Dilworth Park

Dileorrh Park & Love Park during the Christmas holidays is turned into a great Christmas and holiday market. Lots of speciality vendors selling unique items and plenty of food and beverage vendors as well - with some seating areas. A festive and wonderful atmosphere including an ice skating ring, 2 tier carousel & ferris wheel. Musicians of course add to the atmosphere. And at night there is a beautiful light show worth seeing. All worth a visit. Parking is a bear of course, so be prepared to park in one of the many parking garages that fill up quickly or find other transportation means of getting there.

Dilworth Park was absolutely beautiful when I visited over Christmas. It’s a must-stop in December if you’re in Philadelphia. I loved how the Christmas tree featured the word “LOVE” in multiple languages, which felt so perfectly Philly. The ice rink was super fun, and the decorations and lights were stunning. It’s a great spot for pictures and just a lovely place to soak in the holiday atmosphere. Great work!

This is a really a lovely place to take time out, set in the middle of the bustling city you can just relax in the middle of it all surrounded by beautiful architecture and the amazing orchestra waters which is so innovative, I have never seen anything like this, it's really quite something to watch someone orchestrate the music and the waters, I could have watched for hours, I wasn't brave enough, to have a go but would have loved to, beautiful location. The water feature ended on 3rd October so I'm glad I got to see it but Dilworth park is definitely worth a visit.

We were here and everything was very nice. The rink was working, the fires were burning, and there was mulled wine too.

Great German market during the holidays. The atmosphere and Brats are on point. I don't recommend the fries, but the struddle is excellent..

Was there for pre- Christmas shopping. The Vendors were mostly local artists and offered handmade goods. Lots of Eagles and team gear. They had the screen between Philadelphia and London. Interaction was live! Also have indoor restrooms was a plus. Also pet friendly.

Wonderful Christmas experience in the heart of Philadelphia. Great shops but expect heavy crowds.

Nice park in the heart of Philly! Not a lot of grass but plenty of seats to relax, eat, work, or just enjoy the vibes. There is a coffee shop but it was closed at the time. They also have good trucks, water fountains, a stage, and an entrance to the subway.

This park is not new space, it is merely transformation of space already there. They have made the area around city hall nice. I first noticed the pickleball courts that are for rent. It is so cool to be able to play in such a historic site. Not sure if this was a permanent fixture. Next I noticed the relaxed seating areas and tables that span the entire west side of the building. I met a friend here and we sat at one of the long tables, which we shared with someone at the other end because it was so popular. We were in the shadows of the building. There was also a gift shop and bathrooms, all portable. There were a lot of people here on the nice weather day I was there and it really changes the vibe in Center City.

10th Anniversary of Dilworth Park With music, flowers and chalk art The park is a beautiful place to eat lunch or take a break. Lots of tables and other seating and a grass patch with Adirondack chairs A Starbucks is here, a food truck plus Salt and Vinegar shop.

Classy urban park that's very lively, mainly due to it being within a busy neighborhood in a metropolis. I love coming here during the holidays to get shopping done.

The food was incredibly tasty, particularly the Philly fried shrimp tacos, which I highly recommend. The Broad St beer was also quite delicious. The outdoor seating area was neat and the service was quick. The food and drinks from the air grille food truck were great. This place is highly entertaining and perfect for a family outing.

Always something going on, from ice skating to roller blading and seasonal markets. This park is well maintained and well lit at night. Worth stopping at while walking through the area.

Dilworth Park is a staple of what Philly represents. It's buzzing with people walking for work or leisure, people grabbing lunch with friends, people skating at Rothman Rink, people hosting exercise classes for the community, and so much more. It's a local classic and whenever I do see the rink re-appear with its colorful decorations, I know summer's hit.

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, originally intended Centre Square to serve as the center point of Philadelphia. City Hall stands on Centre Square. The half acre park is located on the western side of City Hall and also has a cafe.

Though the holidays are long gone, there's still season's spirit at Dilworth Park. Me and my friend headed here to enjoy a day of ice skating. I bought my tickets online so I simply checked it and grabbed my skates. The total was $18 per person including skates. There were locker rentals for $10 but me and my friend just put our shoes in our bags. I recommend wearing some compressible shoes and bringing a small book bag or tote if you want to do this. The rink is pretty small but enough space to move around without bumping into people. There was a mix of families, couples and groups. The thing is though, the ice gets very torn up after a while so get there during your set time so you're first on the ice!! There is staff on the ice at all times just in case something happens which was nice to know. Also they will take photos for you if you request them to! After our session we headed over to the garden to look at the flowers and chat. There's also a food place that is warmed up if you want to grab a bite. Besides that the park is pretty small and you'll probably be there for less than 4 hours in total. Stop by while the ice is still frozen!

