South Philly Special: FDR Park, the Navy Yard, and the PHS Flower Show

Weekend Tour

While it may be famous for its Italian heritage and cheesesteaks, South Philly is also home to FDR Park, an important public space designed by the Olmsted Brothers; the Navy Yard, one of the most successful redevelopment projects in the US; and a renown Flower Show again this year. 

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS) for one-of-a-kind tour of South Philadelphia’s FDR Park, the Navy Yard, and the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. 

Start your day with an early bird “behind the scenes” tour of the Philadelphia Flower Show— the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event, which is being held outdoors at FDR Park for just the second time in its 193-year history. Next, take a guided walking tour of the 348-acre FDR Park exploring some of its historic structures, lakes, and lagoons. You will also learn about the FDR Park Master Plan, the City’s once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine this Olmsted Brothers-designed Park to serve 21st century Philadelphians. Finally, visit the Navy Yard—birthplace of the US Navy and now a 12,000-acre urban waterfront development that is home to a thriving business community.  

Please note: This tour starts early in the morning to offer participants a specialized guided tour of the Flower Show before it opens to the general public.

Tour Leaders

Kelsey Edelen

Navy Yard Project Manager, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC)

Allison Schapker

Chief Projects Officer, Fairmount Park Conservancy