Sister Cities Park
| Sister Cities Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban pocket park |
| Location | Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Center City |
| Coordinates | 39.9575,-75.1705 |
| Area | 1.3 acres |
| Established | 2012 |
| Operated by | Center City District |
| Features | Boat pond, playground, café, interactive fountain |
| Hours | 6 AM - 12 AM daily |
| Transit | Walk from Suburban Station |
| Website | Official Site |
Sister Cities Park is a 1.3-acre family-friendly park on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway adjacent to Logan Square. Opened in 2012, the park celebrates Philadelphia's relationships with its sister cities around the world and provides a welcome amenity for families visiting the nearby museums.[1]
The park fills a gap in the parkway's grand design, providing intimate, human-scaled spaces amid the monumental architecture of Museum Mile.
Features
Children's Discovery Garden
The playground area includes:
- Climbing structures
- Interactive elements
- Natural play features
- Age-appropriate equipment
Boat Pond
A model boat pond serves as the park's centerpiece:
- Shallow water for toy boats
- Surrounded by seating
- Reflective pool aesthetic
- Popular with children and photographers
Interactive Fountain
The splash fountain (seasonal):
- Pop-up water jets
- Children's play area
- Summer cooling
- Adjacent to café
Café
The Parks on Tap style café offers:
- Coffee and beverages
- Light food
- Seasonal beer garden
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Restrooms
Gardens
Plantings throughout the park:
- Native species
- Seasonal color
- Shade trees
- Green respite from city
Sister Cities Program
The park celebrates Philadelphia's sister city relationships:
| City | Country | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv-Yafo | Israel | 1966 |
| Florence | Italy | 1964 |
| Tianjin | China | 1980 |
| Kobe | Japan | 1986 |
| Aix-en-Provence | France | 1999 |
| Douala | Cameroon | 1986 |
| Toruń | Poland | 1976 |
| Nijmegen | Netherlands | 1991 |
| Incheon | South Korea | 1984 |
| Mosul | Iraq | 2009 |
Interpretive elements throughout the park celebrate these international connections.
Location
Sister Cities Park occupies a prime position:
- Adjacent to Logan Square and Swann Fountain
- Near Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
- Between Free Library of Philadelphia and parkway museums
- Easy walking distance from Center City
Events
The park hosts various events:
- Family programs
- Cultural celebrations
- Seasonal activities
- Music and performances
Visiting
Hours
- Park: 6 AM - 12 AM daily
- Café: Seasonal hours (check current times)
- Fountain: Seasonal operation (warm months)
Getting There
Location: 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
By Public Transit:
- Walk from Suburban Station
- SEPTA buses along the parkway
- Walk from 30th Street Station
By Car:
- Nearby parking garages
- Limited metered street parking
Tips
- Great for families visiting parkway museums
- The café is a nice rest stop during museum walks
- Combine with Logan Square fountain viewing
- The splash pad is popular on hot days—bring swimsuits for kids
See Also
References
- ↑ "Sister Cities Park". Center City District. Retrieved December 30, 2025