Clark Park "Dog Bowl"

In University City (cross over the river you Center City People!!) resides Clark Park. It is bordered by Baltimore Avenue on the right and Woodland Avenue on the left, between 43rd and 45th Streets. This park is great for many things: there is a large playground for children, you may luck out and catch a drum circle session, a pick-up volleyball game, or people engaging in Tia Chi or Marshall Arts lessons. If nothing else it is great for people watching and/or lounging in grass taking in the scenery. One of my favorite sculptures in Philadelphia resides here of Charles Dickens and Little Nell. It is actually the only full sized statue of Charles Dickens in the world.

The “dog park” is one of its very best features. I put Dog Park in quotes, because it is not an official dog park and is not fenced in. However, the large area (approximately a ½ block or more) forms a bowl of sorts with a long run on the bottom and grassy hills along the sides providing a natural barrier from the road. You can get a great game of fetch in and is probably one of the only places outside of Fairmount Park where you can get a good distance even with a “Chuck It” Launcher.

The area in which Clark Park resides is an eclectic neighborhood with all sorts of people and you’ll find a microcosm of that in the park. Overall, the people are super friendly as well as their dogs. People do not seem to mind dogs of their leash in the “dog bowl” area and have an understanding that is the main use of this space.

While you’re visiting with your dog, there is a great café called the Green Line Café right across the street @ 43rd and Baltimore. It has great coffee, desserts and healthy snacks as well as a large variety of vegan baked goods. On the opposite corner is “The Best House,” which is a basic take-out joint. The food is fine, not remarkable, but they have a great beer selection with many international brands and BONUS…you can make your own 6 pack.

Note: for more information on the park or events held there you can go to http://www.clarkpark.info/. They indicate on this site that Clark Park is not an official dog park. If you live in this area and are searching for a fenced in area specifically designated as a dog park the Chester Avenue Dog Club operates a fenced dog park at 48th & Chester. All dog owners are welcome to join. It is small, but well maintained. Fees are $50 a year, covering maintenance and insurance. Call 215-748-3440 to join.