Penn Park

A Green Oasis in the City

Tucked between Penn's campus and the Schuylkill River, Penn Park is a 24-acre breath of fresh air in Philadelphia's urban landscape. Opened in 2011, this space has an interesting backstory - it was once just an industrial site and parking lot before being transformed into the lively green space it is today.

What we love about this park is how it connects the university to the surrounding city. With its carefully designed pathways and pedestrian bridges, you can easily wander between campus and the park while enjoying stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline along the way. The designers cleverly used large sculptural landforms to create distinct spaces that somehow still feel cohesive and interconnected.

Get Your Game On

If you're the active type, you can find plenty to keep you busy here. The park features multiple athletic fields, tennis courts, and a stadium for organized sports and casual play alike. The soccer fields have quality turf that handles heavy use well - you'll often see both scheduled games and impromptu matches happening throughout the day.

Baseball and softball enthusiasts aren't left out either, with dedicated softball and baseball fields available (the women's softball team regularly plays their home games here). If tennis is more your speed, the Hamlin Tennis Center has well-maintained courts that are quite nice to play on.

Not feeling competitive? No problem. There are plenty of open lawns excellent for lounging with a book, picnic areas for enjoying lunch outdoors, and walking paths that circle the athletic facilities at different elevations. The paths make for a pleasant jogging route with changing perspectives of the park and city.

Urban Beauty Meets Tranquility

One thing that keeps drawing people back is that magnificent view of the Philadelphia skyline. It's particularly magical in the evening hours when the city lights start to twinkle. Don't forget your camera - this is definitely a spot worth capturing.

What surprised us about Penn Park is how peaceful it feels despite being right in the heart of Philadelphia. As the years have passed, the trees have grown taller, creating more shaded spots and adding to the natural beauty of the space. It's become a genuine urban retreat.

Good to Know Before You Go

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to midnight, so there's plenty of time for early morning workouts or evening strolls. You'll discover clean restrooms near the security office, but keep in mind they might not always be accessible during odd hours.

As for parking, it can be a bit tricky. There's a pay-to-park lot that takes credit cards, and you might want to use the mobile payment option by scanning the QR code when you arrive - it'll save you time when leaving. Some locals prefer parking on the streets above the park, which can be more convenient for a quick exit.

Green in More Ways Than One

Beyond just looking green, Penn Park was designed with sustainability at its core. One cool feature you can't see is the sophisticated underground cistern system that collects rainwater and repurposes it for irrigation.

This smart water management helps reduce runoff into the Schuylkill River while conserving conventional water supplies. The park also added over 500 new trees and native plants, significantly expanding the green footprint of Penn's campus.

For Everyone, Not Just Students

While it's on university grounds, Penn Park is fully open to the public and has become a valued community resource. Throughout the year, you'll come across various events happening here, including university sporting events like Penn Relays.

Yes, sometimes the fields are reserved for organized activities, but there's usually space available for casual games and recreation. You'll notice Penn security making regular rounds, which helps maintain a safe environment for everyone. Over the years, the park has become part of both campus life and the broader community, providing a green link between academic buildings and the riverfront.