Editing FDR Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = FDR Park
| image =
| image_caption = FDR Park meadows with Philadelphia skyline
| type = Urban park
| location = South Philadelphia
| coordinates = 39.9000,-75.1800
| area = 348 acres
| established = 1921
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / FDR Park Conservancy
| features = Lakes, meadows, sports fields, Boathouse, trails
| transit = SEPTA Broad Street Line to AT&T Station
| website = https://www.fdrparkphilly.org
}}

'''FDR Park''' (officially '''Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park''') is a 348-acre park in [[South Philadelphia]], originally designed for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition and now serving as one of the city's most beloved recreational spaces. The park features meadows, lakes, sports facilities, and the iconic '''Boathouse''', with ongoing restoration making it one of Philadelphia's most exciting park transformations.<ref name="fdrpark">{{cite web |url=https://www.fdrparkphilly.org |title=FDR Park |publisher=FDR Park Conservancy |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Located adjacent to the South Philadelphia sports complex, FDR Park offers a peaceful natural retreat just minutes from Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.

== History ==

=== Sesquicentennial Exposition ===

FDR Park was created for the '''1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition''', celebrating America's 150th anniversary. The exposition was less successful than the 1876 Centennial but left Philadelphia with:
* The park's basic landscape design
* The Boathouse (Swedish Pavilion)
* The American Swedish Historical Museum
* Road and infrastructure improvements

=== Naming ===

Originally called "League Island Park," the space was renamed for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt after his death in 1945.

=== Decline and Revival ===

The park fell into decline during the late 20th century, with deteriorating infrastructure, invasive species, and flood-prone conditions. In recent years, a major restoration effort has begun transforming FDR Park into a 21st-century urban park.

== Park Features ==

=== Meadows ===

Expansive '''meadows''' provide open space for:
* Picnicking
* Kite flying
* Sports and games
* Relaxation
* Skyline views

=== Lakes and Wetlands ===

The park includes several '''water features''':
* Edgewood Lake
* Meadow Lake
* Restored wetlands
* Wildlife habitat

The lakes attract birds and provide scenic walking paths.

=== The Boathouse ===

The historic '''Boathouse''' was originally the Swedish Pavilion at the 1926 Exposition:
* Distinctive architecture
* Event venue
* Café (seasonal)
* Lake views
* Currently being restored

=== American Swedish Historical Museum ===

Located within the park, the '''American Swedish Historical Museum''' preserves Swedish-American heritage:
* Exhibitions on Swedish immigration
* Cultural programs
* Beautiful building and grounds
* One of the oldest Swedish museums in America

== Recreation ==

=== Sports Facilities ===

FDR Park offers extensive '''athletic facilities''':
* Baseball diamonds
* Soccer fields
* Tennis courts
* Basketball courts
* Bocce courts
* Horseshoe pits
* Golf course (nearby Packer Park course)

=== Trails ===

Walking and biking '''trails''' throughout the park:
* Paved paths around lakes
* Natural surface trails
* Connection to Navy Yard trails
* Family-friendly terrain

=== Fishing ===

Fishing permitted in the '''lakes''':
* Largemouth bass
* Sunfish
* Catfish
* PA fishing license required

=== Birding ===

FDR Park is excellent for '''bird watching''':
* Wetland birds
* Migrating species
* Waterfowl on lakes
* Meadow species

== Ongoing Restoration ==

The '''FDR Park Master Plan''' is transforming the park:

=== Improvements ===

* Wetland restoration for flood control
* Invasive species removal
* Trail improvements
* Boathouse restoration
* Native plantings
* Improved drainage

=== Future Plans ===

* Enhanced sports facilities
* Improved connections to Navy Yard
* New programming spaces
* Restored landscapes
* Climate resilience features

== Events ==

=== Annual Events ===

* Music festivals
* Cultural celebrations
* Sports tournaments
* Community events

=== Regular Programming ===

* Volunteer work days
* Nature walks
* Fitness classes
* Youth programs

== Visiting ==

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' South Philadelphia, accessible from Pattison Avenue

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Broad Street Line to AT&T Station (during events)
* SEPTA Bus 17 to Pattison Avenue

'''By Car:'''
* Pattison Avenue and Broad Street
* Free parking in park lots
* Can be crowded during stadium events

'''By Bicycle:'''
* Navy Yard trail connections
* Bike paths through the park

=== Tips ===

* Visit on non-game days for a quieter experience
* The Boathouse area is especially scenic
* Bring binoculars for bird watching
* Check for special events and closures

== Nearby ==

* '''Citizens Bank Park''' (Phillies)
* '''Lincoln Financial Field''' (Eagles)
* '''Wells Fargo Center''' (Flyers, 76ers)
* '''Navy Yard'''
* '''American Swedish Historical Museum'''

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Navy Yard]]
* [[Citizens Bank Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.fdrparkphilly.org FDR Park Conservancy]
* [https://www.americanswedish.org American Swedish Historical Museum]
* [https://www.phila.gov/parks Philadelphia Parks & Recreation]

{{#seo:
|title=FDR Park Philadelphia - South Philly's Urban Oasis
|description=Guide to FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Lakes, meadows, Boathouse, sports facilities, and ongoing restoration near the Philadelphia sports complex.
|keywords=FDR Park Philadelphia, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, South Philadelphia parks, FDR Park Boathouse, Philadelphia sports complex, South Philly nature
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Recreation]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]