Fairmount Park History & Facts

The Fairmount Park which consists of an array of neighborhood and regional parks occupies 9,200 acres, more than 10% of land in Philadelphia. That really makes it the largest metro park in both the United State and the World. Managed by the Fairmount Park commission, the Fairmount Park System is also widely regarded as one of the oldest municipally park systems of the nation.

Official Website of the Fairmount Park

http://www.fairmountpark.org/

The story of this fantastic city park dated back to 1790s when the government of Philadelphia was seeking for solutions to furnish residents with quality drinking water. And then water works was built in 1801. However, they were replaced by the Fairmount Water Works soon. At that time, the Fairmount Water Works had it reservoir located at the top of the Faire Mount, where the Philadelphia Museum of Art was built many years later.

To ensure the quality of drinking water, the city kept purchasing various landscape areas on both sides of the Schuylkill River. In 1855, over 2,400 citizens signed a petition to ask the government to purchase Robert Morris' Estate - the Lemon Hill. As the Lemon Hill was improved to become a public park in 1855, it was renamed as Fairmount Park. And this was the inception of the dramatic Fairmount Park System.

Before long, plenty of citizens even raised a large amount of money for the city to purchase the second largest piece of land around the Fairmount Water Works, the Sedgley Estate. To protect drinking water offered by the Fairmount Water Works from industry pollution, the Sedgley Estate was also prohibited to be developed, as with the original Fairmount Park - the Lemon Hill.

Then, when it comes to 1857, the Fairmount Park Commission was established to oversee the entire Fairmount Park System. And after more than 150 years of development, the Fairmount Park has grown to the gorgeous landscape we get to know today.

The History of Fairmount Park

http://www.fairmountpark.org/HistoryIntro.asp

Now, the Fairmount Park System comprises 63 different parks, among which a few parks are located on either side of the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek. Other parks are situated throughout the entire city. Amongst all these parks belonging to the Fairmount Park System, the largest parks involve:

1) Cobbs Creek Park:

It's said that there are always a ton of interesting things for you to do at the Cobbs Creek Park, no matter how old you are. The major highlights of this park are the ice skating sink and hiking trails. Also, it is a great destination for visitors to learn about the discovered history of Philadelphia.

2) East & West Fairmount Park:

The east and west Fairmount Park are separated by the Schuylkill River. These two parks are characterized by incredible landscape, various wildlife and amazing vistas. Besides, the fantastic historic houses located inside the two Fairmount Parks would definitely give all the visitors a glimpse of the rich history of the city.

3) Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park

The FDR Park is located at South Philadelphia, and more often referred to as "the Lakes". With a lot of scenic and peaceful lakes nestled in the park, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is widely considered as a wonderful destination for people to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban city.

4) Pennypack Park

Occupying 1,395 acres of land, the Pennypack Park is the largest watershed park among all the parks under the management of Fairmount Park Commission. Actually, it is the best option for various adventurers, like hikers and equestrians. Plus, it's also the best-loved destination for joggers, fisherman and cyclists.

5) Poquessing Valley Park

This park stretches about 21.5 miles along the Poquessin Creek and features a wide variety of riparian greenways for visitors to take a walk and relax themselves. Originally inhabited by Indians, the Poquessing Valley Park has been known as "Old Philadelphia" for a really long time.

6) Tacony Creek Park

The Tacony Creek Park is a 302-acre park which offers oodles of open space for visitors to immerse into the splendidly beautiful scenery and release all the pressure and stress of daily life. Additionally, there is a 2.5-mile trail placed along the scenic Tacony Creek. Whenever you need some alone time, simply pay a visit to the Tacony Creek Park and trek along the clean and peaceful waterfront trail.

7) Wissahickon Valley Park:

You can find the Wissahickon Valley Park at the northwest section of Philadelphia. It has become a major spot for Philadelphia residents to enjoy themselves for a long time, and features a really rich history.

Of course, other parks and attractions contained in the Fairmount Park System, like Hunting Park, Burholme Park and Penn Treaty Park, also have their own features. They will offer you unique and special experience for sure. For more information about the 63 parks, you can visit the following page.

The List of 63 Parks Included in the Fairmount Park System

http://www.fairmountpark.org/ParkList.asp

In addition to the beautiful 63 parks, the Fairmount Park also features a couple of wonderful museums and historic sites. The Strawberry Mansion, Wissahickon Hall and Ohio House are gorgeous buildings that have lasted for more than a century. They represent the development of architecture. Other historic homes and sites include: Cedar Grove, Lemon Hill, Japanese House and Garden, Mount Pleasant, Memorial Hall, Sweetbriar and Woodford.

Details about Historic Sites and Homes of Fairmount Park

http://www.fairmountpark.org/HistoricSites.asp

As for museums, they are well-maintained and offer various opportunities for visitors to learn about the history of Philadelphia as well as the United States. If you're planning your next trip to the Fairmount Park, don't forget to make stops at the Academy of Natural Sciences, American Swedish Historical Museum, Fairmount Water Works, Franklin Institute Science Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum, Rodin Museum or Ryerss Museum and Library.

About Museums inside the Fairmount Park

http://www.fairmountpark.org/MuseumsIntro.asp