Did you know that Philadelphia is home to several accredited arboretums? Among them are six cared for in partnership with dedicated Park Friends groups. In 2025, McMichael Park in East Falls, Historic Rittenhouse Town in Germantown, and Wissinoming Park in North East Philadelphia officially joined the ranks of Level I arboretums through ArbNet.
 

 

 
They stand alongside fellow Philadelphia parks Matthias Baldwin Park, Pastorius Park, and Schuylkill River Park.
 

 
This official recognition highlights just one of the many ways Park Friends groups support and advocate for their neighborhood parks year-round. For more than 30 years, these volunteer-led community groups have organized events, cleanups, plantings, and public programs that help keep Philadelphia’s parks vibrant, safe, and welcoming. Today, more than 140 Park Friends groups partner with Fairmount Park Conservancy and the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation to care for green spaces across the city.

With Love Your Park Week 2026 fast approaching, it’s an especially meaningful moment to recognize their impact. Taking place May 9 to 17, this nine-day, citywide celebration will feature more than 100 volunteer events in neighborhood parks, all organized by Park Friends groups. Whether you’re looking to get involved in park stewardship or simply connect with neighbors, Love Your Park offers an accessible and rewarding way to take part. Find your local Park Friends group and get involved through this season’s Love Your Park!

Cover image credit: Wissinoming Park