Holly from Philadelphia

About me I'm a travel professional, writer and photographer. I grew up in the Philly area, moved as far away as I could when I was 18 (Hi, Alaska!), then went to college in Hawaii, and finally returned to Philly for good in 2011. I am happy to spend my life exploring the world, whether it's across an ocean or down the street. Why Philadelphia I knew I loved Ph...

Feb 2, 2025

John F. Collins Park Philadelphia

A hidden pocket park

""John F. Collins Park" is a serene little oasis in the busiest part of Philly. I really appreciate how clean and well-kept this park is, so many flowers..."

Right near the corner of 17th Street on Chestnut, the John F. Collins Park is a serene little oasis in the busiest part of Philly.

Just the width and depth of a single building, this park packs in several cafe tables, benches, fountains, gardens and trees. I usually come here in the morning after grabbing a bagel from Chestnut St. Bagels next door. Or, if I've been walking around on a hot day and need a shady place to rest for a little while, this is the spot!

I really appreciate how clean and well-kept this park is, and there are always flowers of some sort in bloom from spring to fall.

Make sure you check out the incredibly ornate iron gate entrance to the park on Chestnut St. called the Wissahickon Gate - it's a piece by late local artist Christopher T. Ray and depicts the flora and fauna of the nearby Wissahickon Valley. The gate on the other end of the park on Ranstead Street, also by Ray, is called the Estuary Gate and depicts marshland plants and animals of coastal New Jersey and Delaware.

Art & culture

Relaxing

About this spot

Chestnut Street 1707

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free

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