Paines Park
| Paine's Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Skate park / Urban plaza |
| Location | Benjamin Franklin Parkway / Art Museum area |
| Coordinates | 39.9650,-75.1820 |
| Area | 1.5 acres |
| Established | 2013 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund |
| Features | Skateboarding plaza, public art, seating, urban design |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes; walk from Art Museum |
| Website | Official Site |
Paine's Park is a purpose-built skateboarding plaza along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Opened in 2013, the park provides a legitimate, designed space for skateboarding in a city with deep skateboarding culture, while functioning as public art and urban plaza for all visitors.[1]
Paine's Park is one of the finest urban skateparks in America.
History
[edit | edit source]Skateboarding in Philadelphia
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia has significant skate culture:
- LOVE Park — Legendary skate spot (now restricted)
- Municipal Building ledges
- Street skating tradition
- Decades of conflict over skating in public spaces
Park Development
[edit | edit source]Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund:
- Advocacy for dedicated skate space
- Public-private partnership
- Community fundraising
- Professional design
Opening
[edit | edit source]2013: Paine's Park opened:
- First purpose-built skatepark on Parkway
- Designed for skateboarding AND public use
- National recognition for design
- Resolution of skating-space conflicts
Design
[edit | edit source]Landscape Architecture
[edit | edit source]Designed for skating AND walking:
- Skateable terrain integrated into plaza design
- Multiple levels and surfaces
- Concrete construction throughout
- Functions as public art
Skating Features
[edit | edit source]Street-style elements:
- Ledges and rails
- Banks and transitions
- Stairs and gaps
- Smooth concrete surfaces
- Variety of skill levels accommodated
Public Space
[edit | edit source]For non-skaters:
- Seating areas
- Viewing platforms
- Walking paths
- Plaza function
- Art and landscape
Using the Park
[edit | edit source]Skateboarding
[edit | edit source]- Free to use
- All skill levels welcome
- Street-style terrain
- Bring your own equipment
- Helmets encouraged (required for minors)
Watching
[edit | edit source]- Designated viewing areas
- Great for photography
- Spectator-friendly design
- Safe from skating traffic
General Use
[edit | edit source]- Walking through
- Sitting and relaxing
- Art appreciation
- Part of Parkway experience
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Year-round (weather permitting)
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 24th Street
By Public Transit:
- Walk from Art Museum or Fairmount
- SEPTA Bus 7, 32, 38, 48
By Car:
- Street parking (limited)
- Art Museum parking (fee)
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Busiest on weekends and nice weather
- Morning is less crowded for beginners
- Watch for skaters when walking through
- Great spectator experience
- Combine with Art Museum or Parkway visit
Significance
[edit | edit source]Paine's Park represents:
- Resolution of skating conflicts
- Skateboarding as legitimate recreation
- Public art integration
- Urban design innovation
- Community advocacy success
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Museum of Art — South
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway — Along
- Fairmount — North
- Eakins Oval — Southeast
- Boathouse Row — West
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund". Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund. Retrieved December 30, 2025