Monthly Community Workday at FDR Park

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy staff for monthly volunteer workdays around the Pattison Lagoon starting on Thursday, September 18th, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. 

In 2024, the north area of the lagoon was revitalized—clearing invasive species and trash, planting native trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses to support local wildlife. This year, we need your help to care for and establish these plantings. Join us in making a lasting impact on Pattison Lagoon’s ecosystem. Let’s continue this important work together! 

This volunteer event is open to all ages and people of all abilities. Anyone interested is welcome to participate.

Please use the Anna C. Verna Playground parking lot.

Volunteers will be able to select their project, including:

• Tree care, weeding & mulching
• Soil decompaction
• Removing invasive species
• Watering
• Trash cleanup as needed

FDR Park is a 348-acre estuary park located in South Philadelphia that serves local neighbors and regional visitors with a variety of active recreational features and unique ecological assets. This work around the Pattison Lagoon is part of the FDR Park Plan – Philly’s largest, most public-facing investment in climate resilience that builds better, more diverse access for everyone in the city. Learn more here.

Timeline for Event 

9:00 am: Arrival and Registration
9:15 am: Welcome Remarks, Project & Safety Overview

9:30 am: Begin Projects

10:00 am: Group Photo
11:45 am: Call to Stop Work and gather Tools
11:55 am: Closing Remarks
12:00 pm: Event Ends

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• In general, please wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes like boots or sneakers are required (no ballet flats, flip-flops, or sandals).

• We strongly recommend wearing long pants that cover your ankles and long sleeves to protect your arms.

• Please bring a reusable water bottle. We will provide jugs for refilling.

• Volunteers are also required to wear gloves while working. Gloves will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.

• You may also want to consider wearing a hat or sunglasses. 

GETTING THERE/PARKING: Main entrance on Pattison Ave at 15th St. Follow the road and turn left towards the American Swedish Historical Museum parking lots. Also, you can park at the parking lot in front of the FDR Boathouse and walk to the playground from there to the Playground.

• We will meet in the main parking lot between the boathouse and the American Swedish Historical Museum. Plenty of free parking is available in the park. 

• The park is easily accessible by the SEPTA Orange/Broad Street subway line, as well as Bus 17. 

• We recommend using the 20th Street bike lane to access the park via bicycle. 

**Please don’t leave valuables or anything visible in your vehicles.** 

INCLEMENT WEATHER PROTOCOL

• This workday will take place in light rain. In the event of heavy rain or other severe conditions, the workday will be canceled and registrants will be notified.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to eduenas@myphillypark.org

Looking for more ways to support our work? Play it forward for Philly parks! Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Fair Play Campaign is creating healthy park infrastructure, expanding people-centered programs, and preparing our organization for the future. Learn more and get involved at fairplayphilly.org