Cobbs Creek Park
| Cobbs Creek Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Linear park |
| Location | West Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.9500,-75.2500 |
| Area | 789 acres |
| Established | 1907 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Golf courses, trails, creek, recreation center |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes along 63rd Street |
| Website | Official Site |
Cobbs Creek Park is a 789-acre linear park along Cobbs Creek on the western edge of Philadelphia, forming the boundary between the city and Delaware County. The park is beloved for its two public golf courses, extensive trail system, and natural beauty—a green corridor serving some of Philadelphia's most underserved neighborhoods.[1]
The park has undergone significant renewal in recent years, with major investments restoring its historic golf courses and improving recreational facilities.
History
[edit | edit source]Lenape Era
[edit | edit source]The Lenape people lived along Cobbs Creek for thousands of years. Archaeological sites in the area have yielded artifacts documenting their presence.
Colonial and Industrial
[edit | edit source]European settlers established mills along the creek, and the valley remained partially wild even as Philadelphia expanded westward. Several historic mill ruins remain in the park.
Park Creation
[edit | edit source]The city acquired land for Cobbs Creek Park beginning in 1907, part of the broader Fairmount Park expansion. The park was developed with a golf course, recreation facilities, and naturalized landscapes.
Golf History
[edit | edit source]The Cobbs Creek Golf Course opened in 1916, designed by Hugh Wilson (who also designed the famed Merion Golf Club course). The course hosted the 1928 U.S. Women's Amateur and became a treasured public facility—one of the few places African Americans could play golf during segregation.
Park Features
[edit | edit source]Golf Courses
[edit | edit source]Cobbs Creek Golf Course has undergone major restoration:
- Original Course: Restored 18-hole championship course
- Karakung Course: Executive 18-hole course
- Olde Course: Historic 9-hole layout
- History: One of America's first public courses; significant in African American golf history
The Cobbs Creek Foundation has led a major renovation project, restoring the courses and adding educational facilities.
Trails
[edit | edit source]Trails run through the park:
- Paved paths along the creek
- Unpaved woodland trails
- Connection to Chester County via creek corridor
- Multi-use for walking, running, cycling
Creek
[edit | edit source]Cobbs Creek flows through the park:
- Scenic valley
- Wildlife habitat
- Fishing (with license)
- Water quality improvements ongoing
Recreation Center
[edit | edit source]The Cobbs Creek Recreation Center offers:
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Community programs
- Youth activities
Environmental Restoration
[edit | edit source]Cobbs Creek Park has been the focus of environmental restoration:
Watershed Improvements
[edit | edit source]- Stream bank stabilization
- Native plantings
- Invasive species removal
- Water quality monitoring
Habitat Restoration
[edit | edit source]- Meadow creation
- Riparian buffer enhancement
- Bird habitat improvements
Recreation
[edit | edit source]Activities
[edit | edit source]- Golf — Three courses at various skill levels
- Walking and running — Trails throughout
- Cycling — Paved trail sections
- Fishing — Creek access (PA license required)
- Bird watching — Along creek and in woodlands
- Picnicking — Designated areas
Community Programs
[edit | edit source]The Cobbs Creek Foundation offers:
- Youth golf programs
- Environmental education
- Community events
- Volunteer opportunities
Nearby Neighborhoods
[edit | edit source]The park serves several West Philadelphia neighborhoods:
- Cobbs Creek neighborhood
- Overbrook
- Haddington
- Wynnefield
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Getting There
[edit | edit source]By Car:
- 63rd Street access points
- Lansdowne Avenue entrance
- Parking at golf courses and recreation areas
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus routes along 63rd Street and Market Street
- Market-Frankford Line to 63rd Street Station (then walk/bus)
Golf Information
[edit | edit source]- Check current status of course renovations
- Public tee times available
- Reduced rates for Philadelphia residents
- Junior programs available
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The renovated golf course is worth visiting even for non-golfers
- Creek-side trails are pleasant for walking
- Some areas are more isolated—stick to main trails
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Cobbs Creek Foundation". Cobbs Creek Foundation. Retrieved December 30, 2025