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West Philadelphia’s Spruce Hill neighborhood, bounded by Market Street to the north, Woodland Avenue to the south, 40th Street to the east, and 46th Street to the west, is best known for its historic Victorian homes and for the sprawling green space of Clark Park.
Clark Park, home to the Uhuru Flea Market, Shakespeare in Clark Park, and a thriving year-round farmer’s market every Saturday in partnership with The Food Trust, spans several city blocks, traversing 43rd and 45th streets from Baltimore to Woodland Avenue.
A Play Space for Pooches
The most prominent feature of the park is the Clark Park “bowl,” a large dug-out area on the park’s south side. Now known for picnics or youth soccer leagues, the Clark Park bowl was once a mill pond fed by Mill Creek. The two mills powered by the pond closed in the 1860s and, soon after, Mill Creek itself was diverted underground to make way for development.
Plans for a park were proposed in the early 1890s, and Clark Park was officially established in 1895 after the land was donated, in exchange for a tax abatement, by West Philadelphia developer Clarence Howard Clark.
On the weekends, Clark Park serves as West Philly’s lawn. This shade-filled greenspace draws hundreds of people lounging on blankets or in tree-strung hammocks with friends. You might encounter sunbathers, a barbeque, a birthday party, or an assortment of dogs rambling joyously off-leash.
Though the park’s official stance aligns with the City’s leash laws, dog owners who know their pets well often allow their pets free-range in the relative containment of what is now known more colloquially as “The Dog Bowl.”
The Dog Bowl is a favorite meet-up for neighbors with dogs and even for people without pets looking for the oxytocin hit that comes from petting and cooing over a pup. On any sunny Saturday, neighborhood children can be seen rolling down the banks of the bowl and then playing with dogs as if they were their own.
Jack, pictured above with his dogs Kendra and Norbu, has been coming to Clark Park since 2015 when he moved to the area with his family. He first discovered the park through the youth soccer teams he first played for then later coached. Now he comes to the park for the fresh air and community connections. “Every time I come here I see different people, different faces, different dogs,” he said. “This is a great park. I love this park.”
Bark in the Park
Clark Park has a long history of being for the dogs. The Friends of Clark Park have been hosting “Bark in the Park” annually since 1991. This low-key competition features categories where dogs compete for treats, toys and bandanas in categories like “longest ears,” “fluffiest tail,” “fastest sprint” or “loudest bark.” Check the Friends of Clark Park Calendar for details about the next Bark in the Park event.
Even for those who might not be a pup-person, Clark Park offers plenty of shaded paths and benches for relaxed strolls, as well as basketball courts and a playground. Be sure to check out the park’s recently-acquired public bathroom, a much-needed amenity for those making a daytrip to enjoy the ample green space and gardens of Spruce Hill.
Pup-Friendly Spots in Spruce Hill
While you’re out walking, be sure to wander a few blocks west to Baltimore Avenue Pet Shoppe. Staffed by knowledgeable animal lovers, Baltimore Avenue Pet Shoppe specializes in providing high-quality options for pets and their parents.
Local 44 at 44th and Spruce Street is another favorite Spruce Hill business sure to please both pups and their companions. This neighborhood favorite offers a relaxed atmosphere with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area. Reviewers frequently mention the welcoming staff who are happy to accommodate diners with pets.
And for those who love a latte, or for anyone seeking cozy seating with views of Clark Park, the Green Line Cafe on Baltimore Avenue is another must-visit staple in the neighborhood. Located directly across from Clark Park at 43rd Street, the Green Line is a perfect stop before or after a visit to the park.
Enjoy sidewalk seating along Baltimore Avenue where you can spread out with your dog while enjoying coffee, sandwiches or pastries. For more timid pets, or for a generally softer vibe, snag a table along the shadier side of the building on 43rd away from the Saturday farmers’ market crowds.
