Philadelphia Rises in Trust for Public Land’s Rankings

Philadelphia has increased its Trust for Public Land's ParkScore index rankings, moving from 32nd in 2024 to 28th in 2025. The rankings evaluate the parks from the 100 most populated cities in the United States.

According to a Philadelphia Inquirer report, the rankings increase is a testament to Philadelphia's investment in its parks infrastructure. In 2025, Philadelphia boosted its park spending to $112 per person, a jump from $86. 

The ParkScore index also noted Philadelphia's approximately 9,200 acres of parks, including those in Fairmount and Wissahickon, which each contribute about 2,000 acres to this total. The city also ranks among the top 10 in the nation for providing splash pads, water features, and recreation amenities.

Philadelphia's Rebuild program, begun under former Mayor Jim Kenney, has also significantly improved Philadelphia's parks, most notably a $7.5 million project to renovate the Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center.

Speaking to the Inquirer for the Trust for Public Land, vice president and regional director Owen Franklin noted that despite the city's park charms, Philadelphia is challenged in its acquisition of new park land due to limited available space within the city. The city's current median local park size is approximately 3.1 acres compared to the national median of 5.4 acres.