Join us for a very special On the 18th in Philadelphia’s newest public space: Dilworth Park. This Saturday, Dilworth Park will transform into a beautiful outdoor space for Octoberfest. Click here for more details.
Smithies will be there at 4pm. Look for Susie and Lindsey decked out in Smith gear at the Beer Garden!
Overview
Located at the foot of City Hall, Dilworth Park has undergone a major — and awesome — transformation.
On September 4, the park reopened as a modern and welcoming outdoor space, reestablishing William Penn’s original Center Square as a gathering place for all Philadelphians.
Read on for info on the opening events as well as the full details of the massive renovations.
The Layout
The 120,557-square-foot public space will create a dynamic and accessible new hub for pedestrians, commuters and visitors.
A multifaceted space, Dilworth Park will include an enormous Great Lawn, an outdoor café operated by Jose Garces, a computer-programmable fountain, a performance space and activity areas for outdoor markets and an ice-skating rink in season.
Additionally, SEPTA transit lines will now be far more accessible with new elevators and new stairs, sheltered by cool-looking clear glass headhouses, to connect the surface streets with new entrances to the Market and Broad Street Lines and transit hub below, a system that transports 305,000 passengers through Center City each day.
Food & Drink
A plaza café located along the JFK Boulevard side of the park brings a Jose Garces dining destination to Dilworth Park. Modeled after Garces’ modern Cuban diner Rosa Blanca, the cafe has plans to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Those planning special events on site will also have the option of fare from Brûlée Catering by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix.
With seating inside and outside on the terrace, the cafe ought to attract diners at all hours — breakfast, lunchtime, happy hour and dinner.
Tree Groves
There are four tree groves located on the park, providing shade and creating an oasis in the center of Philadelphia. The tree species selected are conducive to city settings and include Honey locust, Black locust, Katsura and London plane. These tree groves help lower air temperature as well as make the air healthier.
Getting There
Located directly next to City Hall, it couldn’t be much easier to get to Dilworth Park via public transportation. The subway’s 15th Street Station, City Hall Station and 13th Street Station are all an easy walk from the park, and both Suburban Station and Market East are just a few blocks away. Numerous bus lines circle City Hall on their routes as well.
For information on parking near Dilworth Park, check out our “Parking in Philadelphia” page, complete with a handy parking locator from the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).
(Courtesy of http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/dilworth-plaza/)
The Smith College Club of Philadelphia 