Bardacino Park

Bardascino Park is a small neighborhood park located at the intersection of 10th and Carpenter Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park was established in 1978 on the site of the former Community Hospital, which closed in 1968 and was subsequently demolished.

The park is named after Giuseppe Bardascino, a local resident who founded and led the Italian Brass Band from 1912 to 1952. This dedication reflects the area's rich Italian-American heritage, as the park is situated near Philadelphia's historic Italian Market neighborhood.

In the early 1990s, Bardascino Park had fallen into disrepair. However, in 1991, a group of neighbors formed the Friends of Bardascino Park to rejuvenate the space. Their efforts led to a major renovation in 2003, which included replacing the concrete surface with colored pavers, adding planting beds, and installing new benches and tables.

The Friends of Bardascino Park continue to play an active role in maintaining and improving the park. They organize regular cleanups and host various community events, including free summer concerts, KidFest, and World Cup watching parties. The group also participates in the Parks Revitalization Project, a collaborative partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

One of the park's notable features is its bocce court, which is maintained by the Friends group and players in the Bardascino Park bocce league. The court is open for public use when league play is not scheduled, typically outside of weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons during the summer months.

Bardascino Park serves as a vital community gathering space, providing a shady oasis for residents and visitors in the bustling South Philadelphia neighborhood.