Let’s Go: My Philly Park is a special digital series produced by NBC10 in 2019 that highlights some of the amazing things to do, see, and explore in Philly’s Parks!
Produced by NBC10 in partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Let’s Go: My Philly Park features episodes that encourage viewers to explore Philly’s Parks, from taking a ride on the Philly Pumptrack in West Fairmount Park to running the winding and wild trails of Philadelphia’s parks.
EPISODE 1: PHILLY PUMPTRACK
Tucked behind the Mann Center in Philadelphia’s West Philadelphia neighborhood, there’s a home for BMX lovers to hone their skills. The Philly Pumptrack is free and open to all. Men and kids are regulars, but a growing group of women have taken to the track. Katy Zachry jumps on a bike and shows us what its all about.
EPISODE 2:
Hidden trails snake through parts of Fairmount Park giving runners a chance to get back to nature as they hit racing milestones. One trail, The Trolley Trail, follows the path of a defunct trolley line that took visitors to an amusement park tucked deep inside the park. The other trail, the Boxers’ Trail has ties to boxing legends Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. It’s the perfect challenge with a dash of history for local adventurers. Let’s Go!
episode 3: Ziplining in Climbing Philly's treetops
A walk in the forest is so pedestrian. How about taking an adventure 60 feet above the ground among the treetops? You can test your strength (and nerves) at a special spot deep in West Fairmount Park. Katy Zachry takes us on a treetop quest. Let’s Go!
*Bonus: members of Fairmount Park Conservancy at the $50-level+ can enjoy a 20% discount at Treetop Quest!
episode 4: how beer help's philly's parks
Local beer in your local park: Is there really anything better? Parks on Tap, the traveling community beer garden that gives back, has blossomed into a warm-weather tradition for our neighborhood parks. Miguel Martinez-Valle explores how a special beer is created just for this weekly event and learns how enjoying a beer at this event can better your neighborhood.
Episode 5: The Oval+
Each summer, Eakins Oval and part of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is transformed into a family-friendly oasis featuring games, art, music, fitness, and good food and drinks. The Oval+ won’t disappoint. Miguel Martinez-Valle checks out some of the free fun things you can do and even takes on an intense kickboxing class. The Oval+ is a yearly program that runs from mid-July through mid-August.
Episode 6: Skate and connect with the natural world at FDR Park
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is a outdoors oasis amid Philadelphia’s urban jungle. The park, which was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, is affectionately known by South Philadelphians as “The Lakes” because of its many bodies of water. The park dates back to the 19th century. Today, FDR Park plays host to many activities from baseball to fishing to soccer. But its most unique feature sits on the park’s southern edge — tucked under Interstate 95. The FDR Skate Park was built and is maintained by skateboarders and BMX riders. Let’s Go explore FDR Park’s offerings and jump on a board.
Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, has launched a master planning process for the 348-acre FDR Park in South Philadelphia. The goal is to revitalize the park, restoring it back to its original intent as an urban oasis for people as well as plants and animals, and creating a shared vision for the park’s future.
episode 7: Bartram's Garden
The oldest botanic garden in North America is tucked along the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philadelphia. Bartram’s Garden is a 45-acre horticultural paradise that you may not realized existed. The garden has unique plant life, a boardwalk, a community farm and meadow and so much more. They even have a boating program that helps citizens connect with the river. Miguel took a trip to the garden to learn more. Let’s Go!