Look at this beautiful lil oasis in the middle of the city and near so many lovely shops and cafes. I am smitten!! read more

John F. Collins Park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This is an oasis in Center City! It is a little pocket park sandwiches between buildings on Chestnut St across from Nordstrom Rack. It has a beautiful wrought iron fence. As soon as you enter, you fell the peace. A water feature is calming. The flowers and greenery are beautiful. In the summer, it's shady and cool. The park has tables and benches. It's a great spot to eat your lunch. Even better, grab a gelato form Gran Caffe L'Aquila and eat it in the park! It is generally clean. No bathrooms. read more

John F. Collins Park - Inside the park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A little gem of an oasis in the middle of the city. Perfect place to grab lunch or sit down with a kid or a book. Not a destination, more like a place of respite. read more

John F. Collins Park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've never been to this park but I'm researching this park. Oh my gosh guys you should go here, if you get the chance this is an extraordinary opportunity. With a gorgeous fence entering into the space, along with a lovely water feature, I simply don't understand why you wouldn't go to this gem of a place. As I was researching I noticed you could get married here. Now I am still a young'in but jee wiz would I get married here. Anyway a great park set in this small alcove in the city! Highly Recommend. read more

The park is a sliver of land between buildings on Chestnut Street, named after a former landscape architect, urban planner and educator who developed other parks in the area. What caught my eye was its peaceful lushness in the middle of a concrete jungle. Trees, plants and flowers adorn every inch of the garden setting, complete with a small water feature tucked into the corner. Benches and tables are available for perching. According to a tabletop ad, the Chaddsford Winery hosts a wine garden every Thursday & Friday afternoon from June through August. Because of passing rain, everything was wet so picnicking wasn't possible. Had it been dry, it would've been a killer place to chill with some takeout food. OVERALL: A diamond in the rough of a bustling city. read more

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A hidden gem. A beautiful sanctuary. A place I hesitate to write a review on because I wouldn't want it to be overrun. Come sit on a bench and read your favorite novel (even better if it's a Frances Hodgson Burnett.) Contemplate life. Listen to the birds. Eat your hoagie. This is a quiet, peaceful place boasting blooming multicolor tulips and twinkle-light wrapped trees. Just walking through the wrought iron gates you will breathe easier. A little since of heaven in the middle of a concrete jungle. read more

John F. Collins Park - Right inside the gate. - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Just one of the little parks I found while on my lunchtime walk wanderings - during PRE PANDEMIC TIMES. Find yourself a shady spot and bring a lunch here, take your trash with you, but I've been known to OOPS I DID IT AGAIN drop a few crumbs here and there for the raucous wildlife species who inhabit the area. One of the reasons I love Philly is just finding little green parks like this oasis tucked away in alleyways and back streets. read more

When you pay a visit to John F. Collins Park, you can literally breathe the peaceful quiet; the park can be found just a stone's throw from the hustle and noise of Chestnut and 17th streets. Have a picnic at one of the tables or seat yourself on one of the park benches, then listen to the soothing, peaceful sound of the water as it flows and cascades in the beautiful fountain. When the weather is good and the greenery is lush you'll feel enclosed by a veritable cocoon of nature even though you're in the center of a major city. read more

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I found this nice little park while walking down Rittenhouse Square. After grabbing some nibbles and things at De Bruno's I decided to plop myself at one of the chairs in this lovely park to eat. This haven is tucked between two buildings and I thought it was part of someone's house. I found it by accident and I'm so glad I did! There's a few tables and chairs there and it's pretty quiet and peaceful. Definitely a great refuge for reading or just appreciating a beautiful day. read more

John F. Collins Park - Chestnut Park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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An urban oasis! A tiny little green space nestled in a concrete jungle. Plenty of running water to give a vibe of Tranquility even if only for a moment. We visited the nearby bagel shop (which has absolutely no sitting space or tables), and were very pleased to find this place practically right next door. Many benches/chairs and tables make an ideal spot to sit down in the shade of the nearby tall buildings enjoy your ice coffee and lackluster sandwich. Is a small park with not much to do except sit and relax for a short spell, but that's all that's needed it was perfect! read more

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Wayne from DC is too school for cool for being FTR this oasis and sanctuary, just a few side steps from shopping and hubbub. Some architectural badass knows how to maximize space between buildings. Welcome, weary soul. Won't you stop a while and center thyself? read more

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Small relaxing respite in Ritten. area. Always a lot of seating available. Tip: please don't let your dog in the fountain read more

John F. Collins Park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This park is adorable and one of my favorite places to grab lunch with friends (or I'd even go alone) when the weather is nice. Tucked away just west of 17th street on Chestnut, you could blink and miss it. That would be kind of a long blink but you know what I mean. I went today and discovered that they are also doing lunchtime concerts from 12-1:30 until the fall! Made my day. They also have a Rita's water ice stand. JK this place is terrible don't go. I need to keep my private secret lunch spot. read more

