Chew Playground
| Chew Playground | |
|---|---|
| Type | Recreation center / Playground |
| Location | Germantown |
| Coordinates | 40.0360,-75.1750 |
| Area | 3 acres |
| Established | 1914 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Recreation center, playground, sports courts, swimming pool |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk; rec center has set hours |
| Transit | SEPTA Regional Rail to Germantown; buses |
| Website | Official Site |
Chew Playground is a recreation center and park in Germantown, one of Philadelphia's original neighborhood recreation facilities dating to 1914. The park provides indoor and outdoor recreation, including a swimming pool, sports courts, and year-round programming for the Germantown community.[1]
Chew Playground has served the Germantown community for over a century.
History
Origins
1914: Chew Playground established:
- Progressive Era recreation movement
- Supervised play for children
- Community gathering space
- Named for colonial Chew family (of Cliveden)
Development
The facility has evolved:
- Recreation center building added
- Pool construction
- Multiple renovations
- Continuous programming
Features
Recreation Center
Chew Recreation Center:
- Indoor gymnasium
- Multi-purpose rooms
- Year-round programming
- Youth activities
- Senior programs
- Computer lab
Swimming Pool
Seasonal pool:
- Outdoor pool
- Summer operation
- Free admission
- Swim lessons available
- Community gathering
Sports Facilities
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Multi-purpose field
- Sports programming
Playground
- Modern equipment
- Safe surfaces
- Age-appropriate areas
Programs
Youth Programs
- After-school activities
- Summer camps
- Sports leagues
- Arts and crafts
- Educational support
Adult Programs
- Fitness classes
- Sports leagues
- Senior activities
- Community events
Aquatics
- Open swim (summer)
- Swim lessons
- Pool parties (reservation)
Visiting
Hours
- Park: Dawn to dusk
- Recreation center: Check posted hours
- Pool: Summer months (typically June-August)
Getting There
Location: Washington Lane and Chew Avenue, Germantown
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Regional Rail to Germantown Station
- SEPTA Bus 18, 23, 26
By Car:
- Limited parking on site
- Street parking available
Tips
- Call ahead for program schedules
- Pool is popular in summer—arrive early
- The rec center offers good youth programming
- Combine with visit to historic Cliveden nearby
Germantown Context
Historic neighborhood:
- Colonial-era origins
- Battle of Germantown (1777) site
- Rich African-American history
- Strong community institutions
- Chew family legacy (Cliveden estate)
Nearby
- Germantown — Surrounding neighborhood
- Cliveden — Historic house
- Vernon Park — Nearby park
- Germantown Avenue — Historic corridor
See Also
References
- ↑ "Chew Playground". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025