Louis I. Kahn Memorial Park

This is a nice spot to relax in Philly in theory.
It is in a nice part of town, with multiple benches and picnic tables.
Unfortunately the usual crowd consists of shady homeless people that sleep on the benches, lie on top of the picnic tables, leave trash and rotten food everywhere, and bring their huge shopping carts in the park.
Last but not least, they use it as a public toilet.
So go there to relax if you are 1: brave 2: enjoy the smell of old urine 3: want some creepy homeless guys to state at you and your food.

I’m surprised there’s so little love for this nifty and unassuming park.
It doesn’t have the historic cachet of Washington square, or the tony vibe of Rittenhouse, but it’s a nice space to sit down for lunch or enjoy an ice cream cone. The paving stones (rather than grass) give Kahn a distinctly urban vibe, but the surrounding garden is lushly maintained. Furthermore, neighborhood groups (especially the Wash West Civic Association) put a lot of effort into hosting community events here. Nothing fancy — little concerts, kids’ Halloween parties, meet n’ greets with the local police force — that sort of thing.
It’s true that a strong «sketch» factor emerges in the lat night hours so, like with most parks, Louis I. Kahn is best enjoyed by daylight.

From Wikipedia, Louis I Kahn was «an American architect, based in Philadelphia», founder of «his own atelier in 1935», and «professor of architecture at the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.»
He led an impressive life, I am sure. However, this «park» is nothing but a few benches. How is it even considered a park?

My favourite spot for a coffee and a thought

What a shame. This park is in a safe part of the city and should be a place where baby’s get walked and couples picnic.
However after 7 Pm this place becomes a haven for drug dealers, homeless, and prostitutes. It is not uncommon to walk by at night and experience the aroma of fresh urine. This place would be great for undercover cops in need of fulfilling their arrest quota.
This place has good foliage and a nice fountain so I can’t give it anything lower than 3 stars.

This city park is for those that have never been to it, a little oasis in what is called the Antique Row. In it, you can sit at your leisure while reading, writing and listening to birds singing in the trees, and the soothing fountain.
There is a group of people that voluntarily dedicate their time to take care of this space, organizing different events throughout the year to raise funds that allow to keep up with the park’s maintenance.
If you want to learn more about the park, who Louis I. Kahn was, or want to get involved, visit
, there you can also make a donation, or become a volunteer.
Philadelphia is a wonderful place and this little corner makes it even more special!

Walking home from nowhere, I chanced upon the Hoppin’ John Orchestra (formerly the Black Eyed Peas Brass Band, they changed their name to avoid any confusion with a similarly named lesser known ensemble) playing an evening concert in Kahn Park. Billed as a «Postmodern» brass band, I don’t think they quite lived up to their billing. Thoroughly modern? Perhaps. PoMo? No. While certainly capable musicians, I found them a little too polished for my taste and a slight bit overamplified.
(A note to musicians: If in doubt, turn down a wee smidge.)
Most people in attendance seemed to be having a good time. One of the park regulars was attempting to sleep through the concert. Some of the revelers were, what I took to be, making attempts to dance to the music.
(Waltzing on the banks of the Danube this ain’t.) Overall, a somewhat pleasant and mildly enjoyable time.
My favorite moment occurred when a sketchy «gentleman» who was passing by yelled «Shut up! You suck!» at the pre-​recorded music they were playing between sets. That about sums up how I still feel about Kahn Park.
(Sorry, it was too dark to get a good look at the flowers. If there even were any. So, this is not a flower-​based update.)

It’s pretty small and there are lots of homeless who gather here — but when they have an event it can be very nice on a warm summer evening. Philly needs its green spaces — so I am glad its here — I just wish we could help our homeless community more.
My 5 y.o. is frightened by many of them.

I like that they have two or three tables where you can eat lunch, or play a game, or write a poem.
There are quite a few homeless ones there, but no more than other places. Everyone has the right to enjoy the park!
I did catch one guy trying to crush my head (
) …but it didn’t get me too down… only a little.
The best thing to do is bring your lunch here, or your chess board. It’s a very quiet park :)

A brief exchange with a mumbling homeless man really defined my experience here.
«Come here, my Spanish garden. Take off your shirt,» he waxed poetically.
I’m pretty sure he meant: «come, stay a while, take off your shoes.»
Anyway, I was in a dress and how he knew I was a Spanish garden, I’ll never know.

It’s pretty sad to say it but This park has been overtaken by more and more dregs of society. The last couple of times that I’ve passed by I’ve seen random trash and shoes strewn about the park benches. And the last time some friends and I actually tried to stop in and enjoy a parklife conversation it was cut short by a guy nodding off on I know not what the crap he took.
Despite this it can be a relaxing park to enjoy every now and again. But it’s best savored before the hour of 5pm.