The playgrounds that Zora and I document on this site have a few things in common: (1) they’re all in Philly; (2) they all have playground equipment or otherwise have something interesting that attracts us to them; and (3) they’re all available to the public and free.  But I bend the rules sometimes for really cool places like Bartram’s Gardens which doesn’t really have any playground equipment.  Here’s another exception: the Spruce Street Harbor Park.  Not only didn’t it have any traditional playground equipment, but it was only here for a limited period during the summer 2014.  But it was super amazing.  So amazing, in fact, that drawing a map was just impossible: there was just too much to capture.  Hammocks.  Big Connect Fours and Chess games.  Air hockey.  Lounges selling beer along the Delaware River.  Misters.  And much more.  With luck, this pop-up park will pop up again in summer 2015.

Website from the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Visited: August 2014

There are a few playgrounds that, upon hearing about this blog, people inquire about.  The two most common: “Have you been to Jenks Playground?” and “Have you been to Three Bears Park?”  And now that we’ve been to both of these playgrounds, I can understand why they have such a dedicated base of followers.  Three Bears isn’t big or complicated (unlike Jenks), but it’s cozy and charming and–come on!–it has a lovely statute of three bears.  It’s tucked away in Center City and easy to miss.  But if you’re strolling around Center City, it’s worth a stop.  And if you’re fortunate enough to live near this adorable park, well, you’re mighty lucky.

Philly Playground Project (reviewed: 8/9/2009)

Friends of Three Bears Park community group

Visited: August 2014

Zora and I were delighted to be joined on our trip to the playground at Starr Garden by Susanna.  I think she often wonders where we go when we disappear from the house for hours on our “playground adventures.”  And the Starr Garden was a treat.  Perhaps the basketball game on the nearby court was a bit spirited a times, but otherwise, our visit was perfect.  A family ate a late lunch on the picnic tables.  We talked again for the 100th time about how it’s a shame that we still haven’t been to Blackbird Pizzeria, Philly’s highly recommend vegan pizza joint.  And we played.  There’s two interesting pieces here: first, the fire engine climber.  They’re not unique–they have one of these at Malcolm X Playground in West Philly and at Water Tower Rec Center playground in Mt. Airy–but I still love them.  Second, they have a complete vertical 180 degree climber.  I have never seen one of these before.  And, especially for a park this close to South Philly, they sure have a lot of lovely shade trees.

Philly Playground Project (reviewed on 8/9/2009)

Facebook page for Starr Garden Neighbors and Friends group

Visited: August 2014

If you’re not a McCall Elementary School family, you  might not even know this playground exists.  To get there, you have to come in on Panama Street, a small half-block cobble-stone street between Pine and Spruce.  It’s a new-ish looking playground with no graffiti.  No swings, but they do have one of those new-fangled see-saws.  On the Saturday afternoon we were there, some kids were practicing tricks on their BMX bikes in the sea of asphalt between the playground and building.  And ordinarily, I’d be wistful at the asphalt expanse, but the luscious and green Washington Square park is just a block or two north for all your grassy needs.

Philly Playground Project (reviewed: 9/9/2009)

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Visited: March 2014

There’s a lot of awesome in this neighborhood spot.  Let’s start with the maze painted on the asphalt.  We’ve been to over a hundred playgrounds so far in this fair city of ours, and I think this is the first time we’ve seen this.  It’s a simple, low-cost feature, but man, did Zora and I have a lot of fun with that.  There’s also letters and numbers painted on the asphalt (which got second billing to the maze.)  All of the equipment was new and clean, too.  And the “Francisville Playground” mural?  That’s pretty cool, too.

PS.  Be sure to check out the photo of Zora playing hopscotch.  I caught her mid-jump!

Philadelphia Playground Project review (10/3/09)

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Visited: August 2013

Hidden behind Greenfield Elementary School on Chestnut Street is this delightful Center City oasis of fun. There’s a retro climber spaceship, two spinners (I’m still dizzy), three padded hills, lots of trees, a world map painted on the blacktop, and it’s all in the shadow of a new skyscraper going up next door.  Zora particularly liked climbing up the hills and spinning around and around.  If you’re in western Center City and  looking for a break from Markward Playground or visiting the nearby Mutter Museum, you ought to stop by here and enjoy.

Philadelphia Playground Project Review (7/2/11)

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Visited: February 2013

This isn’t a real playground, of course, but Zora loved petting and climbing on the goat and bear and turtle statues so much, that I thought I’d include it.  It’s just down the way from Markward Playground and certainly worth a stop if you’re on foot.

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Visited: February 2013

This playground is pretty awesome.  In addition to the usual playground equipment, it’s right next to batting cages.  And on the other side, it seems like there’s always a couple real baseball games going on.  Plus, the beautiful trees provide some needed shade.  And if you visit at the right time, there’s even a kiosk selling snacks and drinks.

Philadelphia Playground Project review (9/5/09)

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Visited: June 2012

This is a great neighborhood park, located in the shadow of Eastern State Penitentiary.  It has a gigantic spider web rope climber, plus a sit down booth under the play ground.  It also has a water fountain and a tent that includes a water mister.  The afternoon that Zora and I stopped by, the neighborhood association was holding a small festival on the grassy area to the east of the playground.  It reminded me of my local Cedar Park playground.  Worth the stop by if you’re in the neighborhood.

Philadelphia Playground Project Review (12/10/2009)
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Visited: September 2012

I can’t say enough good things about Lemon Hill.  It’s a great place to get a view of the Philly skyline.  It’s a great place to watch the annual bike race come whipping down the hill.  It’s a great place to play pick-up football on a Sunday morning.  It’s a great place for a picnic.  And it’s got a great playground.  The playground has that weird rubbery brown pseudo mulch and the usual equipment.  There are three rare playground things here: (1) a small puppet show stage (but no puppets?); (2) a stair & railing climber; and (3) black mushroom-like steppers that will test your balance.

Philadelphia Playground Project (not reviewed)
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Visited: September 2012

This is a small playground overlooking Kelly Drive behind the Art Museum.  There’s just the one play structure and four swings.  Zora and I ate lunch on the hill watching the bike race.  The playground was almost an after thought.  It’s not worth going out of your way for, but if you’re in the area, why not check it out?

Philadelphia Playground Project review (not yet reviewed)