With thousands ofacres of protected green space, plenty of trails, stunning views of the city skyline, giant playgrounds, historic Victorian mansions and no shortage of picnic spots, it’s no wonder that millions of residents and visitors flock to Fairmount Park each year. It’s also no surprise that the 9,200-acre park was named among the best places in the country by the American Planning Commission. The annual list, which recognizes neighborhoods, parks, streets and public placesthat exemplify how smart planning can improve individuals and communities, is released every year in October, in honor of National Community Planning Month. “Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is unique in the story of American planning,” a page on the APA’s website honoring the parkreads.”It represents one of the first efforts to protect a municipal watershed by dramatically altering land uses to both mitigate pollution and create a space for public recreation.” The APA applauded the city’s efforts in revitalizing theSchuylkill River and land upstream from the city that had polluted the water through industrialization.
“No single landscape architect can claim credit for the design of the park.Its assembly around watershed health, its service to the Centennial’s technological paradise, and its conscious creation of an idealized 18th century rural landscape makes it unique in America.” Philadelphia officials, including Mayor Jim Kenney, will host an event in the park on Oct. 14 alongside APA officials to celebrate the dedication.
Fairmount Park named among the best places in America
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
