Pop by Parkside’s new pop-up play space!

by Grace Romo

Just in time for summer, a new pop-up play space will open next to West
Fairmount Park’s Welsh Fountain starting June 1! The Parkside Pop-Up Play Space, developed by Fairmount Park Conservancy in partnership with Tiny WPA, is designed for children of all ages.

The Pop-Up Play Space serves a dual purpose: it offers a space for local
residents to enjoy recreational activities in an area of the park with very few play areas for children while also serving as a pilot for upcoming improvements to the John Welsh Memorial Fountain and its
surrounding area, led by Fairmount Park Conservancy.

The Conservancy has held three community engagement events over the last year asking Parkside residents what they want to see at the Welsh Fountain and surrounding green space. This feedback has informed planned enhancements including restoring the
fountain, adding lighting and seating, and creating diverse and welcoming opportunities for play areas in the four corners of the site. While these designs go through further community review and
implementation, the new pop-up playspace allows children in Parkside to
have a place to enjoy themselves right now.

“Community engagement sessions in 2023 highlighted the importance of safe, family-friendly spaces,” said Ausra Mussett, Planning & Engagement Project Manager at the Conservancy.

While the Conservancy continues to plan for the revitalization of Welsh Fountain and the surrounding area, it is proud to address the urgent need for a safe and engaging play space this summer for Parkside residents.

On May 17, Tiny WPA held a Community Build Day to encourage
Parkside residents to join in on the popup playspace creation. While they were building, members of the community took an interest in the space.

Studies show play can enhance childhood development, physical health, cognitive skills, social interaction, and creativity.

The Pop-Up Play Space is designed with these aspects in mind, incorporating natural elements to encourage exploration and stimulate imagination.

Behind the scenes, a coalition of partners and community members rallied together to bring this vision to fruition. Tiny WPA staff led the construction efforts, joined by collaborators including the Mural Arts Rec Crew, local Philadelphia school students, and neighborhood families and children.

The Parkside Pop-Up Play Space was also designed to promote collaboration among residents who live near West Fairmount Park.

As the Pop-Up Play Space continues to attract visitors of all ages, Fairmount Park Conservancy encourages the community to stay informed about the Welsh Fountain project by visiting bit.ly/welsh-fountain.