John F. Collins Park - My favorite - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Discovered this place around the corner from our hotel in the Rittenhouse area one morning after breakfast. It's beautiful little spot to take a breakfast/lunch break. We returned later in the week for one of their wine gatherings. We're not big drinkers but, the wine was excellent. We had a couple of rounds. It was a nice thing to do in the heart of the city. Only downfall, it closes a little early in the summer. We will go back. read more

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There's nothing better than when one comes upon an unexpected calm and green space in the middle of a city. Especially when that city is unbearably hot, muggy, sticky and stinks to the high heavens. This space provides a little piece of shade, a water fountain, outdoor sculptures, native plants and trees - and that is a much welcomed respite when one feels that they are melting away amongst the concrete and the exhaust fumes. Chestnut Street Park is that little oasis that delivers. It's the unassuming hidden green gem in the middle of the hustle and bustle that is Center City. Flanked by Ciao Pizza to its left and Tokyo Lunch Box to its right, its length runs from beautiful wrought iron gates on Chestnut through to Ranstead Street. It's also a nice airy, two-second walking shortcut if you're passing through. p.s. on the downside, Christopher R. thoughtfully reminded me that this park closes up at end of the afternoon of each day so try and get your fix in before that happens. read more

John F. Collins Park - Chestnut Street Park design - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've walked by on my way to and from work every day for the past few weeks and never stopped in. (The gate's closed in the morning, and I'm in a hurry to get home in the afternoon.) While walking back from Chinatown with the boyfriend, I pulled him into the small park because I was dying to check it out. I'm so glad we did! It's a cute, albeit small, oasis right on Chestnut Street. I wasn't expecting a fountain or benches and chairs, but there they were. This park has a lot of shade so I'm sure it will be a great spot to hang out during the intense summer days! read more

John F. Collins Park - The fountain! - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Sometimes you need to whisk yourself out of a busy city street and find yourself in a alleyway of sculptures and a fountain with plenty of seats; which feels familiar while being something completely different. And for that John F. Collins Park is my kind of Wonderland. Either something was up with construction/preservation when I used to live in Rittenhouse, or I had failed to follow the white rabbit. Because for a spell I had remembered seeing this park gated off and had always wondered what had lurked from within. But when I saw it open during a recent visit to Buffalo Exchange I had found the perfect park escape from city life despite it being tucked away from a major street of Rittenhouse Square. Once you enter through the sculptured gateway; you're instantly welcomed by an inviting fountain, plenty of tables and chairs to sit at and indulge upon food from one of the many takeout options that the Rittenhouse Square area has to offer, and a good dose of history about Collins' architectural endeavors. Not too shabby for a compact city alleyway; and for that much tucked into such a small space it could be as much or even more of a park destination than the square itself! read more

This place is a total hidden gem. Nestled in between two buildings, it's definitely easy to pass. Best part is, I never see any kids or homeless people, so it's very quiet and relaxing. It's the perfect place to eat lunch, read a book, or have some one on one time with someone. read more

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Given the foot traffic on Chestnut, it's shocking that I often find this park empty, even on beautiful days. If you want to read a book in a gorgeous place, don't come here. If you want to while away the time or meet with a friend by the sound of gently falling water, don't come here. If you're looking for a place that makes you feel like you've stepped completely outside of downtown Philly while being still in its heart, don't come here. In fact, don't come here at all so I can continue to keep it to myself. I'd absolutely love to see more places like this... read more

John F. Collins Park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Such a cute little hidden gem in the heart of center city. It's a small park, think maybe a small fraction of the size of Rittenhouse park, hidden in between businesses. You can access it from Chestnut St, or thru the alleyway back behind the jewelry store on 17th. Great place to grab lunch midday, with tables & chairs throughout. The small park is shaded by trees, and there's a nice decorative fountain, all which makes you forget you're in the city, and feel like you're in a garden oasis. Sometimes in summer, Rita's water ice sets up a pushcart at the Chestnut St. entrance. Def worth checking out! read more

This is a really nice place full of shade to come and take a load off. Its is literally a park in the middle of a business strip that you would miss if you weren't paying attention. There are benches, tables, and a waterfall in the middle to enjoy. The birds are chirping and it really is relaxing. Glad i got to enjoy. I am killing time while waiting for my train back to Maryland so i brought my cup of starbucks and i am enjoying the view! read more

John F. Collins Park - Waterfall - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Such a cute park! I can't tell you how many times I've walked past this place without going in! Finally visited on a Friday for happy hour while Chads Ford Winery was doing a pop up wine garden (which I hear happens every week). They had a few wines, all completely overpriced for mediocre quality-- but the atmosphere was adorable! Such a cute park which actually extends back pretty far off Chestnut street. There is a large water feature, plenty of trees, and benches. Worth a visit even if just for a momentary retrieve from the hustle and bustle of center city! read more

