR Park, FDR Park, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    We Walk FDR

    November 2, 2024
    8:30 am to 9:30 am, 1 hour
    Boathouse at FDR Park, FDR Park, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA
    map
    We Walk PHL seeks to promote positive health outcomes, increase use of Philadelphia’s park system, and create opportunities for people to pursue fitness goals while meeting their neighbors.
  • Nov
    2
    Five Trails, One Hike: The Original Redux, with Debra Brackett, Jean McWilliams, and Sue Amon
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Courtesy Stable, 901 E Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19128, United States

    Five Trails, One Hike: The Original Redux, with Debra Brackett, Jean McWilliams, and Sue Amon

    November 2, 2024
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3 hours
    Courtesy Stable, 901 E Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19128, United States
    map
    Photo courtesy of Marian Racette Meet at the Courtesy Stables Trailhead Kiosk Inspired by the 2023 All Trails Challenge, we created an “abridged” all-trails loop walk that includes five major trails in the Wissahickon. This route became the first of a Five Trails, One Hike series. It was a great hike in Spring of 2024 and we’re excited to revisit it this fall. We’ll start and finish at the kiosk at Courtesy Stables on Cathedral Road, and enjoy the variety of vistas from both sides of the creek. Along the way, we’ll observe points of natural and historic interest, as well as ongoing water management projects. This rigorous route includes some steep and rocky ascents and descents and is about 4-4.5 miles long. Children 12 years of age and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult; no dogs except for service animals, please. Distance: 4.5 miles Level: Difficult (many inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations.  Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador Walks may be on rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain. Service animals are always welcome. For more information contact Marisa Miller at miller@fow.org. Visit www.fow.org for updates. Register below!
  • Nov
    5
    We Walk FDR
    8:30 am to 9:30 am
    Boathouse at FDR Park, FDR Park, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    We Walk FDR

    November 5, 2024
    8:30 am to 9:30 am, 1 hour
    Boathouse at FDR Park, FDR Park, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA
    map
    We Walk PHL seeks to promote positive health outcomes, increase use of Philadelphia’s park system, and create opportunities for people to pursue fitness goals while meeting their neighbors.

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