Editing Three Bears Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = Three Bears Park
| image =
| image_caption = Three Bears Park playground in Fairmount
| type = Neighborhood park / Playground
| location = Fairmount
| coordinates = 39.9660,-75.1730
| area = Less than 1 acre
| established = 2014 (current design)
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Playground, spray ground, community space
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = Walk from Fairmount area; SEPTA bus routes
| website = https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder
}}

'''Three Bears Park''' is a beloved neighborhood playground in [[Fairmount]], known for its distinctive bear statues and popular spray ground. Though small, the park is one of the most cherished family destinations in the Fairmount neighborhood and draws visitors from across the city during summer months.<ref name="threebears">{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder/#/locationDetails/3161 |title=Three Bears Park |publisher=Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The park exemplifies successful neighborhood park design and community stewardship.

== History ==

=== Origins ===

The site has served as a playground for generations:
* Historic neighborhood park
* Originally basic playground
* Neighborhood gathering spot
* Named for bear statues

=== Renovation ===

'''2014 renovation:'''
* Complete playground redesign
* New play equipment
* Spray ground added
* Improved landscaping
* Bear statues retained

=== Community Support ===

'''Friends of Three Bears Park:'''
* Active neighborhood group
* Fundraised for improvements
* Organize events
* Maintain park stewardship

== Features ==

=== Playground ===

'''Modern play equipment:'''
* Climbing structures
* Slides
* Swings
* Age-appropriate areas
* Safe surfaces

=== Spray Ground ===

'''Popular summer attraction:'''
* Water play features
* Seasonal operation (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
* Free
* Very popular on hot days

=== The Three Bears ===

'''Iconic statues:'''
* Three concrete bear sculptures
* Beloved neighborhood symbols
* Photo opportunity
* Origin of park name

=== Community Space ===

* Benches for parents
* Shade areas
* Gathering space
* Neighborhood hub

== Using the Park ==

=== Playground Use ===

* Best for children ages 2-10
* Supervised play
* Busy on weekends and summer
* Arrive early on hot days for spray ground

=== Spray Ground ===

* Free water play
* Summer months only
* Very popular—arrives early
* Bring towels and sunscreen

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Park: Dawn to dusk
* Spray ground: Memorial Day through Labor Day

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 28th and Cambridge Streets, Fairmount

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Walk from Fairmount neighborhood
* SEPTA Bus 43, 48

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking (limited)
* In Fairmount residential area

=== Tips ===

* The spray ground is the main attraction in summer—arrive early
* Bring towels for water play
* Nearby coffee shops and restaurants on Fairmount Avenue
* Small but excellent park
* Combine with visit to Eastern State Penitentiary nearby

== Community ==

=== Fairmount Neighborhood ===

Three Bears Park is central to:
* Young family neighborhood
* Active community involvement
* Neighborhood events
* Strong park stewardship

=== Events ===

* Community gatherings
* Seasonal celebrations
* Neighborhood events
* Friends of Three Bears Park activities

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Fairmount]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Eastern State Penitentiary]]''' — Historic site
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — West
* '''[[Art Museum Area]]''' — South

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Philadelphia Playgrounds]]
* [[Eastern State Penitentiary]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Finder]
* [https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfThreeBearsPark Friends of Three Bears Park]

{{#seo:
|title=Three Bears Park Philadelphia - Fairmount Playground & Spray Ground
|description=Guide to Three Bears Park in Fairmount. Popular neighborhood playground with spray ground, bear statues, and community space. Best summer spot for families.
|keywords=Three Bears Park Philadelphia, Fairmount parks, Philadelphia playgrounds, spray ground Philadelphia, Philadelphia family activities, Fairmount neighborhood
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Fairmount]]
[[Category:Family]]
[[Category:Playgrounds]]
[[Category:Recreation]]