Ben Barkan Park

Sal Robinson

07 Mar 2022

Very peaceful and convenient park if you live near Spruce. There's a little playground for smaller kids, and if you're just there to hang out there's enough benches spread out from each other for comfort. Be careful after it rains or snows though, the ground gets very soft and muddy so it's a slip hazard.

Anwar M Hossain

29 Mar 2024

Ben Barkan Park is a quaint and cherished green space located at 50th and Spruce streets in the heart of West Philadelphia. Established in 1971, the park honors the legacy of Ben Barkan, a local advocate for equality and the founder of the Garden Court Community Association. Known for its lush grass and mature trees, the park provides a serene oasis for residents and visitors alike. It’s not just a place to relax and enjoy nature; it’s also a venue for various community events that bring together people from all walks of life. As a testament to Barkan’s commitment to community and justice, the park continues to be a symbol of unity and a source of neighborhood pride.

Jaimie Schild

31 Aug 2018

Small neighborhood park. It has a little playground area, with benches to sit on. The playground area has no swings. It looks like what they have at the school's in the area. Mostly for sitting and a walk through. Lots of trees and flowers are planted in the warmer months. Nice way to catch the breeze on a very hot day, as I did.

Charis Ellis

04 Mar 2021

This is a cute little playground, it's more for littler children as the equipment is small but it's so nice! We had a nice time and ran into some really nice people as our kids played. Definitely going back!

Bryan

13 Aug 2017

It's nice if you have kids, as they will enjoy the swing set and play area. Other than that, it is a small grassy hill with a few benches. Nothing special. Locals and homeless people tend to hang out here, often smoking.

Megan Lui

15 Oct 2016

Heat playground for little kids. It doesn't have a flat grassy area if you're looking for a place to play ball. It is, however, full of trees so it's nice and shady during the summer and has plenty to crunch in the fall. In the mornings, it's mostly families and day area. Most of the day area who visit are very respectful of other kids--and often remind them to watch out for the "babies." Plenty of adults use the park too. All of my friends have at least one story of people drinking or smoking pot near the playground. So as with any city park, just be aware of what's going on.