Came here on a Friday afternoon to enjoy the sun, people, drinks and skate. It was a beautiful day out and we were able to enjoy a drink and each others company. I was skeptical about skating since I don't know how to but nonetheless it was fun. It wasn't packed, maybe about 10 other people out there with us. The majority of the people skating, well attempting to skate were all having fun. For that moment, I forgot I was in Center City and didn't have a care in the world. Bring your own lock if you have things you want to put in the locker. They sell you a $1.00 lock for $10.00, rip off. Staff behind the counter were young kids/adults who seemed disinterested to be there. Paid for our skating ticket, went to get a drink and returned to the next window to try and get our skates and they had us waiting almost 10minutes before someone asked our sizes. The young man who asked what sizes we needed, appeared upset as he mumbled something under his breath and another young man who was much friendlier gave us our skates with a smile and told us to have fun. While waiting for our skates, there were 3 other humans at the ticket counter where you initially pay, helping one customer pay their money with each person pretending not to see us at the next window. Purposefully not looking over, like really making it their business to not look to the left lol. Despite us talking, staring at them and the typical, umm excuse me. Smh. We ended up paying for street parking which wasn't far at all. Big downside for me: I am not good on skates and truly just came to have some fun. The sling floor was uneven and for someone who can't skate, this seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. Sure, for those who know how to move on skates it wasn't a problem but for the few of us who weren't as confident, this was scary. Pieces of the floor weren't connected to the other so you'd have a pieces sticking up or a mini gap in-between, or you'd see a slight bubble (which I labeled my mini speed hump) on the map.

The recent upgrades with changing seasons have made this park one of the best places to chill near city hall. It's been looking so colorful and happy with the grassy/floral sculptures. Can't wait for the ice skating rink to open again!

We love visiting places like this. During Christmas time it is a neat Christmas Village. Plenty of pop up tents with small shops. They also have an ice skating rink. Plenty of fun to be had. They also have a large Christmas tree on the City Half ground along with a nice light show.

I have been coming here every Christmas season for about 5 years now. This year was the worst year so far. Not only was it dead, but they posted pro racism signs on the Christmas tree that should not be there. This is a Christmas review. This year was also very very very dead! They usually have 50+ vendors, but this year due to covid, they had about 25 or so. Its not their fault, but it felt dismal... They also posted some racist things on the Christmas tree, not a fan! The park is clean, and the vendors are friendly. This year was a little dismal. I love that they support small businesses. There were several booths that I was missing this year. Hopefully next year will be back to business as normal. I really only come here during the Christmas season, so I do not have much more to say than that. They usually do some sort of Christmas light show on City Hall, but due to covid, its not going. We shall see what next year brings. All in all, we travel about 90 miles to come here every year. This year it was not worth it... It has been in the past. If you are a local, I recommend going! If you are not a local, go next year....

Bottom Line: A small city park adjacent to City Hall that changes with the season. Dilworth Park is a small park, more like a plaza, adjacent to City Hall. When I visited on a warm September weekend the park had lovely planters with impressively healthy plants and flowers. There was also a grassy area. Although I visited at a warm time I understand that the park changes with the seasons. During my visit there were dancing fountains that kids were playing in but I hear this transforms into an ice rink in the winter. Fun! The park has a cute cafe/food truck in what looks like and Airstream trailer and separately a Starbucks wall-up window. There is also a lovely glass covered entry to the City Hall subway station. Aside from closely inspecting the beautiful planters, I mostly just passed through this park. While many other visitors were also passing through there were definitely plenty of visitors both during day and night, relaxing and taking in the sights. The park is patrolled by Center City District (CCD) Philadelphia personnel so that made the park feel even more welcoming.

Being a native Philadelphian and seeing this space transform over the past few years has been a treat! I like that Dilworth has become less of a pass thru place and more of a destination spot to meet up with friends when events are scheduled. I am glad city planners are deciding to use these types of open spaces for seasonal pop up events throughout the year! I love the renovated subway center below (finally...lol) fountains in the summer along with musical events and the ice skating rink/light show in the winter. Great job Dilworth Park--keep it up!

