Protect Our Public Lands

PennEnvironment rallies support to protect FDR Park meadows

As plans to pave and astroturf the wild fields of FDR Park moved forward, PennEnvironment supporters and advocates took a hike to show support for protecting its natural integrity. 

As plans to pave and astroturf the wild fields of FDR Park moved forward, PennEnvironment supporters and advocates took a hike to show support for protecting its natural integrity. 

FDR Park and its meadows are one of Philadelphia’s most beloved and largest open spaces. However, in an attempt to win a 2026 World Cup soccer bid, Philadelphia officials are considering a proposal to destroy part of the park’s wild meadowlands to fill it with artificial turf, roads, bleachers and buildings. Since the plan’s announcement, PennEnvironment has gathered hundreds of petitions opposing the short-sighted proposal, and for National Hiking Day on Nov. 17, we teamed up with the Sierra Club to host a hike in support of safeguarding the park and its natural wonders.

“This proposal would do irreparable harm to the park’s beloved wild fields, parklands and meadows,” said PennEnvironment Executive Director David Masur. 

PennEnvironment is continuing to call on Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney to stop this plan and save FDR Park. 

Photo: Supporters gathered to hike FDR Park on National Hiking Day as plans to pave and astroturf the park advanced. Credit: Staff

Mary Katherine Moore
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