Malcolm X Park
| Malcolm X Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood park |
| Location | West Philadelphia (Cedar Park) |
| Coordinates | 39.9540,-75.2180 |
| Area | 3.5 acres |
| Established | 1905 (as Pine Street Park); renamed 1990s |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Playground, basketball courts, spray ground, community space |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA trolley routes; bus routes |
| Website | Official Site |
Malcolm X Park (formerly Pine Street Park) is a 3.5-acre neighborhood park in the Cedar Park section of West Philadelphia, serving as a community gathering space for one of the city's most diverse and engaged neighborhoods. Renamed in honor of civil rights leader Malcolm X, the park reflects the neighborhood's progressive character and commitment to community spaces.[1]
The park anchors a neighborhood known for its activism, diversity, and strong community institutions.
History
[edit | edit source]Original Park
[edit | edit source]The park opened in 1905 as Pine Street Park:
- Served growing West Philadelphia neighborhood
- Traditional recreation space
- Community gathering place
Renaming
[edit | edit source]The park was renamed for Malcolm X in the 1990s:
- Reflected community activism
- Honored civil rights leader
- Statement of neighborhood values
- Part of broader renaming movement
Malcolm X (1925-1965)
[edit | edit source]The park honors Malcolm X:
- Influential African-American leader
- Civil rights activist
- Human rights advocate
- Lasting impact on American consciousness
Features
[edit | edit source]Playground
[edit | edit source]- Modern playground equipment
- Multiple age areas
- Safe surfaces
- Family destination
Spray Ground
[edit | edit source]Seasonal water play:
- Summer spray features
- Free cooling off
- Popular with children
- Community gathering in summer
Basketball Courts
[edit | edit source]- Full courts
- Popular for pickup games
- Youth and adult use
Open Space
[edit | edit source]- Lawn areas
- Shade trees
- Benches
- Picnic areas
Using the Park
[edit | edit source]Daily Activities
[edit | edit source]- Playground visits
- Basketball games
- Summer spray ground
- Dog walking
- Community socializing
Community Events
[edit | edit source]The park hosts:
- Neighborhood gatherings
- Community organizing events
- Cultural celebrations
- Youth programs
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Spray ground: Summer season
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: 51st Street and Pine Street, West Philadelphia
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA trolley (Routes 10, 13, 34, 36) to nearby stops
- SEPTA bus routes
By Car:
- Street parking available
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The neighborhood has excellent local restaurants
- Cedar Park is worth exploring
- Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor is nearby
- Strong community character
Neighborhood Context
[edit | edit source]Cedar Park neighborhood:
- Diverse and progressive community
- Strong civic engagement
- Co-ops and community institutions
- Mix of families, students, and longtime residents
- Active neighborhood association
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Cedar Park — Surrounding neighborhood
- Clark Park — East (larger park)
- Baltimore Avenue — Commercial corridor
- University City — East
- Cobbs Creek — West
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Malcolm X Park". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025