Pastorius Park
| Pastorius Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood park |
| Location | Chestnut Hill |
| Coordinates | 40.0750,-75.2080 |
| Area | 8 acres |
| Established | 1922 |
| Operated by | Chestnut Hill Conservancy / Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Pond, walking paths, sledding hill, summer concerts |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA Regional Rail to Chestnut Hill West; bus routes |
| Website | Official Site |
Pastorius Park is an 8-acre neighborhood park in Chestnut Hill, serving as the green heart of one of Philadelphia's most picturesque neighborhoods. Named for Francis Daniel Pastorius, founder of neighboring Germantown, the park features a scenic pond, rolling lawns, and mature trees, hosting community events including popular summer concerts.[1]
Pastorius Park captures the village character that defines Chestnut Hill.
History
[edit | edit source]Naming
[edit | edit source]Named for Francis Daniel Pastorius (1651-1719):
- Founded Germantown in 1683
- German Quaker leader
- Early advocate against slavery
- Integral to Philadelphia's colonial history
Development
[edit | edit source]The park was created in 1922:
- Donation to the community
- Designed as pastoral retreat
- Pond and landscape features
- Maintained village scale
Features
[edit | edit source]The Pond
[edit | edit source]Central water feature:
- Scenic focal point
- Ducks and waterfowl
- Reflections of surrounding trees
- Winter ice (when safe)
Landscape
[edit | edit source]Park grounds:
- Rolling lawns
- Mature trees
- Walking paths
- Natural plantings
Sledding Hill
[edit | edit source]Winter favorite:
- Gentle slope suitable for children
- Neighborhood tradition
- Snow day destination
Summer Stage
[edit | edit source]Concert venue:
- Summer concert series
- Community performances
- Lawn seating
- Neighborhood tradition
Activities
[edit | edit source]Year-Round
[edit | edit source]- Walking and strolling
- Dog walking
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Reading and relaxation
Seasonal
[edit | edit source]- Summer: Concerts, picnics
- Fall: Foliage viewing
- Winter: Sledding, pond views
- Spring: Bloom watching
Events
[edit | edit source]Pastorius Park Concert Series
[edit | edit source]Summer concerts:
- Free admission
- Bring blankets and picnic
- Mix of music styles
- Neighborhood gathering
Community Events
[edit | edit source]- Holiday celebrations
- Neighborhood gatherings
- Informal meetups
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Open year-round
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Millman Street and Hartwell Lane, Chestnut Hill
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Regional Rail (Chestnut Hill West Line) to Highland Station
- SEPTA Bus 23
By Car:
- Street parking on surrounding streets
- Near Germantown Avenue shops
On Foot:
- Walk from Chestnut Hill shops and restaurants
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Check summer concert schedule
- Combine with Germantown Avenue shopping
- The pond is beautiful in all seasons
- Good spot for photography
Neighborhood Context
[edit | edit source]Pastorius Park reflects Chestnut Hill's character:
- Village-scale neighborhood
- Strong community identity
- Historic homes surround the park
- Walking distance to shops and restaurants
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Chestnut Hill — Surrounding neighborhood
- Germantown Avenue — Main shopping street
- Morris Arboretum — Nearby
- Wissahickon Valley Park — South
- Woodmere Art Museum — Nearby
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Pastorius Park". Chestnut Hill Conservancy. Retrieved December 30, 2025