It’s time to show South Philly Parks some love.
From Nov. 8-10, the city will once again hold Love Your Park Fall Weekend, drawing thousands of volunteers to help clean up their favorite green spaces around Philadelphia.
More than 100 city parks will take part, hosting clean-up service events. Love Your Park is a program of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Park Friends Network, made up of 140 volunteer groups that steward their neighborhood parks.
“Philadelphia’s parks are essential to our vision of becoming the cleanest, greenest city in America,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Love Your Park Fall Weekend is an opportunity for us to take real action toward that goal. When we come together to care for our parks, we’re not just maintaining green spaces — we’re making a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future for all of our neighborhoods.”
Most parks will host their events on Nov. 9, including with a few others hosting events on either Nov. 8 or Nov. 10. A full list of times, dates and locations. can be found at loveyourpark.org.
South Philly Parks included this year are Bainbridge Green Park (300 Bainbridge St.), Bardascino Park (1000 Carpenter St.), Beck Park (841 S. 2nd St.), Carpenter Green Park (1701 Carpenter St.), Chew Recreation Center (1831 Ellsworth St.), Cianfrani Park (721 S. 8th St.), Columbus Square (1100 Wharton St.), Dickinson Square Park (1600 E. Moyamensing Ave.), FDR Park (1954 Pattison Ave.), Gold Star Park (613 Wharton St.), Hawthorne Park (12th and Catharine streets), Jefferson Square Park (3rd and Washington Ave.), Julian Abele Park (22nd and Carpenter streets), Lanier Park (2900 Tasker St.), Manton Street Park (401 Manton St.), Mario Lanza Park (214 Catharine St.), Mifflin Square Park (500 Wolf St.), Moyamensing Point (901 E. Moyamensing Ave.), Palumbo Park (723 Catharine St.), Paolone Park (732 Sears St.), Ridgeway Park (1301 Carpenter St.), Sacks Playground (400 Washington Ave.), Seger Park (1020 Lombard St.), South Philadelphia High School (2101 S. Broad St.), South Street Community Garden (839 South St.), Starr Garden (600 Lombard St.), Stephen Girard Park (2500 S. 21st St.) and Stinger Square Park (3200 Reed St.).
“By volunteering, you’re playing a key role in making our city a model of environmental stewardship and civic pride,” Parker said. “Let’s work together to ensure that Philadelphia remains a beautiful place to live, work and play for generations to come.”
South Philly has numerous neighborhood options for willing participants.
“Ninety-five percent of Philadelphia residents live less than 10 minutes from the nearest park, making parks an essential part of our city life. It’s important that we work together to maintain and celebrate these shared public treasures,” said Kevin Roche, Chief of Staff, Fairmount Park Conservancy. “With over 140 neighborhood friends groups, all Philadelphians can find a way to give back to their local park by helping to get it ready for the winter months ahead.”
Volunteers are encouraged to come out to their neighborhood park and lend a hand, helping prepare public spaces for winter by raking leaves, mulching, planting trees and flower bulbs, cleaning litter, and more. Tools will be provided and park lovers of all ages are welcome. To volunteer at one of the clean-ups, anyone can register at loveyourpark.org. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged.
“Love Your Park Fall Weekend is an opportunity for each of us to show just how much we care about our communities and the green spaces that bring us together. Philadelphia’s parks thrive because of the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to keep them clean, safe and beautiful,” said Susan Slawson, commissioner for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “This year, more than 100 parks need our help to prepare for the winter. Whether you’re planting trees, raking leaves or cleaning up litter, your efforts make a difference that lasts all year. I encourage everyone to join us and take pride in our role in preserving our city’s natural treasures.”
Can’t help out on Love Your Park Weekend? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will host tree planting day on Nov. 15-16 and volunteers are needed at four South Philly locations.
On Nov. 16, Passyunk Square Tree Tenders are planting six trees at Capitolo Playground from 9 a.m. to noon; Point Breeze TT will plant 25 trees at Wharton Square Park from 9:30 to noon; and South Philly Green will plant 22 trees at Stephen Girard Park from 9:30 a.m. to noon. On Nov. 15, Grays Ferry Tree Tenders will meet at 2900 Tasker St. and will plant eight trees nearby from 12:20 to 4 p.m.
“We are so excited to be enacting tree plantings this fall, helping to develop vital tree canopy for residents,” said PHS’s Director of Trees, Dan Preziosi. “This tree planting week not only serves as a reflection of PHS’s mission supporting a greener, healthier region, but also serves as an opportunity for community members to come together to be a part of an incredible effort that directly benefits their neighborhood.”
