Inclusive Play Atlas
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Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park with birdhouse play structures and swings
Fixed locationDestination inclusive playgrounds

Anna C. Verna Playground

South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Large all-ages inclusive playground at FDR Park with a 20-swing mega swing, custom birdhouse towers, accessible paths, quiet spaces, picnic seating, and nature-based play.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Strong for preschoolers through big kids, and works well for mixed ages.

Price

Free public playground inside a city park.

Parking

FDR Park generally offers on-site parking areas.

Visit style

Destination outing.

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

If you want a true destination outing with inclusive design, unusual equipment, and room for mixed-age kids to spread out, this is one of the strongest public options in the region.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Families planning a longer playground outing rather than a quick stop.
  • Mixed-age groups who want swings, climbing, slides, and more open-ended exploration.
  • Kids who benefit from accessible circulation and the option to step back into quieter spaces.
  • Families who like combining play with nature views, walking, and picnic time.
Less Ideal For
  • Families seeking a tiny neighborhood playground with very short walking distances.
  • Visitors who need a fully fenced play environment.
  • Families wanting highly detailed published information on every adaptive play component before arriving.

At a Glance

Venue type

Destination playground

Age groups

PreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Mobility features

Ground-level playWide pathways

Sensory and communication features

Quiet retreat spacesVestibular playNature play

Family amenities

SeatingPicnic tablesParkingPavilions or shelters

Safety and comfort

Clear sightlinesSeparated play zones

Surface type

Mixed surfaces

Shade level

Mixed shade

Accessibility supports

Accessible routesSmooth paths

Park context

Part of a larger parkPicnic area

Operator type

Municipal

Visit options

Free entryParking on site

Verified only

Yes

Plan Your Visit

ParkingFDR Park generally offers on-site parking areas.
SeatingOfficial materials note plenty of seating, 13 picnic sites, and a 900-square-foot picnic pavilion.
WeatherOutdoor playground; weather can strongly affect comfort and play time.
Stay LengthBest as a medium-to-long outing.
Planning Tips
Expect an outdoor destination-style visit.Bring water, snacks, and sun protection.This works well when paired with a broader FDR Park visit.

Pricing Snapshot

SummaryFree public playground inside a city park.
AdmissionFree

About the Venue

Anna C. Verna Playground is a standout destination playground inside FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Official project materials describe a 2-acre all-ages inclusive playground with an adventure path that reaches all play features, quiet reflection spaces, custom birdhouse climbing towers, embankment slides, log climbers, spinners, and a 20-swing structure that has been described as the largest swing set in North America. The setting along Pattison Lagoon gives it a distinctive nature-forward feel, while the seating, picnic sites, pavilion, and broad circulation make it easier for families to settle in for a longer outing. This is one of the strongest public inclusive playground options in the Philadelphia metro for mixed ages and destination-style play.

Atlas Perspective

Inclusive Play Atlas Notes

Age FitStrong for preschoolers through big kids, and works well for mixed ages.
Noise LevelVariable; the swing and climbing zones are likely louder than the quieter reflection areas.
Visit StyleDestination outing.
Energy LevelHigh overall with some lower-stimulation moments available.
Parent ComfortGood for longer visits because seating and picnic amenities are built in.

Birthday Party Snapshot

SummaryNot presented as a staffed private party venue, but the park includes picnic sites and a pavilion that can help support informal family gatherings.
Packages

Accessibility & Comfort

SummaryOfficial sources describe the playground as inclusive and fully accessible with an adventure path that provides access to all play features.
Known Features
Accessible paths to play featuresQuiet reflection spacesAll-ages layoutInclusive public design approachSeating and picnic infrastructure nearby
Considerations
The site is large, so some families may want to preview photos before visiting.Public-facing sources reviewed did not publish a full component-by-component adaptive equipment list.
Accessible routesSmooth paths

Gallery

Birdhouse tower and accessible circulation at Anna C. Verna Playground
The playground uses custom birdhouse-themed structures connected by accessible circulation paths.
Families using the inclusive play space at Anna C. Verna Playground
The site is designed as an all-ages, inclusive public play space.
Play area and seating at Anna C. Verna Playground
Families can pair active play with seating and picnic time nearby.
Mega swing structure at Anna C. Verna Playground
The 20-swing structure is one of the playground's signature features.

External Links

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Quick Summary

Best for

Strong for preschoolers through big kids, and works well for mixed ages.

Price

Free public playground inside a city park.

Parking

FDR Park generally offers on-site parking areas.

Visit style

Destination outing.

Contact Information

Address

FDR Park

Philadelphia, PA, 19145

Location
PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia MetroPhiladelphia, PA
Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 11, 2026

Checked against 3 public sources.

Reviewed as

Municipal source review

What Changed

April 11, 2026

Created listing from official project, campaign, and project partner sources.

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