Philadelphia is investing about $7 million in improvements to Lemon Hill Park, including a new playground, renovated sports facilities, picnic pavilions and additional lighting, according to city officials.
Mayor Cherelle Parker and city planners recently marked the start of construction with a ceremonial tree planting at the Fairmount park, which hosted the FIFA Fan Festival this summer.
The project includes $4 million from Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and the William Penn Foundation, with the remaining funding coming from other sources, organizers said. Improvements to the park are expected to be completed by Spring 2027.
“Lemon Hill hosted the world this summer, and now we’re making sure it keeps giving back to the neighbors who call it home,” said Parker. “This celebration is about turning a global moment into a lasting investment.”
The project builds on two years of planning and momentum from this summer’s FIFA Fan Festival, which welcomed more than 500,000 visitors from 190 countries and territories to Lemon Hill.
The next phase includes a 43,500-square-foot playground with natural play features such as logs, stones and tree stumps. Plans also call for an adult fitness area and two accessible picnic pavilions.
Other improvements include renovations to the basketball court and baseball field, 53 new lighting poles along walkways and roadways, new directional signs and security bollards to keep vehicles off pedestrian areas and landscaped spaces.
The project also includes planting more than 100 trees, restoring a historic view of Center City and making heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements at Lemon Hill Mansion.
"Every great host deserves a thank you, and Lemon Hill's neighbors were among the best hosts of this World Cup," said Melissa Piccoli from Philadelphia Soccer 2026. "From day one, we promised that the tournament's most important impact would come after the final whistle."
The city began gathering community input in spring 2024. More than 200 residents participated in nine engagement sessions to share ideas for the park's future.
During construction, most of the park will remain open, although some areas will close temporarily. The playground and courts will be unavailable while work is underway.
Residents can find nearby playgrounds and courts through the city's Parks & Recreation Finder.
Construction updates are available through the city's Lemon Hill Park legacy project blog at phila.gov
MORE: Philadelphia cracks down on copper theft at parks, rec centers