One of the few places in the city that I don't find fault with or complaint about. The city of Philadelphia has done a great job in making use of the space. One of my favorite time of the year is Christmas and boy is Dilworth Park beautiful at Christmas. The light show, the pop-up shops and the ice-skating rink. Dilworth Park is a place that the entire family can enjoy. In the summertime when all of the Christmas fanfare has faded just walk around. You can get in some exercise along with find different etchings and dedications that may be of interest.

See, this is one of the reasons why I love Philly. The family fun events especially around the holidays. The Dilworth Park & Love Park Christmas Villages is basically one stop for activities, food, shopping, rides and FUN for EVERYONE! Check it out before it ends!

Dilworth Park is located next to Philadelphia City Hall (https://www.yelp.com/biz/city-hall-philadelphia). One could consider it a part of City Hall as the park sits in the same block as the building and acts sort of like a courtyard or open/green space for the building. It's nice. One of our Philly friends proposed this park as a meeting place for us and it was perfect for that. The park opened in 2014 so it's relatively new. You can tell by the park's modern and aesthetically pleasing design. Most notable to me were the two contemporary glass canopies that served as long ramp entrances/exits to the underground rail system (SEPTA City Hall Station). The park has a cafe, free Wi-Fi, a splash pad, a lawn, and plenty of seating with nicely-manicured trees and landscaping around the perimeter. The splash pad is huge and one of the biggest I've seen. There's a splash pad at adjacent Love Park too (https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-park-philadelphia). In the wintertime, Dilworth's splash pad is covered with an ice skating rink. We visited on a Sunday evening around 7:30pm and the park was busy. Lots of kids playing in the fountain, lots of folks sitting and hanging out, and lots of pedestrians passing through. We sat in an elevated gravel area with tables and comfortable chairs, shaded by umbrellas and trees. This was a great place for waiting, meeting, and people watching. We strolled through the park before and after. The park is open and spacious. The crowd was diverse. The atmosphere was relaxed. It generally felt clean and safe. Overall, this is definitely a neat park that one typically wouldn't associate with Philly, but times are changing.

[461] Dilworth Park is really cool but don't come here expecting grass or swingsets. This is the area outside of city hall where there are tons of chairs and tables so it's easy to sit here and enjoy the fresh air. Right now they have small sprinklers coming from the floor so kids can splash if they want (and I've seen a few). They hold all types of festivals and winter booth sales. There is even a café in this park. It's a busy spot especially since it's close to the train/subway. I'll definitely come back.

Dilworth Park is a lovely plaza by City Hall, with amenities such as wifi, washrooms, and a cafe. There is public art (while we were there, it was the temporary home of Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture), an ice rink in the winter, and various events throughout the year. An aesthetic, comfortable, and practical park. [Yelp collections: East Coast 2016; Parks and Gardens; Pee for free!]

The LOVE sign used to be here after it was moved from its original home. But, it is currently taken out for renovations -- see my pic. The park is rather nice with its lights at night. And during the day time, there were water that sprouts from the ground. I can imagine little kiddies running about during the much warmer days of summer (even though it was Memorial weekend when we visited) trying to cool down with the water. The significant other and I travel thru here both during the day and once at night when we were trying to find the LOVE sign, and both times there were a good amount of people hanging around drinking coffee. The park seemed lively and safe during all hours. I saw a food vendor there that serviced hungry stomachs. There's also an information booth if you have an questions or concerns.

Nothing ever happens here. Should be renamed Dullworth Park. Not really. It's a wonderful place. It's a huge collection of fountains and little gardens in front of City Hall in Philly. It's one of the most spectacular places in the city, and it's right in the heart of Philadelphia. They even have live music here. Ice skating in winter. There's an awesome water fountain too. I don't know how this can be any lower than a 5 star. So what's the Dil with people giving it less?

Great place to people watch in the afternoon. If you're not into crowds I would avoid in the wintertime when the have the ice skating rink setup, or in the summer for the Center City District Sips Happy Hour. The place becomes a mob scene. Very walkable and easy entrance to the Broad Street and Market Frankford subway lines.

After having dinner at McCormick and Schmicks across the street the family and I headed over to Dilworth Park to check out the light show on City Hall. It did not disappoint. Running every half hour the lights transform the ornate government building into an architectural drawings, a ginger bread house and a frozen structure in the icicle cracking finally. Brilliant.

