Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse


Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a free young children's playground near North 33rd Street and Oxford Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, within the borders of Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia magazine awarded it Best Playground of Philly in 2006 and 2008, calling it "a city treasure."

Renovations

Established in 1899 by the wills of Richard and Sarah Smith and designed by architect James H. Windrim, it occupies nearly 6 acres, and is visited by more than 1000 children per day. From 2003 to 2005, the playground was closed while a citizen's non-profit group began a rejuvenation of its play equipment and landscape, as well as a renovation of its Playhouse for very young children.

Playhouse

The playhouse is for children 5 and under, with any baby who can play welcome, but accompanied by at least one adult 18 or older.

Playground

In July 2005 the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide was reopened, and in August 2006 a new complex of swings called "Swing City" was opened. By 2009, an area about three football fields in size had been redone, and the outside of the Playhouse preserved, and work continues. The Giant Slide is long, wide, high, and 12 children can use it at once. The playground is for children 10 and under, accompanied by at least one adult 18 or older. There is a special play area for very young children.