The Anna C. Verna Playground is a part of the master plan redesign of the historic FDR Park in south Philadelphia. It will be Philadelphia’s first destination playground, attracting visitors from across the city and suburbs with easy access to highways and public transportation.

Built in a floodplain, this playground implements stormwater management and green infrastructure strategies, using its topography and planting swaths as both a benefit to the environment and the beauty of the site.

The playground features three monumental climbing structures to reach up into the existing mature tree canopy, with giant slides spiraling to the ground. At the center of the site is a novel megaswing, fit with enough seats for thirty people to swing in a circle around a central shaded seating area. Along the perimeter of the site is a planted berm with an ADA accessible path to access all play features and see views of the surrounding lagoon.

Throughout the rest of the playground, there are climbing structures, slides, and spinners, as well as a picnic pavillion and grassy lawn, ensuring opportunities for play and rest for people of all ages and abilities.