New projects at FDR Park, the South Philadelphia destination, were unveiled earlier this month. The park will be getting a welcome center and, especially exciting for local families, a world-class playground.
A partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Friends of FDR, the projects are funded by a $50 million investment from the City of Philadelphia. They are part of the FDR Park Master Plan which aims to encourage more visitors to the park.
“FDR Park is one of the most diverse and dynamic green spaces in our city,” Kathryn Ott
Lovell, commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, said in a press release. “The Master Plan is a true once-in-a lifetime opportunity to harness the passion residents have for this park and build a sustainable and vibrant future for FDR Park. The Welcome Center and Play Area will offer high-quality park amenities that encourage visitors to extend their stay and come back more often to enjoy all that FDR has to offer.”
According to the City of Philadelphia’s announcement, the welcome center will have a community gathering space, information center and co-working space among other amenities.
The children’s play area will be the largest of its kind in South Philadelphia. It will include many fun features including a huge swing set with 30 swings, nature-based play equipment and slides. The playground was designed by WRT, an urban design team, with input from local families.
The design of the playground was funded by a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources which was matched by Fairmount Park Conservancy.
Residents are invited to continue to share their ideas for programs and features of the welcome center and playground by following this link for the Fairmount Park Conservancy’s survey.
Construction for the new features, which are slated to open in 2023, will begin next summer.
