Editing Columbus Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = Columbus Square
| image =
| image_caption = Columbus Square playground in South Philadelphia
| type = Neighborhood square / Park
| location = South Philadelphia (Bella Vista)
| coordinates = 39.9380,-75.1560
| area = 4 acres
| established = 1800s
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Playground, sports courts, dog park, community garden
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; walk from Italian Market
| website = https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder
}}

'''Columbus Square''' is a 4-acre neighborhood park in the [[Bella Vista]] section of [[South Philadelphia]], bounded by 12th and 13th Streets and Wharton and Reed Streets. One of the city's historic neighborhood squares, it serves as the recreational and community heart of the surrounding residential area, offering playgrounds, sports facilities, and gathering space.<ref name="columbus">{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder/#/locationDetails/2813 |title=Columbus Square |publisher=Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The square exemplifies Philadelphia's tradition of neighborhood-scale parks woven into the residential fabric.

== History ==

=== Origins ===

Columbus Square has served the neighborhood since the 19th century:
* Part of Philadelphia's tradition of neighborhood squares
* Developed as South Philadelphia grew
* Named for Christopher Columbus
* Evolved with the neighborhood

=== Neighborhood Changes ===

The surrounding area has transformed:
* Originally working-class Italian neighborhood
* Gentrification since 1990s
* Mix of longtime and new residents
* Park improvements reflect changes

== Features ==

=== Playground ===

'''Modern playground:'''
* Updated equipment
* Age-appropriate areas
* Rubber safety surface
* Shade structures
* Popular with local families

=== Sports Courts ===

'''Athletic facilities:'''
* Basketball courts
* Tennis court
* Handball wall
* Multi-purpose court

=== Dog Park ===

'''Off-leash dog area:'''
* Fenced dog run
* Separate areas for large and small dogs
* Water access
* Seating for owners
* Popular neighborhood amenity

=== Community Garden ===

'''Urban gardening:'''
* Individual plots
* Community managed
* Growing food in the city
* Neighborhood participation

=== Open Space ===

* Lawn areas
* Shade trees
* Benches
* Picnic tables

== Using the Park ==

=== Daily Use ===

* Playground visits
* Dog walking and dog park
* Sports and pickup games
* Reading and relaxation
* Community socializing

=== Community Character ===

Columbus Square reflects South Philadelphia:
* Multi-generational use
* Mix of old and new residents
* Strong neighborhood connection
* Daily gathering spot

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Dawn to dusk
* Open year-round

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 12th to 13th Streets, Wharton to Reed Streets

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 47, 47M
* Walk from Broad Street Line stations

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking (can be challenging)
* Typical South Philly parking

'''On Foot:'''
* Walk from [[Italian Market]] (9th Street)
* Walk from East Passyunk

=== Tips ===

* The dog park is excellent—bring your pup
* Playground can be crowded on weekends
* Grab food from Italian Market and picnic
* The neighborhood is walkable—explore after

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Italian Market]]''' — West on 9th Street
* '''[[Bella Vista]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[East Passyunk]]''' — Restaurant row to the south
* '''[[Passyunk Square]]''' — Nearby park
* '''[[South Street]]''' — North

== See Also ==

* [[Bella Vista]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Marconi Plaza]]
* [[Passyunk Square]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Finder]

{{#seo:
|title=Columbus Square Philadelphia - Bella Vista Neighborhood Park
|description=Guide to Columbus Square in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista neighborhood. Playground, dog park, sports courts, and community garden.
|keywords=Columbus Square Philadelphia, Bella Vista park, South Philadelphia parks, Philadelphia dog parks, Italian Market area, Philadelphia playgrounds
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Recreation]]
[[Category:Dog Friendly]]