Clark Park is a nine-acre public park in West Philadelphia, between Baltimore Avenue, Woodland Avenue, 43rd Street and 45th Street. Its two sections have different layouts: one has a playground, while the other is a grassy bowl with tree shade and seating. Come for a walk, a picnic or a community event; markets, outdoor films, concerts and summer Shakespeare performances are among the activities held here. The Saturday farmers market runs year-round, with local produce and food trucks.
A park with two different sections
Clark Park covers nine acres in West Philadelphia’s University City area. Baltimore Avenue, Woodland Avenue, 43rd Street and 45th Street mark its borders, while Chester Avenue separates the park into two sections.
The north section is smaller and has benches where people gather. The south section has a bowl-shaped lawn, with sloping sides and a lower grassy area at its centre. Trees and seating line parts of the space, and there is a playground. The layout gives you a choice between sitting near the edge or spreading out on the lawn.
Markets, performances and outdoor films
The park’s calendar includes farmers and flea markets, concerts, performances and outdoor movie screenings. The farmers market operates year-round on Saturdays, with local produce and other goods. Food trucks also stop at the park, and the open space gives you room to stay for a picnic after shopping.
Movies in Clark Park are held on Friday evenings in August. Summer programming has also included Shakespeare performances in the park. Check the current schedule before setting out, since these events take place on specific dates rather than every day.
Picnics, play and a historic statue
More than 300 trees provide shade around the park. Picnic tables sit along the rim of the grassy bowl, and charcoal grills are available at one edge of the meadow. The playground makes the park a practical stop for families, while open areas and courts support sports and informal recreation.
Near 43rd Street and Chester Avenue, look for a bronze statue of Charles Dickens and Little Nell. Artist Francis Edwin Elwell made the sculpture in 1890. The park was established in 1895, just five years after the statue was created.
Walking a dog at Clark Park
The grassy bowl is a popular place for people walking their dogs, and both sections have space for a walk. The bowl is not fenced, however, and it is near a playground. Philadelphia law requires dogs to be leashed in public spaces, so keep your dog on a leash even if other dogs are running free.
FAQ
When is the Clark Park farmers market?
The farmers market operates year-round on Saturdays. Food trucks also stop at the park.
Are there events at Clark Park?
The park hosts markets, concerts, performances and outdoor films. Movies in Clark Park are held on Friday evenings in August; check the schedule for dates.
Can you bring a dog to Clark Park?
Yes. Dogs are commonly walked in both sections, including the grassy bowl. Philadelphia law requires dogs to be leashed in public spaces, and the bowl is not fenced.
What can you see at Clark Park besides the green space?
Look for the bronze statue of Charles Dickens and Little Nell near 43rd Street and Chester Avenue. The sculpture was made by Francis Edwin Elwell in 1890.