I love to come here on my lunch break when the weather is nice. You may not even notice it when you walk by on Chestnut, but that's the best part - it almost seems like a secret little park that only you and a few people know about. If you want a table during the lunch hour during the week, I'd recommend coming just before noon to find a spot. I've noticed the park is usually patrolled by an officer or security guard so there's limited riffraff, although like any public area just be aware of your surroundings. Feeling pretty lucky to work just a block away and plan to frequent the park well into the fall! read more

In the same vein as Septuagesimo Uno in NYC, this little urban oasis nestled between two buildings in the middle of Philly is a place to gather a much needed respite. I found it by accident, and was drawn in my the gorgeous cubical fountain, small tables and chairs, small trees and ivy-covered walls, and free WiFi to boot! (Admittedly, I did not use the WiFi, and I was trying to connect with nature...errr, relatively speaking...instead.) Cute cute cute! read more

This is the cutest little park in the middle of all the shopping stores and restaurants. You can grab food from any place near by, and eat it here on the little eating tables. You can also just bring a laptop and do some busy work in this beautiful scenery. They have a waterfall in the middle that is sometimes is turned and it is so pretty to look accompanied with the lights that turn on during the evening. I personally like my alone time when I visit this park, but bringing a friend or two would make it enjoyable as well. read more

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This park is *not* called Chestnut Street Park, but is called John F. Collins Park. Redirect all reviews to the appropriate page here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/john-f-collins-park-philadelphia read more

Cute little park in CC. A respite in an urban area.

Got an hour to kill on your lunch break? Screw Rittenhouse. Screw Love Park. Screw Liberty Place food court. Weather permitting, this is my top pick to sit and enjoy my lunch. HIdden in between two buildings on Chestnut, I always manage to find a seat despite the small size of it (there's plenty of benches and chairs, as well as the steps leading down into the fountain) and the shade from the trees makes it a little cooler in the hot summer months. Sometimes there's live music from violinists and keyboardists if you're lucky. Just an overall beautiful and peaceful place amidst the hustle and bustle of center city. read more

Cute nook in the middle of the city nestled between buildings. Would be great to escape here for a quiet moment in the middle of the day. It totally feels like you're isolated from the rest of the city when you're here. read more

John F. Collins Park - Parks Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I moved to New York three months ago, and this is the first place I've wanted to write about on the East Coast. I was in Philly over fall break at school, and I stumbled across this park while walking up-down-up-down Chestnut and Walnut and around Rittenhouse. This place is amazing. So quiet and photogenic, with ivy crawling down the high walls and neatly arranged lawn chairs. There aren't too many children running around, but there is seriously no better place in Philly. Besides Rittenhouse Square. read more

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This little park is so beautiful. My first time there was over the summer for live music at lunch time. I loved how crowded it was and all of the activity going on, and the music was great. So this summer I ate my lunch there really often. More recently though, I've been in the park alone and that's amazing too. It feels so peaceful and like a secret, hidden place in the middle of a busy city. I wish I had a book with me, I probably would have stayed all day. I would love to see more of these types of parks in Philly. The park does have hours and the fence closes, so it's not open all the time. read more

Pleasant little park to walk around. The whole thing is about 100 feet long, so you can literally walk through in about 30 seconds. It's probably best suited as a quiet place to read a book, or eat a lunch. If you are a tourist enjoying Philadelphia, it's not worth going out of your way to visit the John F. Collins park. read more

Incredible gates protect this secret garden and the amazing setup is like a few NYC options I know. Paper reading, coffee drinking, socializing, and thinking those deep mid-day thoughts outside the walls of work are commonplace here. If only every city had this and in spades! read more

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Very cozy little park in the middle of the city. The fact that it has opening hours keeps it clean and well maintained. Beautiful landscaping and fountain in it. Tables make it a great place to eat lunch (I strongly recommend getting delicious food from Di Bruno Bros about 30 ft away). I was very pleased to discover this place. read more

Cute little park tucked away in the middle of Center City! Great place to escape from work for a little bit.

Best park ever. And I'm not just saying that because my Uncle John designed it.

I can't really describe why I liked this place so much but it worked so well and a great place to get away from the dense urban environment. The best time to go I'd say is when there aren't that many people and you can enjoy sitting under the trees and admire the fountain and surroundings. read more

A beautiful, simple oasis in the middle of Center City. It's hard to believe there could be such a tranquil spot right in the middle of all the hustle of the city. A great spot to bring your lunch to & relax. read more

How many times have I passed a hand crafted iron gate between 17th and 18th St. on Chestnut? Hundreds. I thought it belonged to a building. Today I took my dog Louie there. It is indeed an oasis in the city. There is plenty of shade, benches, and a series of concrete monoliths that form a fountain and pool. What a lovely spot. I understand that it was donated by the William Penn Society, yet I cannot find anything about it on the web.We do need better photos. read more