Dilworth Park
| Dilworth Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban plaza |
| Location | Center City, at City Hall |
| Coordinates | 39.9527,-75.1635 |
| Area | 2.4 acres |
| Established | 2014 |
| Operated by | Center City District |
| Features | Fountain, café, SEPTA entrance, winter skating rink |
| Hours | 6 AM - 12 AM daily |
| Transit | SEPTA subway concourse direct access |
| Website | Official Site |
Dilworth Park is a 2.4-acre urban plaza on the western side of Philadelphia City Hall, transformed in 2014 from a neglected municipal plaza into one of the city's most successful public spaces. The park features a dramatic fountain, underground café, direct SEPTA transit access, and seasonal programming including a popular winter ice skating rink.[1]
Named for former Mayor Richardson Dilworth, the park serves as the civic heart of Philadelphia, providing a welcoming gathering space at the foot of City Hall's iconic tower.
History
Original Plaza
The west side of City Hall was developed as a formal plaza in the early 20th century. By the late 20th century, the space had become underutilized and unwelcoming—a concrete expanse that discouraged lingering.
Transformation
A $55 million renovation (completed 2014) completely reimagined the space:
- Removed concrete and added green space
- Created interactive fountain
- Built underground café and transit connection
- Added programming infrastructure
The project was a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia and Center City District.
Features
The Fountain
The interactive fountain is Dilworth Park's centerpiece:
- Programmable water jets
- Flush with the plaza surface
- Children can play in the water (summer)
- Illuminated at night
- Transforms to ice rink in winter
Wintergarden
The Dilworth Park Café (Wintergarden):
- Below-ground café space
- Direct access to SEPTA concourse
- Climate-controlled
- Restrooms
- Food and beverages
SEPTA Connection
Direct transit access:
- Stairs and escalators to subway concourse
- Connects to Broad Street Line
- Connects to Market-Frankford Line
- Regional Rail at Suburban Station nearby
Green Space
Landscaping includes:
- Shade trees
- Garden beds
- Lawn panels
- Comfortable seating
Seasonal Programs
Summer
- Interactive fountain play
- Outdoor dining
- Concerts and events
- Movies in the park
Winter
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink:
- Outdoor ice skating
- Rink on the fountain area
- Skate rentals available
- Holiday atmosphere
- Lodge with food and drinks
Year-Round
- Café operations
- Transit hub
- Public gatherings
- Civic events
Events
Annual Events
- Christmas Village — Holiday market (November-December)
- Made in America — Labor Day weekend festival
- Independence Day — July 4th celebrations
- Various concerts and performances
Civic Gatherings
The park serves as a natural gathering place for:
- Rallies and demonstrations
- Celebrations
- Public announcements
- Community events
Visiting
Hours
- Park: 6 AM - 12 AM daily
- Café: Check current hours
- Ice Rink: Seasonal (November-February)
Getting There
Location: 15th Street and Market Street (west of City Hall)
By Public Transit:
- Direct connection to SEPTA subway
- City Hall Station access
- Suburban Station nearby
By Car:
- Nearby parking garages
- No dedicated parking
Tips
- The ice rink is popular—expect lines on weekends
- Summer fountain play—bring swimsuits for kids
- The underground café has restrooms
- Great photo spot with City Hall tower
Nearby
- City Hall — Adjacent (tower tours available)
- Love Park — One block west
- Reading Terminal Market — Two blocks east
- Broad Street — Directly on
- PECO Building — Visible from park
See Also
References
- ↑ "Dilworth Park". Center City District. Retrieved December 30, 2025