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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

Philly is a sports town, and that includes golf. Its history runs deep, producing top athletes like 

, the first American-born golfer to win the U.S. Open, and 

, the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event. Philly’s also home to the 

 in U.S. courses since 2020, a 21% increase, the sport’s popularity isn’t slowing down. In the Philadelphia area, amateur and professional golfers alike can choose from several local ranges and courses to play a round. Here’s where to golf in Philly, whether it’s your first or 100th time picking up a club.

’s range features 63 stalls to show off that swing. Need lessons before you start the game? 

 from local teaching professionals on-site. If you need something easier for the kiddos, the center is also home to an 18-hole mini golf course. The center is open daily. Clubs are available for rent.

 to allow men and women of all ethnicities to play. The site reopened in 2025 as a new and improved hub for golf and STEM education. Golfers can play on a 68-bay driving range and 

. Additional courses are expected to reopen in 2027 and 2028.

. Open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., reservations are only required on weekends and holidays.

 is located right in East Fairmount Park. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices start as low as $5 for a bucket of 25 golf balls. Golf clubs are complimentary to use on-site if you don’t own a pair. Lessons are also available.

. The club also has simulators, a practice facility, and a pro shop to stock up on golfing necessities. Players are required to bring their own set of clubs (rentals are available) and wear proper golfing attire. Want to become a regular? Walnut Lane offers different membership tiers.

 on today’s episode of City Cast Philly.

Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, test out your skills at these local golf ranges and courses. 

Where To Golf in Philly

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

, yet one particular park stands out as our most iconic. Fairmount Park is the jewel of our park system, with both east and west sides encompassing over 2,000 acres. Before it became home to important landmarks such as the Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum, and Boathouse Row, Philly’s oldest park was created for a practical purpose.

The park gets its name from “Faire Mount,” a hill overlooking the Schuylkill River where the Philadelphia Museum of Art exists today. The name and a sketch of the hillside are visible on the 

 designed by Surveyor General Thomas Holme. Its natural landscapes fit into William Penn’s vision for a “greene Country Towne” and attracted aristocrats to establish estates in the area.

As the city’s population grew, so did its risk for disease. Following the yellow fever epidemics in the 1790s, which were partially 

blamed on contaminated conditions in Philly’s water supply

, the city made it its duty to provide access to clean water. In 1812, the city purchased Faire Mount to establish the 

, Philadelphia’s sole pumping station. It was considered a marvel for its steam technology and Classical Revival exterior design. Gardens, walkways, and sculptures would later be added around the facility. The site quickly became a tourist attraction.

More needed to be done to protect the Schuylkill River as pollution from upriver mills and other growing industries put residents’ health and safety at risk. The city government continued to acquire more land in proximity to the river, 

starting with the Lemon Hill estate in 1843

, which would expand the city’s territory.

. The mayor at the time, Morton McMichael, advocated expanding the land to create a space that would rival New York’s Central Park. Philadelphia hosted a 

 to repurpose Lemon Hill and Sedgley to protect the city’s water supply.

Over the 19th century, Philadelphia would 

 associated with today’s Fairmount Park. Fairmount Park was 

 to be forever “an open public place and a park for the health and enjoyment of the people of said city, and the preservation of the purity of the city’s water supply.”

 in West Fairmount Park, which established new landmarks associated with the park today. Although many structures from the event no longer exist, 

 are still standing. Memorial Hall currently serves as the home for the Please Touch Museum.

So when you visit Fairmount Park today, remember that it was designed with public health, recreation, and natural beauty in mind.

Starting with just a large hill that left William Penn in awe, Fairmount Park is now the largest landscaped urban park in the world.

How Philly’s Fairmount Park Came To Be

People, places, and scenes from Philadelphia's past.

