Philadelphia Named One Of 10 Best Cities For Parks In The World By Frommer’s
‘Philadelphia’s Parks’
The City of Philadelphia is so rich in its history and sports, yet so many of us take for granted the other things that Philadelphia has to offer. It’s easy to sometimes focus on the negative news, but in reality, Philadelphia is an awesome city. Not only does the city get recognized for its history and sports, but has been mentioned as one of the best cities for beer and Travel + Leisure has mentioned Philly both number one for historical sites/monuments and for culture in October 2011.
Just recently, the travel experts from Frommer’s released their Top 10 Cities in the World for Parks. And guess what. Philadelphia was on that list, with other such cities as Tokyo, Melbourne, Chicago, New York, Paris, Munich, and a few others. Not only an honor, but well-deserved. Mayor Nutter has pledged time, resources, and money in making Philadelphia’s Parks better, safer, and cleaner.
The article speaks highly of our Fairmount Park which is over 9,200 acres (or about 10% of Philadelphia) and is made up of 63 individual parks, stretching predominantly along the Schuylkill River.
In the article Frommer’s states,
“The parks are home to more than 200 historic buildings, America’s oldest zoo, six golf courses, cycling trails, performance venues, and an array of landscaped gardens and wooded areas.”
The article went on to highlight other parks in Philadelphia such as Wissahickon Valley Park that has 50 miles of rugged terrain for mountain bikers and hikers, plus trout fishing in Wissahickon creek; Pennypack Park along the Delaware River; the Azalea Garden; Boathouse Row; Batram’s Garden; the Japanese House and Garden; Franklin D. Roosevelt Park (“The Lakes”); and East and West Parks.
Keep in mind that there are many more parks in Philadelphia. Each one bringing something different to the city. Mayor Nutter opened the Race Street Pier in May of 2011 and then there was Penn Park that opened in September of 2011. Philly also has the Liberty Lands Park in Northern Liberties, Love Park, the FDR Park in South Philly, and more.
There are even plans for more parks coming to Philadelphia thanks to Mayor Nutters pledge and his Green 2015 plan. Such parks like the Reading Viaduct park project, Shoemaker Green at Penn and the reconstruction of Dilworth Plaza which will be completed in 2014, adding more green space and even an ice skating rink.
As you can see, the City of Philadelphia is still growing in many areas and is being recognized on many different levels.
If visiting Philadelphia, it’s best to visit in the spring, summer, or fall; in order to best enjoy these parks in Philadelphia. There are so many more to mention, so don’t hesitate to research and ask around. You can always start with Philadelphia Parks and Recreations.
Articles About Ranking the City of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia ranked #1 for culture by Travel + Leisure
- Philadelphia Is Named One Of 10 Best Cities For Parks In The World By Frommer’s
pictures courtesy of Bill Cannon – Philadelphia photgrapher – Bill Cannon Fine Art Photography
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