Philadelphia's FDR Park is in the midst of a major renovation — which includes natural areas, lakes, a 5K trail, a 30-foot overlook, water sports and athletic fields — all at an expected cost of $250 million. This weekend, KYW's John McDevitt goes "Into the Wild" to explore one of the first phases of the project now complete: the Anna Verna Playground.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A $250 million improvement project is underway to balance nature, water, and human interaction into a public space in South Philadelphia.
The Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation created a redevelopment plan for 350 acres of land at FDR Park. Anna Verna Playground, named after the late City Council president, is one of the first projects to be completed.
“It is a 3-acre nature playground that is sited right on Pattison Lagoon,” said Tara Rasheed, the conservancy’s director of capital projects.
“It is a really special site where you can get up close to the water. You can see the ducks and the turtles, and the frogs. We’ve been able to maintain a lot of the mature tree canopy here, so it can provide a lot of shade and beauty in this space.
"There are rocks, trees and custom equipment to climb, slide and swing on, such as tower tube slides, accessible by a rope net ladder. There’s also a 'mega swing.'"
“It’s the largest swing in North America,” Rasheed explained. “It can take 27 people. We have some see-saw swings, we have basket swings, we have bucket swings. It’s fun for all ages.”
Laurie Walsh from South Philadelphia and her father Ken enjoyed the new features. As they explored the park, they had a suggestion.
“I think it’s great to have destinations here,” said Walsh, who was pleasantly surprised by one particular feature. “Restrooms at FDR Park? It’s a huge thing! So It would be nice to have more of that.”
For decades, FDR Park has been prone to flooding due to its hydrology. It has tidal water effects, so water rolls in and it’s hard to roll out. Repairs to tide gates have recently been completed and those behind the project say at this point of the testing phase, the gates appear to be doing their job.
Excavation at the drainage point of the park has led to the creation of a 36-acre wetland in its southwest corner.
The grating has been completed and the planting phase will continue through next year. Once established, there will be public access to the wetlands. But some wildlife couldn’t wait. A flock of geese were spotted in the wetland during the tour.