Philly History

Philadelphia is responsible for maintaining over 

 and highways, helping get commuters to their next destination by foot or vehicle. While many of these roadways are bordered by sidewalks, some streets lack them entirely, leaving pedestrians stranded or 

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s 

 tracks walkability in the Philadelphia area. Residents can plan trips by using its tools, such as 

 of the region’s sidewalks. The commission estimates 

230 miles of Philly streets have no sidewalks

The map uses a key to identify gaps in sidewalk coverage. Red indicates streets missing sidewalks on either side. Yellow indicates streets that are missing sidewalks on one side. Green indicates streets that have sidewalks on both sides.

Compared to surrounding counties, Philadelphia is fairly covered with sidewalks (their conditions, however, are another conversation). Most of Philly’s streets have sidewalks on both sides. 

Neighborhoods at the edges of the city appear to have fewer sidewalks, such as in Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast Philly. Streets lacking sidewalks are either located in industrial areas, adjacent to parkland, have expanded yard space, once had sidewalks that deteriorated over time, or were never designed with sidewalks in mind.

intersection of Bryn Mawr Avenue and Parkside Avenue North

, one side of Parkside has sidewalks while the other side, connected to Fairmount Park, remains grassy. On Bryn Mawr Avenue both sides of the street have sidewalks until one side becomes grass-covered past the bridge.

With facility improvements over the years, some infrastructure changes may not yet be reflected on the map. You can 

 to help keep the sidewalk inventory up to date.

 of City Cast Philly to learn how Philly can improve its sidewalks.

Neighborhood Sidewalks

How are the sidewalks in your neighborhood? 

A tool from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission can help you track gaps in the Philly area’s sidewalk network. 

Philly Sidewalks Are in Poor Condition. Some Streets Don’t Even Have One.

Which Philly Neighborhoods Suffer From a Sidewalk Gap?

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

At a city budget hearing on April 1, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation informed City Council that it has a 

backlog of close to 30,000 trees to address

. With so many hazardous trees in need of pruning and removal, that list may never reach zero.

The loss of trees throws a wrench in the 

 to increase the tree canopy and protect existing coverage.

Philadelphians can help with this by growing Philly’s urban forest in their immediate communities. Here’s how.

Tree Tenders are groups of volunteers trained to plant trees and maintain them in their communities. The initiative is a collaboration with the 

 and community partners like nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and watershed groups.

Throughout the year, PHS hosts training in-person and 

. After completing the basic level, you can become a certified Tree Tender and join your local group. At the higher levels, you can get certified to take on leadership roles and more complicated maintenance tasks.

Basic training includes lessons on tree biology, identification, care, and safety. A full course is available at a sliding scale cost, with a suggested donation of $40. Some Tree Tender groups may waive the fee.

. Tree Tender groups exist in many Philadelphia neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs.

After becoming certified, you can help neighbors register to receive a tree during the next planting cycle, assist with pruning, and answer questions about tree care.

Can I Plant Trees Without Becoming a Tree Tender?

Opportunities arise every spring and fall to plant trees throughout the city. These are the best times of year to plant and do necessary maintenance because you avoid extreme weather conditions and interfering with budding trees.

No experience is needed to participate in a planting, as training is done on-site. If you’re a certified Tree Tender who has participated in a planting before, your expertise can help guide first-timers in a successful planting.

, a celebration of Philly’s parks, also has tree care opportunities.

If you want a tree for your private property, you can 

through your neighborhood Tree Tender group to have one planted by volunteers in the next planting cycle. Another option is Tree Philly, which hosts 

 and will provide delivery and planting assistance to residents with limited mobility.

Philadelphia’s trees are in major need of maintenance. Tree Tenders can help their neighborhood’s tree canopy thrive. 

How To Become a Tree Tender in Philly

Here’s How You Can Help Grow Philly’s Tree Canopy

Moving regularly each day can reduce stress, improve your sleep, and decrease your risk of diseases. So it’s no surprise that running clubs are a popular way to not only stay active, but also make new friends. However, some may want to start their wellness journey at a slower pace. Here are some walking clubs to ease you onto the trails.

This initiative between the Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation invites residents to get to know their neighborhood park — and perhaps visit others — 

. Trained leaders guide seasonal hour-long walks in parks around the city. 

