Editing Penn Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = Penn Park
| image =
| image_caption = Penn Park athletic fields with Center City skyline
| type = University park / Athletic complex
| location = University City
| coordinates = 39.9480,-75.1880
| area = 24 acres
| established = 2011
| operated_by = University of Pennsylvania
| features = Athletic fields, running track, green space, skyline views
| hours = Dawn to dusk (public access)
| transit = SEPTA trolley to 33rd Street; walk from 30th Street Station
| website = https://www.facilities.upenn.edu
}}

'''Penn Park''' is a 24-acre athletic and recreational park on the eastern edge of the [[University of Pennsylvania]] campus, built atop a former postal facility and rail yard. Opened in 2011, the park transformed an industrial brownfield into one of Philadelphia's most impressive modern green spaces, featuring world-class athletic facilities and sweeping views of the Center City skyline.<ref name="pennpark">{{cite web |url=https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/penn-park |title=Penn Park |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

While primarily serving Penn athletics, the park is open to the public and offers one of the best skyline viewing spots in the city.

== History ==

=== Former Use ===

The site previously housed:
* U.S. Postal Service facility
* Rail yards and industrial uses
* Underutilized brownfield land
* Barrier between campus and river

=== Development ===

Penn undertook a '''$46.5 million transformation''':
* 2008-2011: Construction
* Extensive environmental remediation
* Created elevated park over infrastructure
* Connected campus to Schuylkill River

== Features ==

=== Athletic Facilities ===

'''Varsity and recreational athletics:'''
* Synthetic turf multipurpose field
* 12-lane outdoor track
* Tennis courts
* Field hockey pitch
* Softball field

=== Green Space ===

'''Landscaped areas:'''
* Native plantings
* Walking paths
* Open lawn areas
* Shade trees and seating

=== Skyline Views ===

The park offers exceptional '''Center City views''':
* Elevated position provides clear sightlines
* Especially dramatic at sunset
* Popular photography location
* Unobstructed panorama

=== Sustainability ===

'''Green design features:'''
* Stormwater management systems
* Native plant species
* Reduced heat island effect
* LEED-certified design elements

== Using the Park ==

=== Public Access ===

* Park is open to the public
* Athletic facilities may be reserved for Penn use
* Walking and jogging welcome
* Casual recreation permitted

=== Running and Exercise ===

Popular for:
* Track running (when available)
* Path jogging
* Exercise with a view
* Cool-down after Schuylkill trail runs

=== Photography ===

One of the best spots for:
* Skyline photography
* Sunset shots
* Cityscape panoramas

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Dawn to dusk
* Some facilities have specific schedules
* Athletic events may limit access

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 3000 South Street (eastern edge of Penn campus)

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA trolleys to 33rd Street
* Walk from 30th Street Station
* LUCY bus service

'''By Car:'''
* Limited parking nearby
* Penn parking garages available

'''By Bicycle:'''
* Connected to Schuylkill River Trail
* Bike racks available

=== Tips ===

* Sunset is the best time for skyline views
* The track is often available for public use
* Combine with a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail
* Check Penn athletics schedule for field availability

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Schuylkill River Trail]]''' — Adjacent
* '''[[University of Pennsylvania]]''' — West
* '''[[30th Street Station]]''' — North
* '''[[Schuylkill Banks]]''' — River access
* '''[[University City]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood

== See Also ==

* [[University of Pennsylvania]]
* [[University City]]
* [[Schuylkill River Trail]]
* [[Clark Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/penn-park Penn Park - University of Pennsylvania]

{{#seo:
|title=Penn Park Philadelphia - University Athletic Park with Skyline Views
|description=Guide to Penn Park at the University of Pennsylvania. 24-acre athletic park with running track, fields, and spectacular Center City skyline views.
|keywords=Penn Park Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania park, Philadelphia skyline views, University City parks, Penn athletics, Schuylkill River parks
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:University City]]
[[Category:Sports]]
[[Category:Architecture]]