Editing The Rail Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = The Rail Park
| image =
| image_caption = The Rail Park's elevated walkway on the former Reading Viaduct
| type = Elevated linear park
| location = Center City / Callowhill
| coordinates = 39.9611,-75.1567
| area = 1/4 mile (Phase 1); 3 miles (planned)
| established = 2018
| operated_by = Center City District / Friends of the Rail Park
| features = Elevated walkway, native plantings, public art, city views
| hours = 7 AM - 10 PM daily
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; walk from Spring Garden Station
| website = https://www.therailpark.org
}}

'''The Rail Park''' is an elevated linear park built on a section of the historic '''Reading Viaduct''' in [[Philadelphia]]. Opening its first phase in 2018, the park transforms abandoned rail infrastructure into vibrant public space—Philadelphia's answer to New York's High Line.<ref name="railpark">{{cite web |url=https://www.therailpark.org |title=The Rail Park |publisher=Friends of the Rail Park |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

When complete, The Rail Park will stretch three miles through Center City and North Philadelphia, connecting neighborhoods along a continuous elevated greenway.

== History ==

=== The Reading Viaduct ===

The '''Reading Railroad''' built the viaduct in the 1890s to carry freight and passenger trains into the city. The elevated structure ran from the Reading Terminal at Market Street through the Callowhill neighborhood and north toward Reading, Pennsylvania.

Rail service ended in the 1980s, and the viaduct sat abandoned for decades—a striking industrial ruin visible from surrounding streets. Nature began reclaiming the tracks, with trees and wildflowers sprouting between the rails.

=== Park Development ===

Inspired by New York's High Line, community advocates began organizing in 2010 to transform the viaduct into public space. The Friends of the Rail Park formed to champion the project, and the first phase opened in 2018.

== Phase 1 ==

The first '''quarter-mile section''' opened in 2018:

=== Features ===

* '''Elevated walkway''' with views of the city
* '''Native plantings''' throughout
* '''Swings and seating''' areas
* '''Public art''' installations
* '''Historic rail artifacts''' preserved in place

=== Location ===

Phase 1 runs along Noble Street from Broad Street to 13th Street in the Callowhill neighborhood, often called the "Loft District" or "Eraserhood."

=== Access Points ===

* '''13th Street entrance''' (main entrance with ramp)
* '''Broad Street area''' (western end)

== Future Phases ==

The full vision includes '''three miles''' of park:

=== Phase 2: The Tunnel ===
* Underground section through a tunnel
* Below-grade connection

=== Phase 3: The Cut ===
* Northern extension at street level
* Connection to Temple University area

=== Long-Term Vision ===
* Connection to [[Fairmount Park]]
* Links to surrounding neighborhoods
* Continuous greenway through the city

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Open daily: 7 AM - 10 PM
* Free admission

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Noble Street between Broad and 13th Streets

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Broad Street Line to Spring Garden Station
* Walk from Suburban Station
* Various bus routes on Broad and Spring Garden

'''By Car:'''
* Limited street parking in the neighborhood
* Nearby parking garages

'''By Bicycle:'''
* Bike racks at the park
* Connect via city bike routes

=== Tips ===

* The 13th Street entrance has the main ramp access
* Visit at sunset for nice light
* The park can be crowded on weekend afternoons
* Combine with exploring the Callowhill neighborhood

== Surrounding Neighborhood ==

'''Callowhill/Loft District:'''
* Historic industrial buildings converted to lofts
* Art galleries and studios
* Restaurants and bars
* Creative businesses

'''Nearby attractions:'''
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]] (walkable)
* [[Eastern State Penitentiary]]
* Spring Arts District
* Chinatown

== Significance ==

The Rail Park demonstrates:
* '''Adaptive reuse''' of industrial infrastructure
* '''Urban green space''' creation
* '''Community organizing''' for public benefit
* '''Neighborhood revitalization''' potential

== See Also ==

* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Reading Terminal Market]]
* [[Center City]]
* [[Callowhill]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.therailpark.org The Rail Park]
* [https://www.centercityphila.org Center City District]

{{#seo:
|title=The Rail Park Philadelphia - Elevated Park on Historic Reading Viaduct
|description=Guide to The Rail Park, Philadelphia's elevated linear park on the former Reading Viaduct. Walkway, city views, native plants, and public art in Callowhill.
|keywords=The Rail Park Philadelphia, Reading Viaduct park, Philadelphia High Line, elevated park Philadelphia, Callowhill, Philadelphia parks
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Urban Development]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]