Editing Norris Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = Norris Square
| image =
| image_caption = Community gardens at Norris Square
| type = Neighborhood square / Community gardens
| location = Kensington
| coordinates = 40.0010,-75.1340
| area = 3 acres
| established = 1848
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Norris Square Neighborhood Project
| features = Community gardens, casitas, playground, cultural programs
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; Market-Frankford Line nearby
| website = https://www.norrissquare.org
}}

'''Norris Square''' is a 3-acre public park in the [[Kensington]] neighborhood of [[Philadelphia]], renowned for its extraordinary '''community gardens''' and cultural programming. What could be just another urban square has been transformed by the '''Norris Square Neighborhood Project''' into a vibrant community hub featuring Puerto Rican-style casitas, extensive gardens, and youth programs that have revitalized the surrounding neighborhood.<ref name="norris">{{cite web |url=https://www.norrissquare.org |title=Norris Square Neighborhood Project |publisher=Norris Square Neighborhood Project |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Norris Square represents one of Philadelphia's most inspiring examples of community-driven park transformation.

== History ==

=== Original Square ===

Norris Square was established in '''1848''':
* One of Philadelphia's 19th-century squares
* Named for Isaac Norris (colonial leader)
* Served industrial Kensington neighborhood
* Traditional urban green space

=== Decline ===

By the late 20th century:
* Neighborhood faced economic hardship
* Drug activity and abandonment
* Park underutilized and neglected
* Community at a crossroads

=== Community Revival ===

The '''Norris Square Neighborhood Project''' (founded 1973) transformed the park:
* Reclaimed space for community use
* Built gardens and casitas
* Created youth programs
* Restored pride and safety

== Features ==

=== Community Gardens ===

'''Las Parcelas''' and other gardens:
* Multiple themed gardens
* Vegetable growing
* Medicinal plants
* Cultural plantings
* Hands-on education

=== Casitas ===

'''Puerto Rican-style casitas''' (small houses):
* Traditional wooden structures
* Cultural gathering spaces
* Music and celebration venues
* Unique to Norris Square

=== Youth Programs ===

'''Raíces''' (Roots) and other programs:
* Youth leadership development
* Environmental education
* Cultural programming
* Job training

=== Playground ===

* Modern playground equipment
* Safe play space
* Family gathering area

=== Cultural Expression ===

The gardens feature:
* Murals and public art
* Cultural symbols
* Community history
* Living traditions

== The Norris Square Neighborhood Project ==

'''NSNP''' has led transformation since 1973:
* Community organizing
* Garden development
* Youth development
* Cultural preservation
* Neighborhood revitalization

The organization's work demonstrates how community investment can transform urban spaces.

== Using the Park ==

=== Visiting the Gardens ===

* Gardens viewable from paths
* Respect growing areas
* Photography welcome
* Organized tours available

=== Community Events ===

* Cultural celebrations
* Garden programs
* Youth activities
* Neighborhood gatherings

=== Playground ===

* Open for public use
* Family-friendly space

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Dawn to dusk
* Gardens may have specific access times
* Check NSNP website for programs

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Diamond Street and Howard Street, Kensington

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 3, 39, 47
* Market-Frankford Line to Huntingdon Station, then walk

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking
* Be aware of neighborhood conditions

=== Tips ===

* The casitas and gardens are unique—worth the visit
* Contact NSNP for organized tours
* Support the organization's work
* Respect the community space

== Significance ==

Norris Square demonstrates:
* Power of community organizing
* Cultural preservation in urban settings
* Youth development through environmental work
* Neighborhood transformation through parks

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Kensington]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Fairhill Square]]''' — Nearby
* '''[[American Street]]''' — Commercial corridor
* '''[[Fishtown]]''' — South

== See Also ==

* [[Kensington]]
* [[Community Gardens in Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Parks and Recreation]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.norrissquare.org Norris Square Neighborhood Project]

{{#seo:
|title=Norris Square Philadelphia - Kensington's Community Gardens & Casitas
|description=Guide to Norris Square in Kensington. Community-transformed park with Puerto Rican casitas, extensive gardens, youth programs, and cultural celebrations.
|keywords=Norris Square Philadelphia, Kensington parks, Philadelphia community gardens, Puerto Rican casitas, Norris Square Neighborhood Project, Philadelphia urban gardens
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Kensington]]
[[Category:Gardens]]
[[Category:Community]]