Parking

I remember walking along Vine Street when I first moved down to Philly, almost eight years ago now, and coming across this desolate little park. My thought was, what the hell is this? It was a mess. Unlike the other parks I had seen in the city (at that point), this place was nearly deserted and very dirty. I didn't linger.

That park was Franklin Square and to look at what is there today, it seems almost unbelievable that the square, one of the five originally laid out by William Penn, could ever have been so disused and forgotten. And yet it was for nearly half a century. Certain factors contributed to the park's falling into such dire straits: the construction of both 676 and the Ben Franklin Bridge, which make walking over to the park somewhat unappealing. Additionally, not terribly many people live over by the Square, so it lacks the neighborly care so many of our city parks get.

However, Once Upon A Nation spent three years and $3.5 million revitalizing the Square. The project was completed in 2006 and the park today is unrecognizable from its former self. I'm going to say it's our version of Disney World. There is a carousel! And mini-golf! And they fixed up the fountain at the center of the park to be pretty awesome looking. There are picnic tables, which makes it a nice spot for lunch (you don't have to balance your food on the grass or your lap). This summer, Steven Starr will be opening a fancy hot dog cart that will eventually offer Capogiro gelato.

Despite all its new glitz, Franklin Square maintains ties to the past. The Living Flame Memorial, located on the Square's southeast side, was built in 1976 by Reginald E. Beauchamp to honor city police and fire fighters who died in the line of duty. The Square was also once a burial site for the German Reformed Church. Most of the graves were moved when the PA supreme court determined that the original gift of the land to the church was invalid. Today there is a plaque commemorating the former burial sites.

The current Franklin Square seems designed more for visitors to our fair city than for its residents, which is fine. It is a splendid presentation and the fancy park is a huge step up from what the place used to be. And besides, while we may not be tourists, that doesn't mean we can't play mini-golf or ride the carousel.

Upcoming Events in Parks:

Egg Hunt!: Malcolm X Park, 52nd and Pine Sts, Saturday, 4/11, 12-3PM. Rain or Shine.

Is it Spring? Yes it is: Celebration of Spring Ceremony, Dickinson Square, Sat, 4/11, 7-9:30AM.

Get Involved: Penn Treaty Park Monthly Clean Up, Saturday 4/11, 9AM

Dickinson Square Park Clean Up Saturday, 9AM

Get your veggies: Farmer's Markets: Fitler Square (Saturdays, 9AM-2PM); Clark Park (Saturdays, 10AM-1PM), Rittenhouse Square (Saturdays 10AM-2PM).

If you know of anything exciting happening in your local park in the near future, please e-mail amy@phillyist.com!