Nestled along the Ben Franklin Parkway lies Sister Cities Park, a destination for families, local workers, residents, and tourists.  Sister Cities Park was originally dedicated in 1976 as a part of Philadelphia’s commitment to the International Sister Cities Program. This program sought to connect cities across the globe to build relationships and promote economic, cultural, and technical development.

Center City District (CCD) worked with Studio Bryan Hanes, an urban design and landscape architecture firm, to transform Sister Cities Park from what once was a forgotten, run-down public space into one of the nation’s leading multigenerational parks, which re-opened in 2012. To enhance the park even further, in 2020, CCD collaborated with Studio Ludo, who specializes in building better play through research and design, in addition to Studio Bryan Hanes to introduce new improvements that created more ways for children to play while maintaining the intimate and natural feel of the park. The Discovery Garden and Pond, modeled after the Wissahickon Valley’s winding paths, mountains and streams, quickly became a hot spot for families and children to experience. Other features of the park include a climbing net and platform, a “hiding” nest, a stream dam, and push-button operated water jets. CCD has also implemented sustainable designs throughout the park such as the cafe’s green roof and native vegetation that helps the park reduce air temperature, smog, and dust. Additionally, last year, over 4,000 new pollinator-friendly native flowering plants and grasses were planted to serve as an urban sanctuary for birds, bees, and other insects.  Since its transformation, Sister Cities Park welcomes over 40,000 people annually and has become a haven for families to experience the local environment while in the heart of the city. 

In addition to improvements to the park's design, CCD also provides educational programming and activities throughout the year for children. During the summer months, institutions along the Ben Franklin Parkway partner with CCD to host Parkway Pals, providing entertaining and scholastic programming for children. Partners for the 2024 season included The Free Library of Philadelphia, the Fabric Workshop and Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Philadelphia Ballet, and new this year —DesignPhiladelphia.  

For the fall months, CCD has a variety of upcoming weekly events. Kids can join Miss Mary from The Free Library of Philadelphia on Tuesday mornings for Storytime. On Friday nights, enjoy Pictures in the Park featuring blockbuster animated films and classic movie snacks. On Family Saturdays, kids are invited to embrace their silly side as live entertainers offer unique programs. Additionally, CCD is excited to partner with DesignPhiladelphia to host KidsFest at Sister Cities Park for the first time on October 5. 

For more information and the full schedule of events, visit sistercitiespark.org.