Norris Square

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	Official Site

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.

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

External Links

• Norris Square Neighborhood Project