We’ll let you in on a secret. There’s a natural oasis in South Philadelphia, tucked between industry, bustling neighborhoods, and stadiums.
Smack dab in the middle of FDR Park are Edgewood and Meadow Lakes, left over from the tidal marsh area between the Delaware River and Schuylkill River.
If you’re seeking natural beauty, the Audubon Society of Pennsylvania named this 348-acre park of natural lands, ponds and lagoons as one of the best places in Philadelphia to observe birds.
This park boasts manmade wonders as well: its boathouse, gazebo, and American Swedish History Museum are remnants of the national Sesquicentennial Exposition, a celebration of our nation's 150th birthday.
Every year, thousands of Philadelphia residents flock to this park to exercise on their track and playing fields, attend concerts and events, hosts gatherings and picnics, and fish in its ponds and lakes.
We’ll supply with everything you need for day spent enjoying one of Philadelphia’s hidden gems at this cleanup: bags, gloves, tools, and even a post cleanup dinner. To learn more, call 215-642-0693 or email [email protected].
Getting there:
Driving:
Volunteers can park in the Swedish History Museum parking lot, 1900 Pattison Ave.
From Center City: Take Broad Street South to Pattison Avenue. Turn right onto Pattison Avenue. At the next light (20th Street) turn left into FDR Park. Once in the park, take the first left.
From I-95 North or South: Take the Broad Street/Pattison Avenue exit of I-95. If coming from I-95 Southbound, turn right onto Broad Street. If coming from I-95 Northbound, the exit puts you on Broad Street. Stay to the left because the road divides. Turn left at the 2nd traffic light, which is Pattison Avenue. At the next traffic light turn left on 20th Street into FDR Park. Once in the park, take the first left.
From Rte. 76 going East (Schuylkill Expressway): Get off at the Penrose Avenue/International Airport exit (left lane exit). Go to the end of the exit road. At the traffic light, turn left onto Penrose. At first stoplight, turn right onto Pattison Avenue. The park entrance is at 20th Street. Once in the park, take the first left.
By Subway: Take the Broad Street line to the last stop, AT &T Station, and walk 5 blocks west down Pattison Ave.
By Bus:
From Center City: Take the #4 bus towards Broad-Pattison to the last stop (Broad-Pattison). Walk 5 blocks west down Pattison Ave. Click here for more info.
From Penn’s Landing: Take the #17 heading toward the Naval Bus and get off at the last stop in front of the park-Broad Street and Pattison Ave. Walk 5 blocks west down Pattison Ave. Click here for more info.
Photos by FDR Park Facebook and Flickr