Hunting Park
| Hunting Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | North Philadelphia (Hunting Park neighborhood) |
| Coordinates | 40.0130,-75.1440 |
| Area | 87 acres |
| Established | 1855 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Recreation center, sports fields, playground, pool |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | Broad Street Line to Hunting Park; SEPTA bus routes |
| Website | Official Site |
Hunting Park is an 87-acre public park in North Philadelphia, serving as a vital recreational resource for the surrounding Hunting Park neighborhood. One of Philadelphia's oldest parks, established in 1855, it predates the Fairmount Park system and has provided green space and athletic facilities to generations of North Philadelphia residents.[1]
The park anchors the neighborhood that shares its name and remains one of the largest parks in North Philadelphia.
History
[edit | edit source]Origins
[edit | edit source]Hunting Park was established in 1855:
- Named for the hunting that once took place in the area
- Predates Fairmount Park (1855)
- One of Philadelphia's earliest public parks
- Originally on the city's outskirts
Development
[edit | edit source]The park evolved with its neighborhood:
- Late 1800s: Formal landscaping added
- Early 1900s: Athletic facilities developed
- Mid-1900s: Recreation center built
- Ongoing: Facility upgrades continue
Features
[edit | edit source]Recreation Center
[edit | edit source]The Hunting Park Recreation Center offers:
- Indoor gymnasium
- Community programming
- Youth activities
- Senior programs
Athletic Facilities
[edit | edit source]Sports amenities:
- Baseball diamonds
- Basketball courts
- Football/soccer fields
- Tennis courts
- Running paths
Pool
[edit | edit source]Seasonal swimming pool:
- Public pool (summer)
- Free admission
- Popular neighborhood amenity
Playgrounds
[edit | edit source]- Modern playground equipment
- Tot lot for younger children
- Shaded seating for parents
Green Space
[edit | edit source]- Mature shade trees
- Open lawn areas
- Picnic facilities
- Walking paths
Using the Park
[edit | edit source]Recreation
[edit | edit source]Popular activities:
- Team sports
- Basketball pickup games
- Swimming (summer)
- Playground use
- Walking and jogging
Community Events
[edit | edit source]The park hosts:
- Neighborhood gatherings
- Youth sports leagues
- Summer programs
- Community events
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Park: Dawn to dusk
- Recreation center: Check schedule
- Pool: Summer season only
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: 1101 W. Hunting Park Avenue
By Public Transit:
- Broad Street Line to Hunting Park Station
- SEPTA Bus 16, 26, 53
- Regional Rail to Wayne Junction, then walk
By Car:
- Street parking available
- Limited lot parking
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The pool is a neighborhood treasure on hot summer days
- Recreation center has programs for all ages
- Park is busiest on summer weekends
- Athletic fields may be reserved for leagues
Neighborhood Context
[edit | edit source]Hunting Park is the heart of the Hunting Park neighborhood:
- Working-class residential area
- Strong community identity
- Parks & Recreation programming hub
- Multi-generational use
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Broad Street — Eastern boundary
- North Philadelphia — Surrounding area
- Temple University — South
- Fairmount Park — West (accessible via connecting green space)
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Hunting Park". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025