You may have walked through the city, but have you ever walked around it? 

 encourages residents to explore the city’s borders by walking its perimeter either on their own or with a group. The challenge is designed in segments (trying to walk Philly’s entire shape in a day may be 

challenging) to connect with new-to-you sections of the city and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Philly, Philly.

 organizes multiple workouts each month all across the city. You may have seen its

 before. In addition to its walking group, you can participate in other group-fitness workouts and a book club. All 

 is a dedicated walking and wellness group for women of color in Philadelphia. The group organizes walks along the city’s bridges and trails or to specific destinations such as coffee shops and farmers' markets. Walks are adult-only unless specified otherwise.

 promotes accessible nature-based wellness activities with animals. The project hosts 

 at its home base at Awbury Arboretum and throughout the city. In addition to its goat walks, it also hosts grief walks.

Did you know that if you walk just five miles, you’ve completed 10,000 steps for the day?

 uses it as its marker for its weekly walks and runs. If you’re interested in joining the group and staying connected, you can 

🏃 If you’re looking for a little more speed, 

Walking Clubs

Here’s my favorite walking club!

Not everyone is training for a marathon, so these groups are encouraging slower movement in Philly. 

Join a Philly Walking Group Near You

Get Your Steps In With These Philly Walking Groups

, it’s a good time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden this season. 

 to your plot and pot. Not sure where to find some? Here are some upcoming plant sales and swaps to spruce up your garden while supporting local businesses.

Remember the former Greensgrow Farm in Kensington? The 

 is taking over in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. The institute is kicking this new era off with an 

. Attendees can go on a "wonder walk" that includes snacks and plant activities led by staff. The organization has also opened plant orders. 

 on April 18 to celebrate Earth Day. Make native plant 

 with other community members, along with other activities, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The street will be blocked off outside of the MLK Triangle to make way for workshops, music, and plenty of plant supplies. Interested in vending? 

 of Philadelphia County are bringing their 

 on April 26. Guests can browse over a hundred plants, from tasty veggies to fragrant herbs and beginner-friendly houseplants. There will also be opportunities to attend garden tours, plant demos, and workshops.

Stock up on pollinator plants, herbs, and more at 

. Sales will happen on April 21, May 9, June 13, May 30, and Sept. 12. Be sure to check out the 

 while you’re visiting during the weekend.

Support students at Philly’s agriculture high school by attending its 

 on May 2. Not only will you have the opportunity to purchase plants, but you can also receive free vegetable seeds. Stick around and see the students show off the skills they’re learning.

Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together

demonstrations on living well on a budget

 at this event on May 2. Aside from a seed exchange, 

 a foraging walk and citrus juice-making workshop. All activities will be at the Wyck Historic House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Head further up Germantown Avenue the following day to Chestnut Hill for its annual 

 on May 3. Browse plants, pots, and other garden decor from over 300 vendors along the corridor.

PHS hosts monthly plant swaps at its pop-up gardens in 

. Keep an eye on its calendar for other plant workshops throughout the season.

Several festivals and businesses are hosting major pop-up sales to help you find the perfect plants for your garden. 

Where To Shop For and Swap Plants in Philly

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups

Parks on Tap, the popular touring beer garden, returns for its ninth year, spanning 27 weeks until mid-October.

The season kicks off on April 8 at Azalea Garden, a scenic area near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Lloyd Hall Recreation Center featuring gorgeous flora once in full bloom. The pop-up will remain there until April 19, before moving around the rest of the city.

The series is free entry, but food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. Vendors take credit cards or cash, but a card is preferred.

A portion of all proceeds goes to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to fund projects such as trail improvements, tree plantings, and movie nights.

You must be 21+ with a valid form of ID to enter, and alcoholic drinks must stay within the restricted area. Younger attendees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Some seating will be available on-site, but feel free to bring your own blankets or chairs to lounge in the parkland.

The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Offerings include a pulled pork sandwich ($16), a loaded Mexican hot dog ($10), and a veggie crunch wrap ($14). Select vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available.

