After welcoming a half-million people during 39 days of World Cup festivities this summer, Philadelphia’s Lemon Hill Park is getting a series of promised improvements.
Local FIFA organizers had pledged to leave the park better than they found it, and work on those upgrades is now underway.
The first of many new trees was planted while city crews were pushing dirt and planting new grass.
Other planned improvements include a new HVAC system for the park’s historic mansion, a new picnic pavilion, a playground for children and a fitness area for adults.
New safety bollards, better lighting and renovations to the basketball court and baseball field are also coming.
The work follows a FIFA Fan Fest that brought 500,000 people from 190 countries to Lemon Hill Park during the 2026 World Cup.
Before the event, some people living around the park worried about what such a large gathering would mean for their neighborhood.
Conrad Kiechel, who lives near the park, said those concerns didn’t materialize as expected.
“The neighborhood expected it was going to be horrific and it was actually kinda fun,” Kiechel said.
Mayor Parker thanked neighbors and park volunteers for sharing the park with visitors from around the world.
“These residents helped Philadelphia put its best foot forward for the world to see,” Parker said.
The mayor hopes the improvements will demonstrate the city’s gratitude for the neighborhood’s hospitality. The park could also be used for other large events in the future.
Dave Barrios, who lives near the park, welcomed the possibility.
“I think anything that keeps the energy of the park going and people enjoying it and it is enjoyable to multiple generations of people I think that’s always good,” Barrios said.
The improvements are expected to be completed by Spring 2027, officials said.
For the latest updates on the project, click here for the city’s website.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.
Philadelphia city leaders celebrated the ground breaking of major renovations at Lemon Hill Park on Monday. NBC10’s Tim Furlong has more.