North Philly Peace Park

Community Roots

Tucked away in Philadelphia's Sharswood neighborhood, North Philly Peace Park has transformed several vacant lots into a community green space. Since 2012, this community-managed green space across from the former Blumberg Housing Projects has become a vibrant hub of activity and hope.

The park functions as an ecological campus and urban farm with a mission. In an area where the poverty rate hits 52.5% and many struggle to find work, the Peace Park tackles real community challenges through hands-on programs that nourish both body and spirit.

Growing Goodness

At the heart of the Peace Park, you'll find organic, fence-free gardens bursting with life. It's remarkable to see food growing right in the middle of the city. Since 2018, they've shared over 30,000 pounds of fresh produce with neighbors, making healthy eating accessible in an area where grocery options are limited.

Wander through the community garden and you'll spot everything from leafy greens to colorful vegetables, all cultivated by local hands. It's not just about the harvest - it's about reconnecting people with the earth and with each other.

Cultural Soul

As you explore, you'll notice informative displays celebrating Black historical figures across the park. These educational elements honor cultural heritage and provide context for the space's mission. Bright murals and community artwork add splashes of color and tell stories of neighborhood pride, resilience, and creativity.

Learning Lab

The Peace Park shines as an outdoor classroom where STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) come alive for K-12 students. School groups regularly visit to get their hands dirty while learning about planting, harvesting, landscape design, composting, and identifying different plants.

Kids can connect classroom concepts to real-world applications as they nurture seedlings or build compost systems.

Community Care

Beyond the gardens, the Peace Park offers a gathering place for the community. The park's "Self-Care Saturdays" offer free wellness activities that nourish the whole person - from group counseling and art therapy to yoga, fitness classes, and cooking demonstrations using garden-fresh ingredients.

You'll come across people of all ages here, whether they're attending a workshop, helping with the harvest, or simply enjoying a moment of peace in this green oasis. Regular community events strengthen neighborhood bonds and create a sense of shared ownership.

Growing Vision

The Peace Park continues to evolve with ambitious plans including a multi-purpose pavilion in the works. Designed with community input at every stage, this structure will house classrooms, a kitchen, and flexible spaces to support an expanding range of programs. It shows how this grassroots initiative continues to develop and expand its programs.