If you grew up in Philadelphia, you probably know FDR Park as "The Lakes." You might also know it as that place that turns into a literal swamp every time it rains more than a half-inch. For years, the old playground there was... well, it was fine. It was a standard-issue plastic structure that was often half-underwater or surrounded by mud. Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown for such a massive park.
But things changed.
The Anna C. Verna Playground opened in late 2023, and it’s not just "new." It’s a total departure from how the city usually builds play spaces. It’s part of a massive $250 million overhaul of FDR Park, and if you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out on the biggest swing set in North America. Yes, you read that right. North America.
Who was Anna C. Verna anyway?
Before we get into the slides and the "megaswing," we should talk about the name. Anna C. Verna wasn't just some random official. She was a powerhouse. She served on the Philadelphia City Council for 36 years and was the first (and still only) woman to serve as Council President.
She lived in South Philly her whole life. She was the kind of person who treated everyone like family, and she fought hard for the neighborhoods around the park. Naming this specific spot after her wasn't just a political gesture; it was about honoring a woman who basically embodied South Philadelphia.
The Megaswing is basically the main event
Let's be real: most people come here for the swing. It’s a massive, 20-swing structure that forms a giant oval. It's 110 feet long. It looks like something out of a modern art museum, but it’s built for heavy use.
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What's cool about it is that it isn't just for toddlers. You’ll see teenagers, parents, and even grandparents on this thing. They have standard seats, baby seats, and ADA-accessible seats with straps. There are even these "nest" swings that multiple kids can pile into.
"It's the only place I've seen where the adults are actually swinging as much as the kids," one local told me while pushing their toddler. "Usually, we're just standing on the sidelines checking our phones."
The swing sits right on the edge of the Pattison Lagoon. If you time it right at sunset, the view over the water is actually pretty incredible. It makes you forget you're basically right across the street from the sports complex.
It's built for "Risky Play" (and that's a good thing)
If you’re a helicopter parent, the Anna C. Verna Playground might give you a minor heart attack at first. The designers at Studio Ludo and WRT leaned heavily into the concept of "risky play."
Now, "risky" doesn't mean "dangerous." It means giving kids the chance to test their limits. The three massive climbing towers—which are designed to look like giant birdhouses—are 25 to 35 feet tall. They have these high-intensity rope nets and spiraling stainless steel slides that are honestly kind of intimidating.
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Why do this? Because kids need to learn how to navigate heights and speed. The towers were custom-made in Germany by a company called Berliner, and they’re designed so that kids of different abilities can still find a way up. There’s a "boulder scramble" and log piles made from whole white oak trees for the kids who aren't ready for the 30-foot climb yet.
No more mud: The science of the surface
Remember how I said the old park was a swamp?
The new Anna C. Verna Playground solved this in a way that’s actually pretty genius. They used a cork-based, poured-in-place safety surface. It’s the largest installation of this specific cork material in the world.
It’s better than that old recycled rubber stuff for a few reasons:
- It’s permeable. Rainwater goes right through it into the ground instead of pooling on top.
- It stays cool. Rubber gets scorching hot in the Philly summer; cork doesn't.
- It’s sustainable. It’s made from recycled materials and is carbon-negative.
The whole playground was also built on a raised berm, lifting it two feet higher than the previous ground level to keep it out of the floodplain. So even after a Nor'easter, the kids can usually play without needing galoshes.
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Planning your trip: What to know before you go
If you're headed to FDR Park, keep in mind that this place gets packed on weekends. Like, really packed.
Location: It’s nestled between the Pattison Lagoon and the new Welcome Center (the old guardhouse/stables).
Parking: There’s a parking lot nearby, but it fills up fast. If you’re coming from Center City, the Broad Street Line (Orange Line) to NRG Station is a 10-minute walk away.
Amenities: There are nine picnic sites and a big pavilion. Most importantly? The new Welcome Center nearby has actual, clean public restrooms.
Is it actually for everyone?
The "all-ages" tag isn't just marketing fluff. Because the park uses natural materials—logs, boulders, and hills—it feels less like a plastic cage and more like a landscape.
There are "sensory-rich" areas for kids who get overwhelmed by the chaos of the big towers. There’s a "Picolino" bamboo spinner for smaller kids and an "Access Whirl" that’s flush with the ground so wheelchairs can roll right on.
Actionable tips for your visit:
- Go early or go late. If you want the Megaswing to yourself, get there before 10:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. It’s especially peaceful at dusk.
- Bring a picnic. There are plenty of boulder benches and grassy spots. You don't have to stay in the "play" zone; the lagoon views are the best part of the park.
- Check the Welcome Center. They often have maps of the rest of the FDR Park Master Plan, which shows you where the new wetlands and trails are located.
- Dress for climbing. Even the adults might end up in a birdhouse. Wear sneakers, not flip-flops.
The Anna C. Verna Playground is a massive step forward for Philadelphia’s public spaces. It treats children—and their parents—like they deserve something world-class, not just something functional. It’s a place where you can actually feel the "wander and wonder" vibe the designers were going for.
Just watch your head on the Megaswing. It moves faster than you think.