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.
The playground uses custom birdhouse-themed structures connected by accessible circulation paths.
Photo 1 of 4. The playground uses custom birdhouse-themed structures connected by accessible circulation paths.
Editorial notes
What stands out
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.
Know Before You Go
- Weather
- Outdoor playground; weather can strongly affect comfort and play time.
What to Expect
Play profile
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
Visit amenities
- Seating
- Picnic tables
- Parking
- Pavilions or shelters
- Mixed shade
- Visit type
- Destination outing.
Read more about this location
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.
Hours & Admission
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Summary
Official 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 features
Known Features
Quiet reflection spaces
Known Features
All-ages layout
Known Features
Inclusive public design approach
Known Features
Seating and picnic infrastructure nearby
Considerations
The site is large, so some families may want to preview photos before visiting.
Considerations
Public-facing sources reviewed did not publish a full component-by-component adaptive equipment list.
These details summarize published sources and dated reports. They are not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.
Location
FDR Park
Philadelphia, PA, 19145
Other options nearby
Inclusive Skippack Township playground with a roll-on spinner, face-to-face swing, rocking bridge, accessible slide, and rubber surfacing.
Sources & Updates
3 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 11, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 11, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 3 public sources
Public sources
- Fairmount Park Conservancy blogmyphillypark.org
Official grand opening post with feature details and photos.
Checked: name, opening, inclusive positioning, 20-swing structure, adventure path, quiet reflection spaces
- Fair Play campaign pagefairplayphilly.org
Campaign impact page with project summary and photos.
Checked: 2-acre size, all-ages positioning, birdhouse structures, Pattison Lagoon setting
- SPEC project pagespecplay.com
Project partner page with images and feature overview.
Checked: fully accessible and inclusive concept, treehouses, embankment slides, log climbers, spinners
What changed
April 11, 2026
Created listing from official project, campaign, and project partner sources.
Accessibility details reflect available public information and dated reports, not an ADA inspection.