Cianfrani Park
| Cianfrani Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood park / Dog park |
| Location | South Philadelphia (Passyunk Square) |
| Coordinates | 39.9270,-75.1660 |
| Area | 1 acre |
| Established | 2010 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Dog park, playground, community garden, bocce courts |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes; walk from Passyunk area |
| Website | Official Site |
Cianfrani Park is a neighborhood park in the Passyunk Square section of South Philadelphia, known for its popular dog park, community garden, and bocce courts. The park honors State Senator Henry "Buddy" Cianfrani and serves as a community gathering space in this densely populated neighborhood.[1]
Cianfrani Park transformed a vacant lot into a vital community resource.
History
[edit | edit source]Buddy Cianfrani
[edit | edit source]Henry "Buddy" Cianfrani (1934-2018):
- Pennsylvania State Senator
- South Philadelphia political figure
- Controversial career
- Park named in his honor
Park Development
[edit | edit source]2010: Park established:
- Former vacant lot
- Community advocacy
- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society involvement
- Dog park and garden focus
Features
[edit | edit source]Dog Park
[edit | edit source]Off-leash area:
- Fenced dog run
- Popular with South Philly dog owners
- Water available (seasonal)
- Community gathering spot
Community Garden
[edit | edit source]Urban agriculture:
- Plot rentals available
- Community managed
- South Philadelphia Food Co-op connection
- Educational programming
Bocce Courts
[edit | edit source]Italian-American tradition:
- Bocce ball courts
- Reflecting neighborhood heritage
- Free to use
- Community leagues
Playground
[edit | edit source]- Small play area
- Age-appropriate equipment
- Safe surfaces
Seating
[edit | edit source]- Benches
- Gathering areas
- Neighborhood hangout
Using the Park
[edit | edit source]Dog Park
[edit | edit source]- Off-leash in fenced area
- Popular mornings and evenings
- Social for dogs and owners
- Pick up after dogs
Bocce
[edit | edit source]- Free to use
- Bring your own balls or borrow
- Neighborhood leagues play
- Italian-American cultural tradition
Garden
[edit | edit source]- Plot rentals through community garden
- Volunteer opportunities
- Harvest events
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Year-round access
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: 11th and Mifflin Streets, South Philadelphia
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 23, 29, 45, 79
- Walk from East Passyunk
By Car:
- Street parking
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The dog park is the main attraction
- Bocce courts are fun—bring friends
- East Passyunk restaurants nearby
- Community garden events in summer
Neighborhood Context
[edit | edit source]Passyunk Square:
- Traditional Italian-American neighborhood
- Now diverse community
- Near East Passyunk dining corridor
- Strong neighborhood identity
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Passyunk Square — Surrounding neighborhood
- East Passyunk — Restaurant corridor
- Marconi Plaza — South
- Italian Market — Northwest
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Cianfrani Park". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025