A new addition to Philadelphia’s outdoor scene is the Rail Park. As do many older cities, Philadelphia has three miles of unused rail space, some above ground and some below. A group of concerned citizens got together, formed a non-profit, raised money and now the first ¼ mile section is done. It is on the above-ground portion of the tracks (like New York’s High Line) and begins at Callowhill Street between 11th and 12th and ends at Broad and Noble.

On this section, there are benches, swings and landscaping that lift you above the traffic on the street below and gives you a 360 -degree look at the city that surrounds you. There are monthly events on the Rail park so check out their website for dates and times.

Phase two of the park will again cover an elevated section of train track and continues the trail from the current Phase 1 design area over Vine Street and across to Fairmount Avenue. Construction will start on phase 2 as soon as the funds are available.