Boxers’ Trail Gateway

In collaboration with local agency Little Giant Creative (LGC), in 2020 the Conservancy installed a series of informative panels on a pergola structure to celebrate the Boxers’ Trail, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department’s boxing programs across the city, and Philadelphia’s rich boxing history. 

The new-and-improved gateway features custom lettering reading, “Boxers’ Trail” and a “shadow boxer” silhouette. The panels highlight the boxing careers of Bennie Briscoe, Joe Frazier, Bernard Hopkins, and Matthew Saad Muhammad and provide a map of the Boxers’ Trail. Other panels include tips on fundamental boxing moves demonstrated by amateur boxers from Athletic Rec’s boxing gym as well as the creed of Joe Frazier’s gym. 

With support from ArtPlace America, the Conservancy and LGC collaborated with the Strawberry Mansion community, the local boxing community, and family members of the boxers to creatively tell the story of the Boxers’ Trail. 

The Boxers’ Trail is a 3.8-mile trail with wooded and paved paths that winds through East Fairmount Park, creating unique views overlooking the Schuylkill River and providing access points to both the Schuylkill River and Fairmount Park for neighboring communities.

Deeply tied to Philadelphia’s boxing culture, the Boxers’ Trail is a place that many Philadelphia boxers, including Smokin’ Joe Frazier, have used as part of their training regimens.