Happy fall, Philadelphia! As temperatures drop and leaves begin to change color, there’s no better place to be than your nearest public park. 

In addition to the many free and low-cost park events we’re hosting this fall, Fairmount Park Conservancy encourages all Philadelphians to participate in Love Your Park Fall Weekend, a volunteer effort taking place November 13-15 in over 100 parks across the city. 

Volunteer registration is now open! 

What is Love Your Park Fall Weekend?

Every fall, Park Friends groups across the city come together for a three-day series of volunteer events in public parks. Activities vary by location and can include litter removal, mulching, tree planting, and clearing leaves and other organic debris as parks prepare for winter. These efforts ensure that our parks will be healthy and vibrant when spring rolls around. 

Love Your Park is a joint program of Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the Park Friends Network, made possible with the support of TD Bank, PECO, Greenberg Traurig, and Independence Blue Cross.

Where can I volunteer and how do I sign up?

Over 100 parks are participating this fall! Find a full map and list of events on loveyourpark.org. You can also view projects by date to fit your schedule. Be sure to register in advance, as some events have limited space.

Our signature site event for this year’s Love Your Park Fall Weekend is Stephen Girard Park in South Philadelphia on Saturday, November 14. 

Who are the Park Friends?

There are 140 Park Friends groups in Philadelphia, led by volunteers who work with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy to care for their local park and build community connections through events and outreach. Many Friends Groups host outdoor movie nights, community days, park clean-ups and other special events throughout the year.

Love Your Park Weekend is a great way to meet your local Friends Group and get involved! You can find a full list of Friends Groups on loveyourpark.org.

 

What can volunteers expect?

Volunteer tasks vary by park. Some sites need leaf-raking, while others have gardens that require seasonal care. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Tools and gloves will be provided—no need to bring your own!

You’ll also have the chance to work alongside fellow park enthusiasts, meet neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. While you’re working hard to care for your park, we hope you will also take time to have some fun and make new friends! Here’s what volunteers shared from Love Your Park Week in the spring: 

“It was great to help clean up my kids’ favorite park.”  – Joel

“Great energy and people” – Edwin

“I had a great experience! Next time, I’ll try to bring more friends along to help.” – Kate

“Experience was really good and well organized with many kind and helpful people.” -Tyler

“We had an amazing time volunteering at Powers Park. The organizers were incredible and so fun to work with.” -Kelly

“It is always so wonderful to help keep the park the fantastic space that it is! So glad I was able to come and contribute.” – Leah

“Helping to make our park beautiful and welcoming…priceless.” – Donna

“It was a great event! It was well organized, there was lots of work to do and the tasks were well managed. I saw many parents participating with their kids to the level that they were able and it was heart warming. I will definitely participate again in the fall.” – Eliza

What if I can’t attend but want to help?

There are opportunities to support Philly parks year-round:

• Across the city, over 140 amazing Park Friends Groups host volunteer clean-ups and events throughout the year. 
• Fairmount Park Conservancy also hosts open volunteer work days throughout the year.
• Show your support by donating to Fairmount Park Conservancy. Funds will support programs and projects like Love Your Park throughout Philly’s park system.

For regular updates, sign up for our email newsletter and follow Fairmount Park Conservancy on social media at @myphillypark on Facebook and Instagram.

Love Your Park is made possible with the support of TD Bank, PECO, Greenberg Traurig, and Independence Blue Cross.