Editing Sister Cities Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = Sister Cities Park
| image =
| image_caption = Sister Cities Park with the Cathedral Basilica in background
| 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 = https://www.centercityphila.org
}}

'''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.<ref name="sistercities">{{cite web |url=https://www.centercityphila.org/parks/sister-cities-park |title=Sister Cities Park |publisher=Center City District |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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''':

{| class="wikitable"
! 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 ==

* [[Logan Square]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Franklin Institute]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.centercityphila.org/parks/sister-cities-park Center City District - Sister Cities Park]
* [https://www.phila.gov/programs/sister-cities-program/ Philadelphia Sister Cities Program]

{{#seo:
|title=Sister Cities Park Philadelphia - Family Park on Benjamin Franklin Parkway
|description=Guide to Sister Cities Park on Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Playground, boat pond, splash fountain, and café near Logan Square and the museums.
|keywords=Sister Cities Park Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin Parkway parks, Philadelphia family parks, Logan Square area, Philadelphia playgrounds, Museum Mile Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]