The map of proposed improvements to Clark Park.

The Master Plan process for Clark Park, which began last year, has been recently completed and now The Friends of Clark Park group is working with the City on a final plan. This new plan will help expand the park’s impact on the community, proponents say. It includes nature-based playgrounds (see image below), a multi-height basketball hoop, a permanent bathroom, and many other improvements to the park (see more details and images here). By the way, this is the first Clark Park master plan approved by the City since 2006!

To help the plan move forward, The Friends of Clark Park is seeking community support and Giving Tuesday has kicked off their first fundraising drive. The all-volunteer group is hoping that community members will support the plan with their donations, “no matter how small.”

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Parents and guardians are invited this Saturday, Oct. 21 to participate in the 4th Annual Fall Clothing Swap for babies and kids (8 years old and younger). This is a great opportunity to get rid of your children’s old or unwanted clothes and/or shoes and find duds that you want in good condition!

The event will be held on the 4200 block of Regent Square, a side street off of Clark Park (near the playground). The drop-off starts at 9:30 a.m., and swapping takes place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. Only clothing and shoes in good condition (no rips or stains) will be accepted.

Check out the flyer below for more details.

Over the past year, the Friends of Clark Park has been working on a new master plan that will provide the outline for future park development and investments. Next Saturday, they will present the final draft of the plan to the community (the event has been postponed due to rain in the forecast for October 14).

Everyone who is involved with the park in any way and interested in its future, is invited to Clark Park Farmers Market at 43rd and Chester on October 21 to learn more about the plan and provide feedback.

The plan has been developed in collaboration with University City District and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s Office. Community members were also actively involved in the plan development process, with several community meetings and online surveys taking place since last year. The final draft of the Master Plan includes revisions made based on prior community feedback.

Clark Park Farmers Market operates from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and you can stop by anytime during these hours. Jamie Gauthier will also be there, according to the Friends report. For some info on why Clark Park needs a master plan and what previous master plans included, click here.

There are more chances this month to see free outdoor movies in Clark Park’s “Bowl” (43rd and Chester) while the weather is still warm but less humid.

University City District‘s annual Movies in Clark Park program will return for the final time this Friday, Sept. 15 with a screening of the recent blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick (2022). The program is usually held in August, but one rain date is reserved for September. The film will start promptly at 7:30 p.m.. Registration is not required but recommended for this event in case there are any weather-related updates. Go here for more info.

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Parks on Tap (Instagram photo)

Here’s a great chance to spend more time outdoors this summer while enjoying some craft beer and delicious snacks in a beautiful green setting. Parks on Tap, the traveling beer garden presented by the Philadelphia Parks & Rec, will make another stop at Clark Park at 43rd and Baltimore this year (the first appearance was in May). The beer garden is returning Wednesday, Aug. 16 and will stay through Sunday, Aug. 20.

The beer garden hours are:

Wed-Fri: 4-10 p.m.

Sat & Sun: 12-10 p.m.

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Click the image to enlarge it.

Clark Park Farmers Market will soon have a new footprint, according to a recent announcement by The Food Trust, the organization that runs the market. Beginning Saturday, Aug. 12 the market will slightly move and operate on the Chester Avenue sidewalk on the park’s North Side, which is between Baltimore and Chester.

After the move the market, which has so far operated along 43rd Street, will have an L shape – it will occupy the southern half of 43rd Street and the sidewalk along the north side of Chester Avenue.

The new location of the market will be permanent due to the construction of the apartment building at 43rd and Baltimore. It will remain in effect after the construction is complete.

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