May 13th, 2020
Four Reasons to Love FDR Park

By Justin DiBerardinis, FDR Park Director, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Now, more than ever, we need wide open spaces. We need room to run, space to think, and new landscapes to explore for our physical health, our mental health, and for our spirits.
Now is the perfect time to fall in love (or fall in love again!) with FDR Park, South Philadelphia’s largest and most dynamic public space. FDR Park - also known as The Lakes - offers over 350 acres of lakes, fields, meadows, bridges, marshes, mystery, and magic. A unique recreational and natural landscape activated by the incredible cultural diversity of South Philadelphia, FDR Park is truly a gem of Philadelphia’s public park system.
Reason #1: The Lakes

The heart of FDR Park is the lakes and waterways. The lakes offer a glimpse into the historic ecological landscape of South Philadelphia, with lagoons, streams, ponds, and marshes coming into bloom. These can be enjoyed in scenic vistas offered by the historic pavilions of the main lake, fishing along the banks, or bird watching among the secluded streams and marshes of the old golf course area. The dock of the historic Boathouse is publicly accessible, and kayakers are welcomed to use this public access point to paddle the lakes of FDR.
Reason #2: The Skatepark

The southern edge of FDR Park is home to a DIY mecca of American skateboarding culture, the FDR Skatepark - chaotic, beautiful, punk rock stream of consciousness in concrete. Offering space for young beginners and elite skaters alike, the skatepark pulsates with a diversity of users. Whether you skate yourself, or just want to soak up the scene, no visit to FDR is complete without a stop at the Skatepark.
Reason #3: Natural Lands

FDR Park is a landscape in transformation as the old golf course, holding nearly 200 acres on the western half of the park, returns to nature. In the future, we will be restoring the tidal marsh lands in this Southwest corner of the park. Right now, this course offers quiet meadows, meandering streams, emerging marshes, and some of the best bird watching in the city. It’s Philadelphia’s secret forest, one of the only places you can find acres and acres to yourself.
Reason #4: The Community

What truly makes FDR Park special is the growing diversity of its users, reflecting the incredible dynamism of South Philadelphia. FDR has always been a central spot for diverse communities to come together. In recent years, FDR Park has become a favorite spot for the southeast Asian community to gather together and celebrate their cultures, and a Latino soccer league has formed and become an ongoing and lively presence at the park. Italian American and African American communities have also long used FDR as South Philly’s go-to place for picnics, family gatherings, and festivals. The FDR Park community is truly unique and makes this park the special, wild, wonderful place it is.
Find Your Community at FDR Park
FDR Park is ready for you! There is truly something for everyone here. Find the park, love the park, and get involved in our exciting plan to build one of the great public spaces. You can be a part of it.
Join the Friends of FDR Park fdrparkphilly.org or facebook.com/fdrpark.
Upcoming Love Your Park @ Home Events
Tacony Creek Park Master Plan Public Meeting
June 7th at 5:00pm
Open House: 5 pm Presentation and Q & A: 6pm to 7pm Refreshments & Kids Corner Learn about the new Master Plan for Tacony Creek Park by viewing park maps and a presentation of the plan. TTF has worked with consultant Natural Lands to develop a plan centered on community input and equity, with the goal of encouraging park use and strengthening connections with communities. Learn more about People of the Park and Explorer Kits, two special projects implemented as part of the Master Plan process. The plan was developed with the help of an Advisory Committee, and widely shared surveys and focus groups. Many of you, your families, schools, and organizations shared your concerns and idea for the park. You told us your priorities — park improvements, operations, or programs. Your participation is the foundation for a new vision for Tacony Creek Park. This is an opportunity for the community to imagine and shape what we want to see for the future of Tacony Creek Park! Share the word and bring along your neighbors and stakeholders.
Learn MoreCobbs Creek Park Cleanup!
June 10th at 9:00am
Cobbs Creek Pkwy & Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Please join Kevin and the Cobbs Creek Cleanup team to remove litter, cut back invasive vines, and more! To register or to get information contact Kevin at KevinInTheHall@gmail.com or call 215-425-3874
Learn MoreSecond Saturday at Wissahickon Valley Park
June 10th at 10:00am
Wissahickon Valley Park
Help preserve the forest restoration site in Andorra meadows! Join Phila Parks and Rec for a volunteer project to remove invasive shrubs and vines and protect young plantings so they can become our future forest! Please note that the there is parking at the Andorra Upper Lot. The project location will be a 10 min walk down the trail from the lot. The trail will be marked with signage.
Learn More