Matthias Baldwin Park

Matthias Baldwin Park is a two-acre public green space in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park was dedicated in 1991 as part of the Franklin Town development project and was later renamed in 2011 to honor Matthias Baldwin, a prominent 19th-century industrialist and abolitionist whose locomotive factory once occupied the surrounding area.

Designed by landscape artist Athena Tacha, the park features a unique environmental sculpture called "Connections." The centerpiece of the park is a series of terraced planting beds that rise from 6 inches to 7 feet in height, creating an urban meadow effect. These terraces are filled with perennials, reedy grasses, and low-maintenance shrubs, providing waves of color and texture throughout the seasons.

Surrounding the central terraces is a loop path lined with benches, allowing visitors to stroll through the park or sit and enjoy the urban oasis. The park is also home to approximately fifty trees representing 32 different species and varieties, including impressive Cedar of Lebanon specimens on the east and west sides.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Matthias Baldwin Park serves as a quiet retreat in the heart of a rapidly developing neighborhood. It offers a contemplative space for residents and visitors alike, providing a stark contrast to the bustling city streets that surround it.

The park is maintained through a partnership between Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Matthias Baldwin Park, a volunteer group committed to preserving and enhancing this unique urban green space.