Tag: Fairmount Park

Categories
Around Town With HughE

FIFA Fan Festival Neighbors Must Register Their Cars to Park

Philadelphia will host the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park for 39 days starting June 11.

Some of the following details were shared during recent neighborhood meetings, a presentation by the Lemon Hill Neighborhood Association, and recent press conferences. Since planning is ongoing, certain details could still change.

The event is free, features live soccer, music, and food from 75 local food trucks, and expects up to 15,000 fans daily. Officials urge fans to use public transportation due to limited parking, and neighborhood parking will be restricted to residents. 🚗🚙

Residential Permit Zone: From Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19, 2026, temporary residential parking permits will be required in neighborhoods surrounding the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill. Residents will be able to register legally insured vehicles tied to their home address and will also receive two guest parking passes valid for the duration of the event period. INFO HERE

Here’s what visitors need to know before heading to Fairmount Park: (Subject to Change)

🚪 ENTRANCE INFO
• South Entrance: Sedgley Drive & Poplar Drive
• North Entrance: Girard Avenue & Poplar Drive

The park area near the Lincoln Statue will serve as the

Welcome Center and Indigo Bike Parking Station. 🚲 Kelly Drive and Sedgley Ave intersection (across from Lloyd Hall at Boat House Row)

🚧 ROAD CLOSURES
• Sedgley Drive and Poplar Drive south of Girard Avenue will be closed throughout construction which is ramping up now, event operations, and breakdown. There is no Lemon Hill Park access for recreation beginning May 18 through mid-August.
• Poplar Street will close at 29th Street and 30th Street south of Girard.
• Kelly Drive will remain open except for July 4 and the Schuylkill Navy Regattas in mid July.

🚍 BEST WAY TO GET THERE
The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill is about a 45 minute walk from City Hall, so organizers are strongly encouraging visitors to use public transportation, walk, or bike instead of driving. It’s actually a beautiful walk either up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or through Fairmount along Fairmount Avenue, with plenty of restaurants, bars, cafés, and neighborhood shops along the way.

SEPTA will increase service on these bus routes:
7, 32, 38, 43, 48, 49, and G, with buses arriving roughly every 10 minutes.

The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop will also add a dedicated stop at Pennsylvania & Fairmount Avenues for direct access to Lemon Hill, which is about a half a mile.

Find official information

UPDATE: Just received this after I published my newsletter today.

CityofPhila_2026LemonHillTransInfoSessionFlyer_5.18.26-3Download
Categories
Uncategorized

Sora Pool Club Celebrates Summer

Today is almost like a reset for summer, it’s a cloudy, dreary day in the middle of the summer, a perfect day to celebrate the summer pool party I photographed a few weeks ago at the Sora Pool Club at Presidential City . The Post Brothers Presidential City apartment complex has always been one of my favorites. It’s in the City, not in congested Center City, but on the edge of Fairmount Park and MLK drive and 76, for quick access downtown. PLUS it’s the complex is in a park like setting, probably good bird watching too, A sprawling property resort, with a magnificent gym, spa, three distinct pools: a 75-foot lap pool for swimming, a central lounge pool that features both partly immersed lounge chairs and a dry seating enclosure, and a kid-friendly wading pool. There are also dog exercise tracks, a Zen garden, cabanas, poolside chaise lounges with complimentary towel service, several lounge seating areas, two hot tubs and two outdoor kitchens, each with four grilling stations.

This year, is a special year we’re all experiencing together. I’ve covered the Sora Summer Pool Party before but this year was extra special, some of the people I met were experiencing their first time out, socializing in a year. Nearly every event I’ve been to I’ve noticed the joy!!

I’ve also noticed people wearing bright colors, which is a dream come true for me. If you’re a long time reader, you know I’ve been asking folks to bring the color, and after a year like 2020 people are ready to live in color!!

The Post Brothers were really visionaries in their developments, with creating a fun, resort, atmosphere targeting a younger audience with community rooms, game rooms, and everyone one of their properties has a magnificent pool, most with multiple pools like this one, the one at the Piazza, and their new spot The Popular, which is a salt water pool as well.

This years theme for the Sora Summer party was “Hang Ten”, as in chillax here at Sora pool, it’s a relaxing vibe, says Kate Marlys, Philly Pr Girl, and the Post Brothers PR told me as she gave me a tour around the property.

Presidential City is accepting new residents, here’s where to go to get some INFO It’s not supposed to rain today, and with temps in the 70s, it’s definitely a good day for a walk around the block. See you tomorrow here!! Thanks so much for subscribing to PhillyChitChat, I see since June 1st we’ve gotten another 1,000 subscribers. I really appreciate you!!

Categories
Philadelphia

Fairmount at Brewerytown Summer Soiree

On Wednesday, August 2, Flying Fish Crafthouse hosted a press and resident’s party for dozens of people who were taking refuge from the torrential rain.  Originally, the party was to be held on the Fairmount at Brewerytown’s rooftop, for guests to enjoy the spectacular, unobstructed city views, but the expected rain throughout the evening brought the event

HD1_6091 (Custom)

inside to the Flying Fish Crafthouse restaurant, located on the ground floor of this exclusive rental community.

