Gorgas Park
| Gorgas Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood park |
| Location | Roxborough |
| Coordinates | 40.0320,-75.2280 |
| Area | 7 acres |
| Established | 1914 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Playground, sports fields, walking paths, community space |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus 9, 27 |
| Website | Official Site |
Gorgas Park is a 7-acre neighborhood park in Roxborough, serving as the primary recreation space for the surrounding community. Named for Surgeon General William C. Gorgas, the park provides athletic fields, playground facilities, and green space in this Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood.[1]
Gorgas Park anchors the neighborhood and hosts community events throughout the year.
History
[edit | edit source]Naming
[edit | edit source]Named for William C. Gorgas (1854-1920):
- U.S. Army Surgeon General
- Conquered yellow fever and malaria in Panama Canal Zone
- Made Panama Canal construction possible
- Medical hero of early 20th century
Development
[edit | edit source]The park was established in 1914:
- Progressive Era recreation facility
- Served growing Roxborough community
- Athletic fields and playground
- Community gathering space
Features
[edit | edit source]Athletic Fields
[edit | edit source]Sports facilities:
- Baseball/softball diamond
- Multi-purpose field
- Youth sports leagues
- Adult recreation
Playground
[edit | edit source]- Modern playground equipment
- Age-appropriate areas
- Safe surfaces
- Popular with families
Walking Paths
[edit | edit source]- Perimeter paths
- Shade trees
- Benches
Open Space
[edit | edit source]- Lawn areas
- Picnic space
- Community events area
Using the Park
[edit | edit source]Recreation
[edit | edit source]- Youth sports leagues
- Pickup games
- Playground use
- Walking and exercise
- Dog walking
Events
[edit | edit source]- Community gatherings
- Sports tournaments
- Neighborhood events
- Holiday celebrations
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Year-round access
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Pechin Street and Gorgas Lane, Roxborough
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 9, 27
By Car:
- Street parking available
- Near Ridge Avenue
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Youth sports fill the fields on weekends
- The neighborhood is pleasant for walking
- Close to Manayunk for dining
Neighborhood Context
[edit | edit source]Roxborough:
- Working-class and middle-class neighborhood
- Northwest Philadelphia
- Near Manayunk and Wissahickon
- Strong community identity
- Family-oriented
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Roxborough — Surrounding neighborhood
- Manayunk — Adjacent
- Wissahickon Valley Park — Nearby
- Andorra Natural Area — Northwest
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Gorgas Park". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025