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Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

Fairmount Park is Philadelphia's largest municipal park (826ha); it is divided by the Schuylkill River into East and West sections. The former contains points of interests such as the Fairmount Water Works (the interpretive center explains the waterworks' purpose and local watershed history), Boathouse Row (15 boathouses comprising rowing and social clubs), an azalea garden and various sculptures such as the Medici lions and the Rocky steps. The West Fairmont Park includes the following attractions: the Memorial Hall (houses the Please Touch Museum), the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, the Centennial Arboretum and a Horticulture Center.

Access & Transport

The Park is to the northwest of the city center, along the banks of the Schuylkill River. The trolley station 'Girard Av & 33rd St' (15) stops in the middle of the East section with buses running along Pennsylvania Ave in the south-eastern area. The Western section is intersected by W Girard Ave which has 2 trolley stops: 'Girard Av & 34th St' and 'Girard Av & 39th St' (15). There are several parking areas.

Instructions & Recommendations

There is an admission fee to Shofuso house. Info available at: https://japanphilly.org/shofuso/

Meta review

The park is popular with walkers of all ages, cyclists and joggers and described by online reviewers as enormous fairly scenic with plenty to see. Fairmount Waterworks is interesting with interactive exhibits of interest for all ages and Shofuso is beautiful and tranquil though quite small and relatively expensive.

Environmental & Social

Green activity and positive impact on living environment for residents

Conclusion

Fairmount Park various has various sights and is overall well maintained. It is a good option for residents looking for a relaxing outdoor spot, runners and tourists keen to take a break (and a walk) after visiting one of the attractions in the vicinity such as the zoo or the Museum of Art.

Key positive

Several points of interest

Very spacious

Key negative

Lacks identity and 'flow'

Suitability

Suitable for all ages People with mobility issues should not have any issue exploring the park.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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