https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Smith_Memorial_PlaygroundSmith Memorial Playground - Revision history2026-06-06T06:34:35ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.42.3https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Smith_Memorial_Playground&diff=5737&oldid=prevGritty: Humanization pass: prose rewrite for readability2026-04-24T00:41:29Z<p>Humanization pass: prose rewrite for readability</p>
<a href="https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Smith_Memorial_Playground&diff=5737&oldid=802">Show changes</a>Grittyhttps://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Smith_Memorial_Playground&diff=802&oldid=prevGritty: Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline2025-12-30T18:07:44Z<p>Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Infobox Park<br />
| name = Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse<br />
| image =<br />
| image_caption = The Giant Wooden Slide at Smith Memorial Playground<br />
| type = Children's playground / Historic recreation<br />
| location = Fairmount Park (East)<br />
| coordinates = 39.9880,-75.1840<br />
| area = 6.5 acres<br />
| established = 1899<br />
| operated_by = Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse<br />
| features = Giant wooden slide, indoor playhouse, outdoor playground, tot lot<br />
| hours = Seasonal; check website<br />
| transit = SEPTA bus to 33rd and Oxford<br />
| website = https://smithplayground.org<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse''' is a historic children's playground in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], founded in 1899 and featuring the famous '''Giant Wooden Slide'''—a beloved Philadelphia institution for over 125 years. The site includes an expansive outdoor playground, indoor playhouse, and dedicated spaces for children of different ages, all free of charge.<ref name="smith">{{cite web |url=https://smithplayground.org |title=Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse |publisher=Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
Generations of Philadelphia children have grown up playing at "The Smith," making it one of the city's most cherished family destinations.<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== Founding ===<br />
<br />
The playground was established through the will of '''Richard and Sarah Smith''':<br />
* '''1899:''' Opened to the public<br />
* Gift to the children of Philadelphia<br />
* One of America's first playgrounds<br />
* Free admission since opening<br />
<br />
=== The Vision ===<br />
<br />
The Smiths' vision:<br />
* Safe outdoor play space for children<br />
* Accessible to all, regardless of income<br />
* Wholesome recreation<br />
* Connection to nature<br />
<br />
=== Preservation ===<br />
<br />
The playground has been preserved and updated:<br />
* Original Giant Slide maintained<br />
* Historic playhouse renovated<br />
* Modern equipment added<br />
* Expanded programming<br />
<br />
== Features ==<br />
<br />
=== The Giant Wooden Slide ===<br />
<br />
The '''Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide''' is the icon:<br />
* 40 feet wide<br />
* Three stories of sliding surface<br />
* Burlap sacks for sliding<br />
* Original feature from 1905<br />
* Must-do Philadelphia experience<br />
<br />
=== Outdoor Playground ===<br />
<br />
'''Extensive play areas:'''<br />
* Climbing structures<br />
* Swings (many types)<br />
* Sand play areas<br />
* Nature play elements<br />
* Shaded picnic areas<br />
<br />
=== Tot Lot ===<br />
<br />
'''Dedicated space for ages 5 and under:'''<br />
* Age-appropriate equipment<br />
* Enclosed area<br />
* Soft surfaces<br />
* Nearby seating for caregivers<br />
<br />
=== The Playhouse ===<br />
<br />
'''Historic indoor play space:'''<br />
* Three floors of activities<br />
* Imaginary play areas<br />
* Climbing and sliding<br />
* Rainy day destination<br />
* Climate-controlled<br />
<br />
=== Grounds ===<br />
<br />
'''Park setting:'''<br />
* Mature shade trees<br />
* Open lawn areas<br />
* Picnic facilities<br />
* Wooded surroundings<br />
<br />
== Visiting ==<br />
<br />
=== Hours ===<br />
<br />
'''Seasonal operation:'''<br />
* Generally April through October (outdoor)<br />
* Playhouse may have extended season<br />
* Check website for current hours<br />
<br />
=== Admission ===<br />
<br />
* '''Free''' — Always has been, always will be<br />
* Donations welcome<br />
* Some special programs may have fees<br />
<br />
=== Age Limits ===<br />
<br />
* Playground: Ages 10 and under<br />
* Some areas designated for specific age groups<br />
* Adult supervision required<br />
<br />
=== Getting There ===<br />
<br />
'''Location:''' 3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park<br />
<br />
'''By Public Transit:'''<br />
* SEPTA Bus 32 to 33rd and Oxford<br />
* Walk into park<br />
<br />
'''By Car:'''<br />
* Free parking lot<br />
* Enter park from 33rd Street<br />
<br />
=== Tips ===<br />
<br />
* Bring socks for the playhouse<br />
* The Giant Slide can have lines on nice days<br />
* Sunscreen essential—limited shade on playground<br />
* Pack a picnic lunch<br />
* Bathrooms available<br />
<br />
== Programs ==<br />
<br />
* Summer camps<br />
* Birthday party rentals<br />
* School field trips<br />
* Special events<br />
* Family programs<br />
<br />
== The Smith Legacy ==<br />
<br />
The playground embodies its founders' values:<br />
* Free and accessible<br />
* Focused on children's wellbeing<br />
* Maintained for future generations<br />
* Community gathering place<br />
<br />
== Nearby ==<br />
<br />
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding park<br />
* '''[[Strawberry Mansion]]''' — Historic house nearby<br />
* '''[[Woodford Mansion]]''' — Historic house<br />
* '''[[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]''' — Across the river<br />
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' — River drive access<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
<br />
* [[Fairmount Park]]<br />
* [[Franklin Square]] (also has playground)<br />
* [[Sister Cities Park]]<br />
* [[Please Touch Museum]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [https://smithplayground.org Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse]<br />
<br />
{{#seo:<br />
|title=Smith Memorial Playground Philadelphia - Giant Wooden Slide & Free Kids Play<br />
|description=Guide to Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount Park. Free admission since 1899, featuring the famous Giant Wooden Slide, indoor playhouse, and outdoor playground.<br />
|keywords=Smith Memorial Playground Philadelphia, Giant Wooden Slide Philadelphia, Fairmount Park playground, free playground Philadelphia, Philadelphia kids activities, historic playground<br />
|type=Article<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Parks]]<br />
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]<br />
[[Category:Recreation]]<br />
[[Category:Family]]<br />
[[Category:Historic Sites]]</div>Gritty