Stunning! I'm so happy the city built this. The location is often put to use throughout the year and includes a winter garden, happy hour, Center City Sips, an ice skating rink, fountains,and more. I'm a photographer and this location gives stunning opportunities for shots. The subway entrance is nothing short of beautiful and is an excellent prop for photos. Nice touches include the tree lights, park entrance, and nearby La Colombe.

Keeps getting better - and much improved from 2010. Christmas market (back every year), small ice rink in winter, music and food trucks in summer. Nice!

Dilworth park is a nice attraction to downtown Philadelphia. Please note it doesn't feature swings or grass. It's basically a park that host festive events. Dilworth park is especially fun during the Christmas holidays and that's what brought me here! I arrived on a cold Sunday afternoon and Dilworth was lit and crowded, they had a ice skating rink and wonderful Christmas music in the background. I enjoyed seeing everyone having a good time. Getting our skates was easy and I believe it's around 15.00 for one person. I paid about 30.00 for two tickets, which is not bad being as though there's no time limit to how long you skate. They also have a wintergarden, which was lit with Christmas lights and a cafe where you can get food that's pretty pricey. Overall it was fun to try ice skating for the first time. I didn't do too much cause I didn't want to fall and end up paying Rothman institute a visit. Is it me? or did anyone else noticed that the ice skating rink was set up by Rothman institute which is a place that delivers in orthopedic care. I guess they can hook you up if you have a bad fall! Yikes lol.

After a nice dinner in Philly, we walked up Philadelphia's version of nyc's Park Avenue aka Broad street. My son and I inched closer to a large clock tower and we wanted to see what it was. It turns out that right smack in the middle of the nice part of Philadelphia downtown is a park under this tower with a cute square beneath. The first thing we saw other than the festive crowd of people was a nice carousel. My son enjoyed nice $10 for 5 rides there. Good price and the rides were legit too, with season appropriate Rudolph the red nosed reindeers for kids to ride on, xmas music and it made quite a few full spins before coming to a stop. The lines were manageable. My son was even able to get on twice in a row before a bigger crowd showed up. They also have a few shops selling sweets and souvenirs and a small illuminated stage for kids to play on. A small (compared to Rockefeller center) but cute Christmas tree on the other side of the park was a nice place to take pictures. A friendly santa with a cane kept photobombing people's photos and high fived my son twice. He didn't ask for money once! How great is Philadelphia?? I had heard so many bad things (especially about eagles fans) but I had a great time anf I see many ways in which it is better than Manhattan. The crowd was festive yet manageable. Prices were good for the carousel. The line wasn't too bad. Santa didn't heckle for money unlike the crazy characters in Times Square. Taking pictures of the tree didn't involve busting thru a sea of people for a split second opening like holiday time at Rockefeller center.

The renovations done to this "park" over the couple of years have been great. There is now a splash park (e.g. Fountains) on the one side in the summer time where kids can play and get wet. During the winter this park has the Dilworth winter fest which feature different shops and a pop up ice skate rink.

What a gorgeous place to take people for a true Philly feel! It was snowing all day and looked so beautiful! The Christmas decorations and tree was so pretty:) They have a smaller ice rink here but I recommend the larger one at Penn's Landing. They have some cute shops here and you can stop into the cafe to warm up with some cider or hot cocoa. They have a carousal for the kids in the middle of city hall which is nice. It's definitely worth exploring. It is such a gorgeous site to see!

Dilworth Park is a welcome addition to Center City and has been doing a great job of having something interesting for every season! Winter: Ice skate around a (tiny) ice rink, shop the Christmas Market, or enjoy a hot spiked drink or snack at the lodge. I also saw people host a kid's birthday party in the lodge so that's a great idea for all those city kids who need to learn to ice skate. Spring: Grab a spot outside to eat lunch and you might be surprised with a pop up concert, walk through on your way home from work and you might be surprised with a pop up fitness class. Summer: Join a bocce ball league and make new friends while talking about how bumpy the bocce courts are. Watch little kids freak out over the fountain. Attend a fancy event under the tents I always see pop up. Fall: Grab a beer at Oktoberfest! The Center City District emails will keep you informed about upcoming events.

If you've lived in Philadelphia for years, you will remember what Dilworth Park was before it was Dilworth Park. With that being said, anything in that space is an upgrade. I decided to try the ice skating rink and take about 60 middle school students with me (call me crazy...) Making the reservation was a breeze and getting the students their skates was also fairly easy. While the rink is a bit small, everyone had fun. I do wish they would zamboni the rink more frequently though, as the ice was in desperate need of it during our 2 hour stay. The lodge is warm and cozy and had basic food options (fries, hot chocolate...basically everything teens love). Great park with a lot going on no matter the season (free yoga in the summer, concerts, Christmas Village, etc.)

