From neighborhood parks to citywide connections, We Walk PHL has spent the past decade bringing Philadelphians together on the move.
The free walking group meets several times per week at more than 25 public parks across the city. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary year, We Walk PHL has built a partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for its fall iteration.
Beginning Sept. 1, the 8-week season will kick off with more than 50 We Walk volunteer leaders from local neighborhoods with openings for anyone who is interested—any skill level is welcome. The spring 2026 walking groups had 1,283 participants at spots like the Eastwick Regional Playground, Carroll Park, FDR Park, John Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Love Park, Pennypack Park on the Delaware, Rose Park, West Oak Lane Senior Center, Wharton Square Playground and plenty others.
Every walk offers the chance to explore popular outdoor paths while connecting with fellow Philadelphians along the way.
“Our group walks from the Please Touch Museum and explores the area adjacent to Parkside Avenue, near Concourse Lake and the Japanese House,” says the West Fairmount Park walking group’s leader, Macqueline. “I walk for the opportunity to be outdoors in nature, to breathe fresh air, to move my body and to fellowship with like-minded people.
"As a senior walker, I value the opportunity to be a role model not only to the older population, but to also share with younger walkers the long-term benefits of lifelong exercise, making positive connections, and communing with nature," Macqueline added.
As a release notes, some walkers have expressed that health challenges such as weight loss, lowering blood pressure, increasing stamina, and controlling diabetes have been accomplished during their time participating in this program. Others have made lifelong friends, fought isolation and loneliness, and improved their mental health through these weekly or more frequent outings.
Jennie, who lives in Frankford, floats among teams across the city and leads walks at Lloyd Hall in East Fairmount Park. Plus, she participates in multiple groups to partake in the Park Hopper Challenge.
“I walk for my physical health, my mental health, and to stay connected to the community,” she explains. “The Park Hopper Challenge is my favorite because I’ve lived in the city my entire life and I’m still discovering new parks and hidden gems in Philly.”
The free Park Hopper Challenge encourages Philadelphians to explore as many parks across the city as they can during the different We Walk events. In the past, We Walk PHL’s Park Hopper Challenge has encouraged participants to explore Philadelphia’s parks, trails, and recreation spaces by “hopping” to at least two different locations.
To qualify, participants can join a We Walk PHL group walk, attend an event at a public park or rec center, explore a trail, or volunteer at a park cleanup. To be eligible for prizes, participants must take a photo at the walk or event, tag the event, and share the photo in the We Walk PHL Facebook group using different hashtags. Those who participate in 10 or more walks or events are eligible for the top prize category (which typically comes in gift card form).
“I walk for not only my health, but because it gives me a chance to free my mind," adds Picariello Rec Center Walk Leader, Michelle. "And to get out and see nature and also have a great conversation with the people in our group."
To get a full picture on this year's walk schedules, meeting locations, and other relevant updates, visit the We Walk PHL public group page on Facebook
MORE: Philly named Most Walkable City again — Here's your guide to scenic strolls, hidden gems
