Facilities
What is Schuylkill River Park?
O'Connor Pool
O'Connor Pool is located at 2601-13 South Street, between 26th Street and South Taney Street, just down the street from the Park's Pine Street entrance. The pool is maintained by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. For information on pool openings dates, hours and events, check out our Events page, or use the link below to visit the Parks & Rec website.
Markward Recreation Center, Playground & Sprayground
The Markward Recreation Center, Playground and sprayground are located inside Schuylkill River Park. The Rec Center building hosts after school and summer camp, classes, and Girl Scout meetings. The playground has a separate areas for older and younger kids, and natural play area behind the tot lot. In the summer, you can cool off at the Monster Capital Fountain, where the statue's gargoyles spray water out of their mouths.
FSRP works closely with the Markward Recreation Advisory Council to maintain the facilities and plan special events.
Schuylkill River Park Community Garden
The Schuylkill River Park Community Garden, located at 25th and Spruce, contains around 70 garden plots. The land is owned by the City of Philadelphia / Fairmount Park Commission and leased to the Center City Residents Association (CCRA), which manages the Garden through a steering committee comprised of current Gardeners. Read more about the garden on the website linked below.
Markward Basketball Courts
The Markward Park basketball courts were updated in 2022, upgrading the old backboards and rims with professional grade equipment. The replacement was made possible thanks to FSRP's fundraising efforts and the generous donations from the community.
Schuylkill River Dog Park
The Schuylkill River Park is home to one of the best dog parks on the East Coast! The dog park consists of two separate dog runs, one for all dogs and one for older, disabled, and small dogs under 25 pounds. Both dog runs have patented K-9 Grass that lessens contagions, mess, and mud. The dog runs are attended daily by dozens of dogs and their happy owners who can choose to sit on benches, a wandering sitting wall or stand along side the K-9 grass on water permeable pavers that are also allow for easy care and high play. There's lots of fresh water available at all times by way of dog water fountains, and even some pools out in the summer for some lounging. Owners are encouraged to pay attention and make sure their dog is playing nicely with others.
There's also a Facebook page dedicated to this dog run: Friends of Schuylkill River Dog Park. All members are encouraged to discuss rules, ask questions, and become better dog people. There are all kinds of dog professionals in this group including vets, trainers, groomers, and lovers to help maintain the best mental and physical health for your dog. There are meetups planned and other fun events to look forward to with you furry friends.
*Take the Dog Park Group and Improvement Survey here!*
Arboretum
We are excited to announce that the Schuylkill River Park is now a certified arboretum! Stay tuned for more news on this project and view a complete list of park trees here.
Arboretum
We are excited to announce that the Schuylkill River Park is now a certified arboretum! Stay tuned for more news on this project and view a complete list of park trees here.