Anna C. Verna Playground
The Anna C. Verna Playground offers children and families a joyful experience that is also uniquely suited to FDR Park, merging activity and play with nature and water. The 2-acre all-ages playground on the banks of Pattison Lagoon features an extraordinary 20-swing structure – the largest swing set in North America! – and custom-designed “birdhouse” structures with slides and climbing areas that acknowledge FDR Park’s role as a premier bird habitat. Completed in Fall 2023 thanks to support from the Fair Play Campaign, the playground has already earned accolades for its citywide popularity and landscape design.
Recognition:
Merit Award: General Design, ASLA Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter, 2025
Best of Philly: Best Playground, Philadelphia Magazine, 2024
Swing Sets Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore, Bloomberg, April 2024
FDR Park unveils North America's largest swing set, 6ABC, November 2023
New Educational Hub and Play Space Now Open in FDR Park, Philadelphia Metro Kids, November 2023
New playground completed at FDR Park, part of $250 million redevelopment project, KYW, November 2023
America's largest swing set now open in Philadelphia, Good Morning America, October 2023
“The Anna C. Verna Playground is hands down the best play space in Philadelphia.”
Credits:
Project Team: Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, WRT Design, Studio Ludo, KS Engineering, Meliora Design, Daniel J. Keating Company
Photography & Video: Albert Yee Photo
