Another great neighborhood tradition is returning to Spruce Hill this weekend. The annual Clark Park Music & Arts Festival is set to rock West Philadelphia on Saturday, June 20, bringing a vibrant celebration of local talent, community spirit, and the arrival of the summer solstice.

Running from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 43rd Street and Chester Avenue, this free, family-friendly gathering has been a neighborhood staple since 1970. For over 50 years, the festival has transformed the Clark Park bowl into a bustling hub for music lovers, creators, and residents of all backgrounds.

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There’s a chance for community members to have a say in improvement and redesign projects in two West Philly neighborhoods – Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

As you may have heard, the Friends of Clark Park are planning to rebuild the children’s playground near 43rd and Regent, as part of the multi-phase Clark Park Plan. Neighbors, families, and park-goers of all ages are invited to a Play Jam at the park this Saturday, April 11 (rain date: April 12), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to review design inspiration and make their voices heard. This event is the first opportunity for the broader public to engage with early design concepts and help shape Clark Park’s new playground.

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There are some exciting updates regarding the “Clark Park Plan,” which provides an outline for park development and investments. Approved by the city in 2023, the plan includes improvements such as new multi-age playgrounds, a multi-height basketball hoop, a permanent bathroom, an outdoor workout area, new walkways, and more.

On Saturday, Aug. 16 from 2-3 p.m., the Friends of Clark Park will be hosting a celebration where community members can learn more about upcoming improvements at the park and kick off the playground design process. There will be multiple speakers, including Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, State Rep. Rick Krajewski, Mayor Cherelle Parker (or a representative), a representative from Parks and Recreation, and Friends of Clark Park president Ben Sirolly.

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The Portland Loo (portlandloo.com).

How many of you had to run from Clark Park to the Green Line Cafe across the street to use their bathroom? Well, soon you won’t have to anymore as the city is planning to install a permanent public restroom at the park, according to reports.

Philadelphia’s first Portland Loo, the public ADA-accessible modular toilet designed and first-installed in its namesake city in Oregon, is currently being installed in Center City at 15th and Arch. The second Loo is expected to arrive in Clark Park later this year, in the summer or fall, according to a report in Billy Penn.

The City is working with the Friends of Clark Park on this project. As you may know, FCP has been working on the new Master Plan for the park since last year. Public restroom installation is an important part of this plan since it was the most requested amenity by local residents, according to the Master Plan survey results. Continue Reading

University City District (UCD), in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Friends of Clark Park, is bringing back a popular summer event – free outdoor movies in Clark Park every Friday night in August! This year, UCD will present four Music Movies, with great music at their center (see the schedule below).

All movies are screened at dusk (after 8 p.m.), in fair weather only (don’t forget to bring your blanket or chair). The event may also be postponed if the ground is too wet. Friday, Sept. 9 has been reserved as a rain date to screen one film.

August 5: Summer of Soul (2021)
August 12: Wayne’s World (1992)
August 19: Soul (2020)
August 26: West Side Story (2021)
September 9: Rain Date

More information is available here.

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair is set to to return to Clark Park after a two-year hiatus. The popular outdoor event will be held Saturday, May 7, from 12 – 6 p.m. at the park located at 43rd and Chester.

The longtime organizers, Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), are currently seeking vendors – local artisans, community groups and organizations who are interested in doing outreach and promotion at this event are invited to submit an application.

Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans. Vendor fees are affordable ($40 or less for the day), reflecting SHCA’s mission to connect the neighborhood with local groups and artisans. Continue Reading