Recreation
As Philadelphia's premier active use park, FDR Park boasts numerous special features and an abundance of recreational sites and sports fields that are open to the public.
FDR Park includes:
a recently paved (summer 2020) loop for biking and driving
900 parking spaces
40 acres of lakes for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking (no swimming access, sorry!)
15 tennis courts
4 pickleball courts
8 softball and baseball fields
2 soccer fields
21 picnic groves and pavilions (to reserve one for your event, check out our Permits page)
2 playgrounds including the new Anna C. Verna Playground, opened in 2023!
World-renowned skate park
Historic American-Swedish museum
Wetland trails, great for walks, runs, and bird watching!
Image credit: Instagram user @bomb_takara
Image by Kathleen Montesano
Tennis Courts
Our tennis courts are available for public use for leagues, lessons, and casual matches. Home of the South Philly Tennis Association.
Free Community Tennis Lessons are available on Saturdays from 4-7 from March - October with the Tennis & Networking Club of Philadelphia
Fishing
FDR Park isn’t nicknamed “The Lakes” for nothing! Try out our 2 lakes, 3 lagoons and 1 creek for a relaxing afternoon of fishing and see what you catch! There are convenient fishing spots situated around the main lake by the Boathouse, but don’t forget to venture out into the Meadow area for access to more secluded spots too!
Check out events calendar for community fishing and boating days with Discovery Pathways
Biking
It’s so easy to bike to FDR Park! Once you get here, enjoy our paved loop with a dedicated bike lane to catch all the scenery and activity of the park. Please make sure to have appropriate bike lighting if you’re out after dark, and exercise caution as the loop is shared with drivers!
Fleisher Art Memorial
Fleisher Art Memorial, founded in 1898 with the mission to make art accessible to people from all walks of life, often has landscape painting classes here at FDR Park. Enjoy the rich scenery in the company of other creatives! Keep an eye on their schedule here.
FDR Park Markets
SEA market: (Sat & Sundays) Philadelphia has a vibrant Asian community, with many Khmer, Lao, Vietnamese, Thai, and residents from other SE Asian countries right here in South Philly! This community has been enjoying FDR Park for decades. During the summer months, vendors set up outdoor stalls selling street food, bubble teas and iced coffees, clothing, and produce.
Latino Market: (Sundays)
African American Market: (Saturdays)
Image credit: Instagram user @rudhragram
Bird Watching
One of the most diverse bird habitats in Philadelphia, there have been nearly 205 species cited in the park. Check out programming and events by BirdPhilly, a project by the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks & Rec and the Fairmount Park Conservancy!