Soft breezes and warm rays of sunshine- the sights of spring are coming to Philadelphia. This season, forgot the grayness of the cityscape and embrace green spaces.
Temple University boasts lovely courtyards and lawns perfect for meeting friends for a lunch date or just for a quick breath of fresh air before class. Beury Beach, the skate park, and the founder’s garden are just a few options to escape the concrete-chic that’s taken over North Philadelphia. Sure, the convenience, excitement, and opportunity of the city are thrilling incentives to live around Temple’s campus, yet it is understandable to crave a reprieve where city life can slow down for a minute, and the hustle and bustle of N. Broad St’s traffic can fade into the background.
Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, who admired the beautiful, forested land that would one day house skyscrapers, vast expanses of roadways, and a booming population to give it life. Although one would never expect that the Schuylkill was once a scenic, untouched river adorned with flora and fauna aplenty along its banks, many green spaces in the city aim to preserve and foster residents’ connection with nature. Despite what the general population may believe, Philadelphia is abundant in its parks and gardened city squares. Not only is Philly home to the cheesesteak, Eagles football team, and the most out-of-pocket people, but it also houses a myriad of walking trails, expansive lawns, hammock groves, and dazzling ponds. Locating a gorgeous green space might be slightly more difficult than finding a cart selling halal cuisine, but with a good guide like the one below, you’ll soon be the next Henry David Thoreau.
- Belmont Plateau
Fairmount Park is arguably one of the best gems (I won’t say hidden because it’s quite large, with over 14 square miles to frolic on) and Philadelphians should take every opportunity to explore its beauty. In Philly, everything easily appears manmade and inherently touched by human society. Standing on the Belmont Plateau, however, it’s easy to forget you’re still inside a city. Rather, it feels like you’re looking out into a picturesque cityscape snow globe. The satisfying pyramid of Philadelphia’s skyscrapers makes for the perfect view to admire from a picnic date or just a hang-out sesh with friends. Hike up to one of the most stunning natural vantage points to enjoy a unique perspective of Philly, or just to snap some Insta-worthy pics.
2. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
This protected sanctuary encompasses a magnificent tidal marsh where one can enjoy more wildlife than just overly friendly city squirrels. Speaking of, if you’re fond of birdwatching, this may just be your new favorite spot to observe what Philly’s skies have to offer (besides smog). Over 80 species have made the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge their home. In case you haven’t noticed, the pigeons have really taken over the inner-city nesting markets. Though, if you’ve recently watched Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, that last selling point probably flew right over your head. But don’t sweat it, there are miles of trails perfect for any runner or walking enthusiast who’d like to trade their gym’s treadmill for scenic views.
3. Crescent Park
Crescent Park is just one singular attraction of The Navy Yard, a culturally rich hub for artists and outdoorsmen alike. It features architecture that is reminiscent of the Navy Yard’rich shipbuilding history, coupled with modern, aesthetically pleasing lawns and walkways. On one side, the park overlooks the dazzling waters of the Delaware river, and its backside is shadowed by glass-walled office buildings. The open feeling of the park, matched by its potential for catching some gorgeous views of one of Philly’staple waterways, makes this green space a perfect option for a quick afternoon walk or an evening spent lounging in the waning sun.
4. Penn Treaty Park
This park may come last on this list, but it is certainly not the least significant. Penn Treaty Park is historically famed to be the place where William Penn signed a treaty of peace with the native Lenni Lenape peoples. According to legend, Penn made this agreement of good faith underneath an elm tree that has since fallen. However, this park, centered in Fishtown, was established to continue to commemorate not only the promises made to the Native Americans on whose land we stand, but to honor the memory of the first people to inhabit Southeastern Pennsylvania. Indeed, there is an Indigenous People’s Day celebration held every year at this very place. Regardless of the space’s historic and cultural value, it offers a breathtaking outlook on the Delaware river and what has become of the city since Penn’s infamous treaty.
The Quakers that deeply influenced Pennsylvania’s history valued the simplicity one can find in life. Oftentimes, it may appear that there is nothing simple – much less peaceful – about Philadelphia, and one may be especially assertive about this opinion after riding the Broad St subway line. The hectic hubbub of Philadelphia, however, should only serve as a motivator to seek out access to the serene green spaces Philadelphia has to offer.