Penn Park: Difference between revisions
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'''Penn Park''' is a 24-acre athletic and recreational park on the eastern edge of the [[University of Pennsylvania]] campus, built atop a former postal facility and rail yard. Opened in 2011, the park transformed an industrial brownfield into one of Philadelphia's most impressive modern green spaces, featuring world-class athletic facilities and sweeping views of the Center City skyline.<ref name="pennpark">{{cite web |url=https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/penn-park |title=Penn Park |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref> | '''Penn Park''' is a 24-acre athletic and recreational park on the eastern edge of the [[University of Pennsylvania]] campus, built atop a former postal facility and rail yard. Opened in 2011, the park transformed an industrial brownfield into one of Philadelphia's most impressive modern green spaces, featuring world-class athletic facilities and sweeping views of the Center City skyline.<ref name="pennpark">{{cite web |url=https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/penn-park |title=Penn Park |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref> | ||
It's mostly for Penn athletics. But it's open to the public too, and honestly, it's one of the best spots in the city if you want to see the skyline. | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
=== Former Use === | === Former Use === | ||
Before it became a park, the site housed a U.S. Postal Service facility, rail yards, and various industrial operations. The land sat underutilized for years. More than that, it functioned as a barrier between the campus and the Schuylkill River. | |||
=== Development === | === Development === | ||
The university invested '''$46.5 million''' to completely transform the space. Construction ran from 2008 to 2011 and involved extensive environmental remediation. They essentially created an elevated park over existing infrastructure, which wasn't easy. The result? A connection between campus and the river that didn't exist before. | |||
== Features == | == Features == | ||
| Line 50: | Line 42: | ||
=== Green Space === | === Green Space === | ||
Native plantings cover the landscaped areas. Walking paths wind through open lawn, and there's plenty of shade from mature trees, along with benches for sitting. It doesn't feel like an industrial site anymore. | |||
=== Skyline Views === | === Skyline Views === | ||
The park | The park's elevated position gives you exceptional '''Center City views'''. Clear sightlines dominate, especially at sunset. It's become one of the city's popular photography locations. You get an unobstructed panorama. | ||
=== Sustainability === | === Sustainability === | ||
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=== Public Access === | === Public Access === | ||
The park's open to everyone. Athletic facilities may be reserved for Penn use, but walking and jogging are welcome. Casual recreation doesn't require permission. | |||
=== Running and Exercise === | === Running and Exercise === | ||
People come here for track running when it's available, path jogging, and exercising with a view. If you're coming off the Schuylkill trail, it's a perfect cool-down spot. | |||
=== Photography === | === Photography === | ||
This is one of the best places in the city for skyline photography. Sunset shots are particularly good. You'll get genuine cityscape panoramas here. | |||
== Visiting == | == Visiting == | ||
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=== Hours === | === Hours === | ||
Dawn to dusk. Some facilities follow specific schedules. Athletic events may limit access to certain areas. | |||
=== Getting There === | === Getting There === | ||
'''Location:''' 3000 South Street | '''Location:''' 3000 South Street on Penn's eastern edge. | ||
'''By Public Transit:''' | '''By Public Transit:''' | ||
* SEPTA trolleys to 33rd Street | * SEPTA trolleys run to 33rd Street | ||
* Walk from 30th Street Station | * Walk from 30th Street Station | ||
* LUCY bus service | * LUCY bus service also available | ||
'''By Car:''' | '''By Car:''' | ||
* | * Parking nearby is tight | ||
* Penn parking garages | * Penn's parking garages are accessible | ||
'''By Bicycle:''' | '''By Bicycle:''' | ||
* | * The Schuylkill River Trail connects directly | ||
* Bike racks available | * Bike racks are available | ||
=== Tips === | === Tips === | ||
Sunset gives you the best skyline views. The track's often open to the public. Pair it with a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail. Check Penn's athletics schedule if you want field access. | |||
== Nearby == | == Nearby == | ||
Latest revision as of 22:47, 23 April 2026
| Penn Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | University park / Athletic complex |
| Location | University City |
| Coordinates | 39.9480,-75.1880 |
| Area | 24 acres |
| Established | 2011 |
| Operated by | University of Pennsylvania |
| Features | Athletic fields, running track, green space, skyline views |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk (public access) |
| Transit | SEPTA trolley to 33rd Street; walk from 30th Street Station |
| Website | Official Site |
Penn Park is a 24-acre athletic and recreational park on the eastern edge of the University of Pennsylvania campus, built atop a former postal facility and rail yard. Opened in 2011, the park transformed an industrial brownfield into one of Philadelphia's most impressive modern green spaces, featuring world-class athletic facilities and sweeping views of the Center City skyline.[1]
It's mostly for Penn athletics. But it's open to the public too, and honestly, it's one of the best spots in the city if you want to see the skyline.
History
Former Use
Before it became a park, the site housed a U.S. Postal Service facility, rail yards, and various industrial operations. The land sat underutilized for years. More than that, it functioned as a barrier between the campus and the Schuylkill River.
Development
The university invested $46.5 million to completely transform the space. Construction ran from 2008 to 2011 and involved extensive environmental remediation. They essentially created an elevated park over existing infrastructure, which wasn't easy. The result? A connection between campus and the river that didn't exist before.
Features
Athletic Facilities
Varsity and recreational athletics:
- Synthetic turf multipurpose field
- 12-lane outdoor track
- Tennis courts
- Field hockey pitch
- Softball field
Green Space
Native plantings cover the landscaped areas. Walking paths wind through open lawn, and there's plenty of shade from mature trees, along with benches for sitting. It doesn't feel like an industrial site anymore.
Skyline Views
The park's elevated position gives you exceptional Center City views. Clear sightlines dominate, especially at sunset. It's become one of the city's popular photography locations. You get an unobstructed panorama.
Sustainability
Green design features:
- Stormwater management systems
- Native plant species
- Reduced heat island effect
- LEED-certified design elements
Using the Park
Public Access
The park's open to everyone. Athletic facilities may be reserved for Penn use, but walking and jogging are welcome. Casual recreation doesn't require permission.
Running and Exercise
People come here for track running when it's available, path jogging, and exercising with a view. If you're coming off the Schuylkill trail, it's a perfect cool-down spot.
Photography
This is one of the best places in the city for skyline photography. Sunset shots are particularly good. You'll get genuine cityscape panoramas here.
Visiting
Hours
Dawn to dusk. Some facilities follow specific schedules. Athletic events may limit access to certain areas.
Getting There
Location: 3000 South Street on Penn's eastern edge.
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA trolleys run to 33rd Street
- Walk from 30th Street Station
- LUCY bus service also available
By Car:
- Parking nearby is tight
- Penn's parking garages are accessible
By Bicycle:
- The Schuylkill River Trail connects directly
- Bike racks are available
Tips
Sunset gives you the best skyline views. The track's often open to the public. Pair it with a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail. Check Penn's athletics schedule if you want field access.
Nearby
- Schuylkill River Trail — Adjacent
- University of Pennsylvania — West
- 30th Street Station — North
- Schuylkill Banks — River access
- University City — Surrounding neighborhood