FDR Park
| FDR Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | South Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.9000,-75.1800 |
| Area | 348 acres |
| Established | 1921 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / FDR Park Conservancy |
| Features | Lakes, meadows, sports fields, Boathouse, trails |
| Transit | SEPTA Broad Street Line to AT&T Station |
| Website | Official Site |
FDR Park (officially Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park) is a 348-acre park in South Philadelphia. Originally built for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, it's now one of the city's most beloved recreational spaces. The park features meadows, lakes, sports facilities, and the iconic Boathouse. Ongoing restoration work is turning it into one of Philadelphia's most exciting park transformations.[1]
You'll find it just adjacent to the South Philadelphia sports complex, minutes away from Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. It's a peaceful natural retreat in an urban setting.
History
Sesquicentennial Exposition
The park came into being for the 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition, which marked America's 150th anniversary. The exposition wasn't as successful as the 1876 Centennial, but Philadelphia got lasting benefits:
- The park's basic landscape design
- The Boathouse (Swedish Pavilion)
- The American Swedish Historical Museum
- Road and infrastructure improvements
Naming
It started out as "League Island Park." After President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died in 1945, the space was renamed in his honor.
Decline and Revival
Things got rough in the late 20th century. The park struggled with deteriorating infrastructure, invasive species, and flooding problems. In recent years, though, a major restoration effort has been turning FDR Park into a modern urban space.
Park Features
Meadows
Wide-open meadows dominate large sections of the park. These spaces work for:
- Picnicking
- Kite flying
- Sports and games
- Relaxation
- Skyline views
Lakes and Wetlands
Several water features dot the landscape:
- Edgewood Lake
- Meadow Lake
- Restored wetlands
- Wildlife habitat
You'll spot birds on the lakes, and scenic walking paths circle around them.
The Boathouse
History lives here. The Boathouse started as the Swedish Pavilion at the 1926 Exposition. Today it has:
- Distinctive architecture
- Event venue capacity
- Café (seasonal)
- Lake views
- Ongoing restoration work
American Swedish Historical Museum
Right there in the park sits the American Swedish Historical Museum, which preserves Swedish-American heritage. It showcases:
- Exhibitions on Swedish immigration
- Cultural programs
- Beautiful building and grounds
- One of the oldest Swedish museums in America
Recreation
Sports Facilities
Athletes have plenty of options here:
- Baseball diamonds
- Soccer fields
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Bocce courts
- Horseshoe pits
- Golf course (nearby Packer Park course)
Trails
Walking and biking trails wind throughout the park:
- Paved paths around lakes
- Natural surface trails
- Connection to Navy Yard trails
- Family-friendly terrain
Fishing
You can fish in the lakes with a PA license. Common catches include:
- Largemouth bass
- Sunfish
- Catfish
Birding
Bird watching is excellent here. Look for:
- Wetland birds
- Migrating species
- Waterfowl on lakes
- Meadow species
Ongoing Restoration
The FDR Park Master Plan is reshaping the entire park.
Improvements
Several major upgrades are underway:
- Wetland restoration for flood control
- Invasive species removal
- Trail improvements
- Boathouse restoration
- Native plantings
- Improved drainage
Future Plans
Looking ahead, there's more coming. Enhanced sports facilities, better connections to Navy Yard, new programming spaces, restored landscapes, and climate resilience features are all planned.
Events
Annual Events
The park hosts various celebrations throughout the year:
- Music festivals
- Cultural celebrations
- Sports tournaments
- Community events
Regular Programming
You'll find consistent activities too:
- Volunteer work days
- Nature walks
- Fitness classes
- Youth programs
Visiting
Getting There
Location: South Philadelphia, accessible from Pattison Avenue
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Broad Street Line to AT&T Station (during events)
- SEPTA Bus 17 to Pattison Avenue
By Car:
- Pattison Avenue and Broad Street
- Free parking in park lots
- Can be crowded during stadium events
By Bicycle:
- Navy Yard trail connections
- Bike paths through the park
Tips
Visit on non-game days if you want peace and quiet. The Boathouse area is especially scenic, so bring a camera. Binoculars work great for bird watching. Check ahead for special events and closures.
Nearby
- Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles)
- Wells Fargo Center (Flyers, 76ers)
- Navy Yard
- American Swedish Historical Museum