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 designed for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition and now serving as one of the city's most beloved recreational spaces. The park features meadows, lakes, sports facilities, and the iconic Boathouse, with ongoing restoration making it one of Philadelphia's most exciting park transformations.[1]
Located adjacent to the South Philadelphia sports complex, FDR Park offers a peaceful natural retreat just minutes from Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
History
[edit | edit source]Sesquicentennial Exposition
[edit | edit source]FDR Park was created for the 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition, celebrating America's 150th anniversary. The exposition was less successful than the 1876 Centennial but left Philadelphia with:
- The park's basic landscape design
- The Boathouse (Swedish Pavilion)
- The American Swedish Historical Museum
- Road and infrastructure improvements
Naming
[edit | edit source]Originally called "League Island Park," the space was renamed for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt after his death in 1945.
Decline and Revival
[edit | edit source]The park fell into decline during the late 20th century, with deteriorating infrastructure, invasive species, and flood-prone conditions. In recent years, a major restoration effort has begun transforming FDR Park into a 21st-century urban park.
Park Features
[edit | edit source]Meadows
[edit | edit source]Expansive meadows provide open space for:
- Picnicking
- Kite flying
- Sports and games
- Relaxation
- Skyline views
Lakes and Wetlands
[edit | edit source]The park includes several water features:
- Edgewood Lake
- Meadow Lake
- Restored wetlands
- Wildlife habitat
The lakes attract birds and provide scenic walking paths.
The Boathouse
[edit | edit source]The historic Boathouse was originally the Swedish Pavilion at the 1926 Exposition:
- Distinctive architecture
- Event venue
- Café (seasonal)
- Lake views
- Currently being restored
American Swedish Historical Museum
[edit | edit source]Located within the park, the American Swedish Historical Museum preserves Swedish-American heritage:
- Exhibitions on Swedish immigration
- Cultural programs
- Beautiful building and grounds
- One of the oldest Swedish museums in America
Recreation
[edit | edit source]Sports Facilities
[edit | edit source]FDR Park offers extensive athletic facilities:
- Baseball diamonds
- Soccer fields
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Bocce courts
- Horseshoe pits
- Golf course (nearby Packer Park course)
Trails
[edit | edit source]Walking and biking trails throughout the park:
- Paved paths around lakes
- Natural surface trails
- Connection to Navy Yard trails
- Family-friendly terrain
Fishing
[edit | edit source]Fishing permitted in the lakes:
- Largemouth bass
- Sunfish
- Catfish
- PA fishing license required
Birding
[edit | edit source]FDR Park is excellent for bird watching:
- Wetland birds
- Migrating species
- Waterfowl on lakes
- Meadow species
Ongoing Restoration
[edit | edit source]The FDR Park Master Plan is transforming the park:
Improvements
[edit | edit source]- Wetland restoration for flood control
- Invasive species removal
- Trail improvements
- Boathouse restoration
- Native plantings
- Improved drainage
Future Plans
[edit | edit source]- Enhanced sports facilities
- Improved connections to Navy Yard
- New programming spaces
- Restored landscapes
- Climate resilience features
Events
[edit | edit source]Annual Events
[edit | edit source]- Music festivals
- Cultural celebrations
- Sports tournaments
- Community events
Regular Programming
[edit | edit source]- Volunteer work days
- Nature walks
- Fitness classes
- Youth programs
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Getting There
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- Visit on non-game days for a quieter experience
- The Boathouse area is especially scenic
- Bring binoculars for bird watching
- Check for special events and closures
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles)
- Wells Fargo Center (Flyers, 76ers)
- Navy Yard
- American Swedish Historical Museum