 Brewerytown

In the heart of Brewerytown, The Fairmount @ Brewerytown provides the ultimate loft living experience. The spacious rental apartments coupled with ample amenities and featuring a rooftop deck equipped with a dog park, lounge chairs, swimming pool, and, of course, the best view of the city.

Brewerytown
On hand to check you off the list: Allie Long, Audrey Hartman and Ellie Zimering
From Jenna Communications LLC

B
Richard Rabed and Michelle Caffrey, Phila Biz Journal

Brewerytown
Whitney Ullman, Go Whitney and Jennifer Sherlock, Jenna Communications, LLC

Brewerytown

HD1_6083 (Custom)

Brewerytown
  Moriah Kelley, Phila Rowhome Magazine and Erin Kelly

HD1_6110 (Custom)
Aaah that view, the perfect fireworks over the Art Museum view as I would call it.

HD1_6101 (Custom)
There’s a pool and a huge lounge area for residents

Brewerytown
And that view, there’s a sunset view too but I love this shot

Check out this video by My New Philly to check out what the apartments and amenities look like
HD1_6114 (Custom)

The laid back atmosphere of the Crafthouse welcomes guests at three fully stocked bars, and a private dining room.  Each bar offers a curated menu of 12 Flying Fish beers, top shelf liquor and wines on tap.  The first floor beer garden, with roll-up garage doors, offers the perfect space to host any event from an after work happy hour to a special occasion, or just a fun night out playing life-sized Jenga and beer pong.

 

For more information visit: www.fairmountbtown.com or FFCrafthouse.com

Categories
Philadelphia

Divas Simply Singing in Stunning Fashion for Charity

Saturday night, the original Dream Girl – Sheryl Lee Ralph brought her long running HIV/AIDS Charity concert to the Dell Music Center in Fairmount Park. The concert was a huge success raising awareness, and money for services in and around Philadelphia as well as to her on charitable organization100% of the proceeds from DIVAS Simply Singing! supports The DIVA Foundation’s awareness and prevention programs.

There’s no mistake about it Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph (Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph-Hughes) brought it the moment she hit the stage.
It was a beautiful night, and the Dell Music Center was full of people who wanted to here the DIVA’s Sing. In my Philly Mag column I bring you to the concert, the link is at the bottom of page. The all-star line-up features Faith Evans , Angela Winbush, Meli’sa
Morgan , Monifah , Candace Benson, runner-up on season 7 of BET Sunday
Best, Philly’s own Carol Riddick, Matthew Schuler , contestant on season 5 of The Voice  and Urban Guerilla Orchestra.
On Philly Chit Chat we’re just going to be mesmerized by the flawlessness of Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph

Who I fell in love with in 1993 when my friend David Powell, Dan Hrabosky and Alex Miller headed to Washington DC for the “March On Washington.” Diva’s Simply Singing was celebrating their third year raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and we went to the concert, although I vaguely recall Dan heading out for a date.
I remember that the late, great Teena Marie was also on the bill that evening as well as many other amazing talents. It left a lasting impression on me.
When the 25th Anniversary Diva’s Simply Singing announced they were coming to the Dell East I knew I had to get the word out, as well as cover it.
Sheryl Lee Ralph and her glam squad
The billing , cause and turn out didn’t disappoint. Check out the legendary Faith Evans posing for the photographers.

But the highlight of the evening had to be when Sheryl Lee Ralph surprised her husband, Senator Vincent Hughes with Pastor Campbell on stage so that they could renew their vows after 10 years of blissful marriage. To the right is his step-children, and her children – Ivy-Victoria Maurice and Etienne Maurice. Congratulations to the new newlyweds!!
http://www.phillymag.com/ticket/2015/08/24/divas-pack-dell-music-center-for-a-powerhouse-concert-for-aids/

Categories
Philadelphia

Kelly Drive, ML King Drive, BF Parkway Weekends Closures 2015

I live on the Parkway, so these lists are crucial to me. Thanks to the Phila Parks and Recreation for sending them to me every year. I checked they are not on their website yet, but when they pop up I will get the link to you. My advice is really just avoid this area. Feel free to copy these and save them for yourselves.CLICK TO MAKE LARGER. Also I have put the link on the left side of blog for future reference Under What’s Happening.
Feel Free to also screen shot these and keep on your computer.

My advice, from Center City go up 16th Street to Fairmount or Girard and enter Kelly Drive at 26th Street if you’re going West. But make sure you check the list below to see if there are detours there.

Otherwise I suggest you go up JFK to the Schuykill Expressway entrance near 30th Street, and avoid the Parkway and drives completely. Leave early, and be patient. Listen to the new Madonna CD, it’s very tranquil. Sometimes I jump on 95 south and take 476 to KOP. My friends laugh at me, but it’s the same amount of time if I sat in Schuylkill traffic to get to KOP mall.

 The shaded area means that it’s a partial closure, traffic is directed off of Kelly at the Grant Statue and returns to the drive near the Dell.

