Friends of Clark Park

Friends of Clark Park Friends of Clark Park is a volunteer organization & non-profit founded in 1974 to help maintain & improve University City’s largest public green space

Let’s make something amazing together! Bring your imagination and join Hinge Collective, Studio Ludo, and Friends of Cla...
03/27/2026

Let’s make something amazing together!

Bring your imagination and join Hinge Collective, Studio Ludo, and Friends of Clark Park as we team up to redesign the playground!

Two weeks ago, community members gathered to celebrate Charles Dickens 214th Birthday Party! It may seem odd that our li...
02/22/2026

Two weeks ago, community members gathered to celebrate Charles Dickens 214th Birthday Party! It may seem odd that our little corner of Philadelphia was celebrating a long-past English writer - but not when you realize that Clark Park is home to one of only three statues in the world of Charles Dickens! The story behind how Clark Park came to be home of such a rarity is a story for another time, however the story of what happened at Dickens' 214th Birthday Part is one for now!

Attendees were able to witness Cameron O'Grady portray a young Charles Dickens as well as hear reading from him and other speakers like a guest from the Friends of Dickens New York Branch, and local neighborhood actor Bill Burrison. After the readings, attendees were treated to a wonderful English Folk Dance by the Kingsessing Morris Men, whose incredible performance is an annual staple at Dickens' Day. The crowd then proceeded to the Charles Dickens' statue and wish him a happy birthday!

This time-honored Friends of Clark Park event is a fantastic way to learn about the rich history of Clark Park and the neighborhood. We can't wait to see everyone again next year! Happy Birthday Charles Dickens!

Join us for a festive Dickens celebration in the park!We’ll gather at Elmwood Methodist Church for the main program, the...
01/24/2026

Join us for a festive Dickens celebration in the park!

We’ll gather at Elmwood Methodist Church for the main program, then walk together to the Dickens statue for a short ceremony and dancing—featuring the Kingsessing Morris Dancers.

Afterward, keep the celebration going with pizza at Clarkville, compliments of FoCP

📍 Program: 2:00–3:30 P
🚶 Statue ceremony & dancing to follow
🍕 Clarkville gathering around 4:00–4:30 PM

Come celebrate community, tradition, and a little Dickensian joy—we’d love to see you there!

The Friends of Clark Park are sad to share that Barry Grossbach, one of The Friends’ cofounders, passed away on December...
01/10/2026

The Friends of Clark Park are sad to share that Barry Grossbach, one of The Friends’ cofounders, passed away on December 18th, 2025. He was 86 years old. Barry was an invaluable member of the community who volunteered his time and donated his money to a variety of causes. Barry helped create the formation of University City District, served as a board member of Spruce Hill Community Association, and was a founding member of The Friends of Clark Park. He and his late husband, Mike Hardy, resided in Spruce Hill for over 50 years.

During his years with The Friends of Clark Park, Barry provided immense help to our organization by organizing efforts to improve Clark Park as much as possible. His early efforts laid a solid foundation for our organization to build upon and is the reason we are as strong as we are today.

Additionally, Barry generously contributed financially to the Friends of Clark Park. He donated 400,000 dollars of his own money to contribute to the Clark Park Plan and has provided funding to various organizations to improve greenery in the surrounding area. Barry also purchased property at the corner of 43rd and Osage with the express purpose of turning into a community garden.

Community members like Barry are what make us – us. His legacy will be felt for decades through the incredible physical environment that he helped cultivate. Barry has been laid to rest at The Woodlands and will never be far from Clark Park. We will miss you, Barry. Thank you for everything you have done.

Join us for traditional candlelight caroling in the park at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 21.Classic songs, family-friendly vibes...
12/17/2025

Join us for traditional candlelight caroling in the park at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 21.
Classic songs, family-friendly vibes, and warm mulled cider to sip as we sing. 🕯️🎶🍎

Clark Park came alive this Saturday with the 25th Annual Peoplehood Parade & Pageant! Giant puppets, live music, and so ...
11/11/2025

Clark Park came alive this Saturday with the 25th Annual Peoplehood Parade & Pageant! Giant puppets, live music, and so much love for our West Philly community. Here’s to 25 years of Peoplehood and the power of coming together. 💚

We are thrilled to announce an RFP for the redesign of Clark Park’s playground as part of Phase One of our park improvem...
11/04/2025

We are thrilled to announce an RFP for the redesign of Clark Park’s playground as part of Phase One of our park improvement plan. We’re seeking a qualified design firm to reimagine the playground.

This project will serve tens of thousands of children who visit Clark Park each year.

📥 Download the RFP: https://www.friendsofclarkpark.org/rfp

Parktoberfest 2024 What an amazing day at Clark Park! On October 18th, our community came together for a fantastic fundr...
11/04/2025

Parktoberfest 2024

What an amazing day at Clark Park! On October 18th, our community came together for a fantastic fundraising event. With the support of hundreds of neighbors and generous sponsors, we raised over $10,000 to benefit the park! 🎉

The day was filled with fun activities, a successful silent auction, and so much joy and laughter. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

Big thanks to our volunteers — the park looks gorgeous! 🍂 Come enjoy the peak of fall colors. 🍂🍁🍃
11/03/2025

Big thanks to our volunteers — the park looks gorgeous! 🍂 Come enjoy the peak of fall colors. 🍂🍁🍃

Next Saturday: Bark in the Park at the 43rd St. side of the Bowl! 🎉Treats, giveaways & contests judged by West Philly’s ...
10/28/2025

Next Saturday: Bark in the Park at the 43rd St. side of the Bowl! 🎉
Treats, giveaways & contests judged by West Philly’s veteran vet Dr. David Littlejohn. 🐶
A fun, easy meet & greet for all pups & their humans! 🐕‍🦺🐩
🕑 2–3 PM – don’t miss it!

This Saturday, October 25th, 11am at Clark Park we will be having a canvass, knocking on doors in the neighborhood to ge...
10/22/2025

This Saturday, October 25th, 11am at Clark Park we will be having a canvass, knocking on doors in the neighborhood to get out the vote for the upcoming election. Come join us!
We have an election on November 4th and Republicans (and their billionaire donors) are spending big to take over the PA Supreme Court and erode our most basic liberties. From protecting abortion rights to guaranteeing free and fair elections — our future is on the ballot and it’s on all of us to get out the word.

We’ll have 27th Ward committee members canvassing across West and Southwest! Come through, we’ll even have free coffee :)

Registration link below:

https://actionnetwork.org/events/get-out-the-vote-with-the-27th-ward-democrats?source=direct_link&

Address

4300 Baltimore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19104

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