Community Spotlights

Important update from Fairmount Park Conservancy

by Maura McCarthy on November 20, 2020

This post was originally published on Friday, March 13, 2020. It will be regularly updated with the latest information. 

LAST UPDATE: 11/20/2020

As COVID-19 cases spread in our region, we wanted to let you know that Fairmount Park Conservancy takes this matter seriously. The health and well-being of Conservancy staff, partners, and community members are of the utmost priority to us, and we want to keep you informed about the extra precautions we are taking during this time.

In accordance with the guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to mitigate community spread of COVID-19, we have created new guidelines for public programming that can be viewed here. 

Based on these guidelines, we will not be resuming any in-person events until the PCR Positivity Rate over the last 7 days is below 10% OR the Incidence Rate per 100,000 Residents over the last 7 days is below 100. 

These events include, but are not limited to: 

  • Member events such as guided hikes, runs, yoga classes, etc.
  • Special events at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park.
  • Volunteer events.

We will update this list periodically as more information becomes available. We will also update our website, send out emails, and contact all ticket buyers with updates in the coming weeks.  

In addition, the Conservancy’s office remains closed and staff is working remotely. If you need to reach staff, please contact them via email. Click here for contact information.

In the meantime, Philly parks remain open and there are countless ways to enjoy them in safe and healthy ways:

  • Take a walk: Research shows that spending 20 minutes in nature can reduce stress levels. Our Fairmount Park Digital Guide will help get you oriented. Please note the Park Hubs from the summer have been removed.
  • Love your park –  solo! Grab a trash bag and help clean your local park while on your walk or run with our Love Your Park Solo program. Show us your accomplishments by tagging #myphillypark on social media!
  • Take note of your favorite nearby tree. Download the iNaturalist app (which you’ll need anyway for the City Nature Challenge in late April of 2021) and start to identify the plants and wildlife in your community! 

If you do visit your Philly park, please practice social distancing: 

  • Maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet between you and other park-users
  • Bring hand sanitizer with you if available
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after visiting and avoid touching surfaces such as fences, handrails, or playground equipment 
  • Bring your own water and food
  • Avoid congregating in groups
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • If you feel sick, please stay home

We will continue to provide updates in the coming weeks and appreciate your understanding during this time. Philly parks are here for you.