But you get a lovely tour of the Eastern side of Fairmount Park. Just don’t be in a hurry. And watch for stop signs.

 Most events fit within the normal closure hours, shaded areas are outside normal closure times.
Categories
Philadelphia

VIP Party Pixs: Paine’s Park Skate Board Park for Day and Night, and the most beautiful setting in the world

Last night I attended the VIP Celebration for the long anticipated Paine’s Park one of the most expensive and expansive skate parks ever built and is located along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

The site is beautiful, above is one of the earlier designs, and does not take into consideration they were able to save two beautiful trees from the field where they built the multi-use skateboard park.
Update: The fence will be taken down today and you can enter from the South side of Eakin’s Oval, or the Schuylkill River Park or from the top of MLK Drive.

By multi- use I mean pedestrian’s can walk through it, people can sit and enjoy the day, and there’s a large pavilion which over looks both Fairmount Park and Paine’s Park, which you can rent for parties, or picnic, or just hang out.

Mitch Bormack, Board President FPSF and Christopher Plant, FPSF Board Member and two of the hard working peeps, who were able to execute the project.
Franklin’s Paine Skatepark Fund works to strengthen communities and
empower youth by advocating for skaters and skateboarding culture,
educating youth and adults about the art of skateboarding and its
benefits to neighborhoods and people, and building free, public
skateparks that demonstrate innovative design, community engagement and
multi-faceted 
 Angela McCafferty, Joe Bray and Emily Bittenbender, Bittenbender Construction – Philadelphia
 Steve Olitsky, (The Olitsky Foundation). Avi Golen (Co-Founder of Revolution Recovery LLC) two champions of Paine’s Park, and one of the sponsors. You can thank them. Sharon Pinkenson, Hope Cohen, and Frank Bardonaro
 Kevin Taylor and Serggi Trudrowski tell me the new skate park has a great flow and elements that he looks for in a great run.
 Jesse and Dean Rendell. No doubt next year Dean will be on his own board taking a spin.
He had a dream.

Lorenzo Errico, Founder of Formation Skateboard Company

Bentaur Graphic – Art by Todd Marrone designed the graphic on this
skateboard for Mural Arts. The proceeds go to support the landscaping of
the grounds around Paine’s Park
 Todd Marrone, Heather Hall, Sara Hagan and Yis Goodwin
 

Anny Deirmenjian Deese, publicist for Davio’s ,  Beth Blakely and Dorothy Rapeepun
 Jane Golden, Mural Arts Executive Director and Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assoc. There are still tickets left for the 2013 WALL BALL with Julius “Dr. J” Erving Thursday, May 23 6:30p to 9:30p
Event website

I’m Coming Out- Another One Bites the Dust –

Spinning by DJ Eddie Tully

 Unicycle
Thanks to so many people including State Representative Babette Josephs (1985 -2012) who introduced a one line item that made it possible to create the park.
 skater Chris Cole and his daughter. Now that’s confidence.
 Skater Dan
Mitch Bormack, Board President FPSF
Mitchell Bormack has been a Board Member of Franklin’s Paine Skatepark
Fund since 2007 and became Board President in early 2012.  Mitchell was
initially attracted to the FPSF organization through his involvement as a
Board Member of the Fund For The Water Works and observing the early
efforts of FPSF as the group was planning its flagship project, Paine’s
Park
Claire Laver, Executive Director, Franklin’s Paine Skatepark Fund and former Gov Ed Rendell
Jesse Rendell had a dream, as he and his friends were serious skate boarders. With the help of his dad, and countless others, especially Mayor Nutter, Gov Rendell noted, Paine’s Park has become a reality.
Steve Rockman and  Maya Victoria
Great cake by “Save Your Fork”

 Josh Nims, Operations Manager at Schuylkill River Development Corporation

The Crew From ESM Productions: Nikkita Thompson, Scott Mirkin, Valerie Smith and Chrstine Rudloff (PS This is the production company behind MIA and the July 4th Concert. HUGE TALENT)
Natalie Scarantino, Executive Assistant and Cosmo DeNicola, Philadelphia Soul co-owner

 Mitch Bormack, Board President FPSF and Allyson Katzman, Paralegal – Fine Kaplan Black. (It’s a small world, Allyson and I used to work on many projects during my 20 years as a paralegal, in that last life I lead.)

Christopher Plant, FPSF Board in 2006 and Jessica Meeker. Congrats to them both for their recent wedding.
Shana and Avi Golen, Avi tells me that since Jesse and him were kids they dreamed of a skateboard park like this. Jesse never gave up on his dream, and today, now the dream has come true.
Big Rube and One punch

Paine’s Park is gorgeous. It’s my hope that everyone will respect and no one will graffiti it, and even if camera’s are in place, I would hope if you see something you will stop it. Please use the trashcans too. I already saw people last night drop butts, and trash on the ground. OK now go have some fun.

And if you were wondering how well lit the Paine’s Park is at night, it’s like daytime. Say goodbye to Love Park, except as the most iconic skate board park in the world.