Join Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Friends of FDR Park on October 21st to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting and public grand opening of Anna C. Verna Playground in FDR Park! Families are invited to swing, climb, and explore this fully inclusive play space designed for all ages and abilities. We hope to see you there!

The event caps a year-long building process following last July’s groundbreaking celebration. The completion of this playground is an incredible accomplishment in its own right, and also one more step forward in the multi-phase, multi-decade FDR Park Plan.

The FDR Park Plan seeks to balance nature, water, and human activity into a world-class public space. Named in honor of the late former City Council President Verna — the first and only woman to date to lead City Council — the Anna C. Verna Playground is one facet of this plan, bringing state-of-the-art nature-based play equipment for people of all ages and all abilities.

The playground features a 20-swing mega-swing set; log and boulder scrambles; rolling hills with slides, and two massive tree trunks incorporated into tree houses. In addition to the play structures, there are nine picnic sites and a picnic pavilion.

The playground’s cork-based surface is nearly 100% water permeable and has been graded to mitigate flooding — something users of the current nearby play space are all too familiar with. These environmental considerations help ensure park visitors can enjoy the space for years to come.

We can’t wait to see you and your families for the FIRST of many fun-filled days of play at this incredible playground!

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
This event is rain or shine!

Due to the large number of registrants, public transportation and ride-share drop-offs are strongly encouraged.

• The Broad Street Line’s NRG Station is a less than 10-minute walk to the playground!
• For all SEPTA options, click here.
• The nearest Indego bike station is at Broad and Pattison.

PARKING
Please use the entrance at 20th St & Pattison Ave and park in the lots between the Boathouse and the American Swedish Historical Museum. Staff members on-site will direct you. As always, never leave valuables in your car!

*The Gritty 5K will be taking place in the park at 8:30 AM. Gates will open at 10 AM. We recommend allowing some extra time for travel in case of traffic.*

Please note: There will be a photographer at this event. Photos taken may be used in future promotional materials.