Consider Dilworth Park not just a park. It is a vibrant stage. This stage is always set for the city’s daily life.
Dilworth Park is located on the west side of Philadelphia’s City Hall. It re-establishes William Penn’s original Center Square. It serves as a gathering place for all Philadelphians. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Before its renovation, Dilworth Park was an inaccessible, multi-level plaza. It was divided by stairs. It was transformed into a sustainable green space. The park has no stairs or barriers from the street.
The renovated Dilworth Park has over 20000 square feet of useable area. This results in an expanded 120000-square-foot public space. The underground transit gateway was also improved. New elevators made the transit levels accessible.
Dilworth Park offers many activities. These benefit the public and support the park’s mission. The park hosts festivals. It features live musical and arts performances. Happy hour specials bring an audience. Free WiFi is available. All these activities occur above a major transit hub.
A key feature is the interactive fountain. It operates in warmer months. In winter, the fountain transforms into an ice-skating rink. Both are favorite activities for kids and adults.
Janet Echelman created Pulse. It is an immersive public art installation. It tracks the city’s underground transport in real time. The installation sends a colorful mist upwards. This happens each time trains move below.
The park includes a Great Lawn. There is also an outdoor café. The café has a regional menu. It is operated by Brûlée Catering. They also run the coffee stand. It is branded as a Starbucks. It carries Starbucks products.
Four tree groves are located in the park. They provide shade.
In winter, visitors can ice skate. The Rothman Institute Ice Rink is in the shadow of City Hall. Guests can warm up in the Rothman Institute Cabin. They can enjoy refreshments. They can also stroll through the Wintergarden.
Throughout the year, CCD Parks host activities. These are fun for the entire family. In 2018, 92% of all events were free. All were open to the public.
Dilworth Park has become an iconic destination. It offers a relaxing refuge in Center City. It is also a destination for major events. The fountain provides a seamless scalability. It shrinks or enlarges according to the park’s activity.
Transformative projects like Dilworth Park require public and private partners. These partners recognize the importance of accessible transit. They also value high-quality public spaces.
Dilworth Park welcomed more than 10.8 million visitors last year. It is a vibrant place. It is a testament to what public spaces can offer. The park is a welcoming space for all. It is a true centerpiece of Philadelphia. So take a moment. Enjoy the beauty and activity around you. This is Dilworth Park.