Recently renovated and updated Dilworth Park located at Philadelphia City Hall is an relaxing, fast service, food and drink location that serves all ages. From the dazzling Christmas decor to the summer filled fun events in center city close to the Wanamaker building, Del Friscos, Reading Terminal, downtown shops, and the Kimbel Center. Great access to local public transit.

You know who throw a great seasonal event? Dilworth Park peeps. The renovated park is the home of many movie nights, pop-up shops, live music, and more. Most of which are FREE, Also it's the land of the newest outdoor ice skating Rink in Philly; an affordable and well-maintained rink, during the winter months. This days, the iconic Dilworth Park is packed with Summer activities; from Tuesdays outdoor movie nights, to Wednesdays lunch-break with live concert series, farm-fresh produce and CCD Sips, to Thursdays Rhythms at The Rosa Blanca cafe. Yes, Don't miss this cute Cuban Cafe by Jose Garces, where breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour drinks are being served. Need more REASONS? - Lush green lawn. - Four tree groves around the park. - Massive, Interactive fountain, which recycles rainwater. Kinds, and I love it! - "Cool-looking clear glass head-houses" covering the entrance to SEPTA transit lines. Can't get enough fun? - The beer garden in the fall will undoubtedly catch your interest. - Pulse, coming soon, with colored mist around the fountain for some good times. However, there is ONE downside to this otherwise great park; it is hot in summer and cold in winter, otherwise it is perfect! Four and half Yelps.

A park directly in front of City Hall? Awesome idea! The park is mostly concrete but there's a nice interactive water fountain, a decent grassy area, and a cute cafe under a shaded area. This is really what you would expect from a city park. I love the atmosphere because it's very chill and the sound of the dancing water fountain is very calming. If there's some obnoxious drivers who won't lay off the horn, it totally ruins the experience. There are many activities planned throughout the year so I would recommend coordinating a trip to the city with one of those events. Pop up movies, festivals, kickboxing classes, running groups, farmers markets...so much to do! Go enjoy some fresh (city) air! http://www.ccdparks.org/dilworth-park/dilworth-park-events?page=1

Beautiful buildings. We didn't have time to walk around to enjoy the park however the next visit we will make sure we do. The buildings are so gorgeous.

Adding a park setting the City Hall was an ambitious project that took a couple of years to complete and made a side of City Hall a construction conundrum. While the end result is a dose of parklife that I found enjoyment in; especially while watching the ice skaters during winter, I expected so much more and felt that it under delivered compared to other park projects that have emerged throughout Philly over the past couple of years. Thanks to spots like Race Street Pier, the updated Clark Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Paine Skate Park, Philly Parks have seen a serious amount of revitalization throughout the years (especially along the Waterfront over the summer). Given the fact that all of the above emerged while Dilworth Park was still under construction, and what all of them had to offer; I definitely not in the minority when it comes to people who were expecting so much more. Its also pretty odd and questionable that, during a time when they were trying to deter people from skateboarding in parks around that area, they unveiled 2 Septa train tunnels that kind of resemble a giant ramp. Overall Dilworth Park is definitely a spot that has its pluses. The ice skating is definitely an exciting thing to take part in whether your participating or watching. Garces' Rosa Blanca cafe pop up is the perfect place to either enjoy some coffee and pastries or some spiked beverages. Add in plenty of spots to chillax in, and easy access to City Hall and Suburban Station, and you have a good park destination.

I love that they changed it into something operational from the fountains in the summer to the ice skating in the winter. We don't visit downtown often but we like going there and of course seeing city hall.

Well I did check in here ! It's a park adjacent to city Hall and seems to be used as an event space.Right now it's basically an extension of the Christmas market with a skating rink.There is also a temporary drink and or restaurant place.If you go inside the adjacent city hall courtyard, there is a merry go round and some boths selling Christmas stuff.So why not walk through.

This is a cute park outside City Hall where you can hang out and grab a bite. It's close to transit lines and November and December has a Winter Garden and Christmas village! Lots of great places to sit, especially during protests. This is a popular place for protests and vigils

I do miss the belowed view of Love Park but do enjoy the free movie screenings, ice skating, and ground fountains that shoot up in the air for the kids to play in.