For drinks, you can sip on options like spicy mango margaritas ($12), draft beers ($8), and wines ($11). If you want a zero-proof drink, you can choose from lemonade ($3), soda ($3), or Athletic Brewing Company’s N/A drinks ($8).

Parks on Tap will rotate between 25 parks, spending five days at each location (Azalea Garden will host two consecutive weeks). Here are the first few stops:

​​Full Parks on Tap Schedule

Find the seasonal pop-up at these Philly parks.

Philly’s Traveling Beer Garden Returns for 2026 Season

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Philadelphia. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Philly Food & Drink

Food & Drink

City Cast Philly staff

The Philadelphia area is no stranger to pollutants from oil refineries and 

. And if you live along the Delaware River, you’re 

more likely to be exposed to hazardous waste sites

. That’s true for Port Richmond, where a large, toxic black mound called the 

 after over two decades. But what exactly is this site, and what makes it so dangerous?

The Franklin Slag pile is an example of a “Superfund” site. Enacted by Congress in 1980, the 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

 (or Superfund) allows the EPA to decontaminate sites harmed by industries that released hazardous waste, substances, and materials. It holds violators accountable by requiring them either to clean up the site or to reimburse the government to do so.

To be designated a Superfund site, the process begins with a notice of a hazardous release into the environment, followed by an evaluation process. Qualified sites are then placed on the National Priorities List, which collects contaminated sites that pose the most risk to the public and the environment. Once listed, more evaluations are done to determine how these sites can be best remediated.

Aside from the Franklin Slag Pile, the other Superfund site is the 

There were previously more Superfund sites in Philadelphia and the rest of Pennsylvania, many of which have now been cleaned up and 

. The redevelopment can come in the form of 

, including green space, military use, or public service.

However, in neighboring Camden County, New Jersey, nine Superfund sites pose an environmental risk for other communities in the larger Philadelphia region.

You can search Superfund sites by location through the 

. There you can find Superfunds that are currently active, proposed, or have since been removed.

Contact your legislators to voice concerns. Use these tools to find your:

 to keep residents up to date on site activities and inform the EPA’s decision-making.

For Port Richmond residents and concerned constituents, the EPA is hosting a 

 on April 29. The agency will also be present at a future Port Richmond Neighborhood Action meeting. 

 with reporter Jordan Gass-Pooré to learn more about plans to remediate the Franklin Slag Pile and why climate change is making Philly’s toxic sites more dangerous.

The Philadelphia region is home to several hazardous waste sites. Here’s how you can advocate for your community. 

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

 analyzing how public spaces such as parks and libraries can be critical infrastructure in the face of climate change. Philly, one of RCC’s pilot cities, was challenged to consider new ways of thinking about public space, and in this report it was recognized for the innovative ways our communities are becoming climate resilient. Here’s how Philly’s leading the charge.

 focused on four areas in West Fairmount Park that were mowed but underutilized. This used up tax dollars and fossil fuels. Through the intentional rewilding of the lawns at Ohio House, George Hill, MLK Drive North, and MLK Drive South, the meadows now soak up excess rainwater and attract pollinators.

Speaking of West Fairmount Park, the creation of 

 turned public spaces into “open-air living rooms.” Park improvements included safer pedestrian access to West Fairmount Park, 

 for informal gatherings, and rain gardens.

Philly’s innovative design practices and community-first approach are shaping the city’s environmentally sustainable future. 

outdoors

Where To Golf in Philly

How Philly’s Fairmount Park Came To Be

Which Philly Neighborhoods Suffer From a Sidewalk Gap?

Latest articles

Where To Golf in Philly

How Philly’s Fairmount Park Came To Be

Which Philly Neighborhoods Suffer From a Sidewalk Gap?

Here’s How You Can Help Grow Philly’s Tree Canopy

Get Your Steps In With These Philly Walking Groups

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

Latest articles

Here’s How You Can Help Grow Philly’s Tree Canopy

Get Your Steps In With These Philly Walking Groups

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly