Passyunk Square
| Passyunk Square | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood square / Park |
| Location | South Philadelphia (Passyunk Square) |
| Coordinates | 39.9300,-75.1630 |
| Area | 2 acres |
| Established | 1840s |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Playground, sports courts, community garden, recreation center |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | Broad Street Line to Tasker-Morris; SEPTA bus routes |
| Website | Official Site |
Passyunk Square is a neighborhood park in South Philadelphia, serving as the namesake and heart of the surrounding Passyunk Square neighborhood. Located between the Italian Market to the north and East Passyunk to the south, the park provides recreational space in one of Philadelphia's most vibrant residential areas.[1]
The square anchors a neighborhood known for its tight-knit community and proximity to Philadelphia's best restaurants and markets.
History
Origins
Passyunk Square dates to the 19th century:
- Part of South Philadelphia's development
- Named for Passyunk Avenue (Lenape origin)
- Traditional neighborhood gathering place
- Evolved with the surrounding community
The Name "Passyunk"
The name comes from Lenape language:
- Original Native American name for the area
- Means "in the valley" or "level land"
- One of Philadelphia's oldest place names
- Preserved in avenue, neighborhood, and park
Features
Recreation Center
Passyunk Square Recreation Center:
- Indoor facilities
- Community programming
- Youth activities
- Senior programs
Playground
- Modern equipment
- Age-appropriate areas
- Safe surfaces
- Neighborhood use
Sports Facilities
- Basketball courts
- Multi-purpose court
- Open play areas
Community Garden
- Garden plots
- Neighborhood managed
- Urban food growing
Open Space
- Lawn areas
- Shade trees
- Benches
- Picnic tables
Using the Park
Daily Activities
- Playground visits
- Sports and pickup games
- Dog walking
- Community socializing
- Recreation center programs
Community Character
Passyunk Square reflects South Philadelphia's:
- Working-class roots
- Multi-generational families
- Strong neighborhood identity
- Mix of longtime and new residents
Visiting
Hours
- Park: Dawn to dusk
- Recreation center: Check schedule
Getting There
Location: 12th and Tasker Streets
By Public Transit:
- Broad Street Line to Tasker-Morris Station
- SEPTA Bus 47, 47M
- Walk from Passyunk Avenue
By Car:
- Street parking (typical South Philly)
On Foot:
- Walk from East Passyunk restaurants
- Walk from Italian Market
Tips
- Combine with East Passyunk restaurant visit
- The neighborhood is excellent for walking
- Italian Market is nearby for food shopping
- Grab a cheesesteak and have a park picnic
Neighborhood Context
Passyunk Square neighborhood:
- Between Italian Market and East Passyunk
- Historic rowhouse architecture
- Rapid gentrification in recent years
- Maintains community character
Nearby
- East Passyunk — Restaurant row (south)
- Italian Market — Historic market (north)
- Broad Street — Major corridor
- Columbus Square — Nearby park
- Marconi Plaza — South
See Also
References
- ↑ "Passyunk Square". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025