Dilworth Park during the holiday season is wonderful! A great place for locals and tourists to visit. A large decorated Christmas tree on the north side, the east side houses a giant skating rink decorated with pretty festive string lights, the Christmas village shops surround the rink and sell every craft gift imaginable from soap, jewelry, cocktail sauce and cookies. Dilworth Park also has an enclosed café where you can get warm, and purchase lunch & warm drinks. I like to get a hot apple cider from the cafe and walk around the shops with it. Klip Collective has an awesome light show projected on the facade of city hall, The light show only lasts about 10 minutes, depending on the day it starts around 5 PM and ends around 10pm, runs every hour or on the half hour. In the atrium of the city hall complex, you will find a large merry-go-round and incredible street musicians. An awesome and fun must-visit in November and December, very festive, and gets you in the holiday spirit! Definitely go!

I actually walked past this park back in 2009 when I was working in Center City at the time. I didn't even know the name of the park. The park is not bad at all. They have those fountains that shoots up water for the kids to play with. You get a good view of the streets and the tall skyscrapers.

What a Gorgeous Park! It was extra special to see all the Christmas décor and the famous LOVE sculpture as well. The Rothman Ice Rink was also so beautifully lit and so much fun!

I really like the renovated space in the park! Great water features during the warm months and a nice little cafe to grab a drink! I really like it during the winter some of the shops from Christmas village migrate too! The ice skating rink adds some holiday charm and is great people watching! My favorite is the urban garden maze that pops up each year! A little oasis around the center of the city!

A phenomenally designed water park in the summer, skating in the winter + dog friendly. A great public space.

I was able to walk thru this park after seeing it from afar for some time. As I walked around I just thought, what did they do for all that money and time? I'm no fan of the glass ramps on the stairs. I do like the water feature for families. It is a place for fun. But, there really is no parking if this was your destination. I like that it is at City Hall and its awesome architecture. I'd like more shade and that probably will come with time and trees growing. There should be something else going on like street performances during the days. There should also be more seating areas. It is lovely and nicer than what was there before, but It is a walk thru for most people and not a destination place to be at.

Another cool ice skating spot rite in the middle of the city with tons of cool xmas lighted and will def get all of the Scrooge's into the holiday spirit. They serve food hot chocolate and alcohol to warm your soul

It was a nice first Center City Sips! DJ, drinks and nice fresh breeze from fountains. Overall was really cool place to hang out, everything is closing at 8pm so you have to move if you want more party, but if you want just to hang out and talk it's perfect!

Named for Philadelphia's enterprising Mayor Richard Dilworth; this is a curiously complex complex of stout, stern, brutist-style concrete spaces intended as amenable pedestrian space and civic betterment. Above ground, (surrounded by roaring streams of traffic) you have several drab but energetic fountains and a long, open, beveled volume of stone, air, and railings which make skater kids squirm with lust. This runs alongside the west facade of City Hall. Its totally illegal to lay skateboard here of course; which leave the whole hing very sparsely visited. Sporadic lunch spot for secretaries in warm weather. Below--ramps and stairways lead one into the infamous and spooky, City Hall 'concourse' a matching space to the above except that it is completely enclosed and dank; airless; dim; columned. A very strange spot indeed; one which has planners still puzzled as to exactly why it was built originally and what to do with it, today. Mushroom farm? Arcade? Laser-tag? Theater? I've heard it all. The highlight (I would suggest) is the artificial waterfall constructed hard by the western entrance. This is in its way as impressive as the towering fountains nearby in Logan or Love park. Here, water pours down in a wide, flat sheet over an abuttment; and you can walk behind it and gaze through from behind; with an absolute thunder of reverberating water crashing against your eardrums. Its quite singular. I don't know how to describe the appeal of Dilworth Plaza. It feels like an alien landscape; abandoned by aliens; or a closed-down prison. Its stark; minimalist but gigantic; scraped-clean of all amenity. It holds no softness; no curves; no comfort. One wanders around it in a sort of stupor; wishing for some kind of retractable sneaker-wheels to shorten the loops. It can be cheerless and enervating. On the other hand, the absence of all the frenetic advertising, signage, and banners which crowds every other downtown space can refresh. Located at the geographic and bureaucratic heart of the city, every Philadelphian should stroll around its length at least once. Keep it in mind as a good place to retreat to and defend when the zombie apocalypse arrives. .