As loyal readers of this publication know, I have a propensity to mention that not only am I getting old, I strongly dislike getting old. I mean, what’s to like? I’m at the point where even if I were to live another 25 years, an unlikely occurrence that would take me deep into my 90s, the end sure as shit is still a whole lot closer than the beginning. Depressing, man, depressing.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I get a kick out of wandering around in search of that which is new to me. I tend to believe that a steady diet of fresh experiences possibly has the ability to hold back Father F*cking Time. In any event, encountering the new sure helps to keep your brain cells firing, to bring at least the semblance of a smile to your face, and to make most days decently bright. And so, off I went recently to a couple of places that I’d never visited before and was more than curious to investigate.
I live not far from Philadelphia and head into that interesting city, which contains an almost endless supply of things to do, three or more times each month. On August 8, I decided that I’d go there to check out The Rail Park, which began as an idea in the early 2000s and became a reality when its first, and to-date only, section opened in 2018. Three more sections are on the drawing board. (If plans for the creation of those sections interest you, then feel free to click here to learn about them.)
Luckily I did a bit of googling before leaving the house, otherwise I’d not have known that another elevated park, Cira Green, occupies space in Philadelphia. As far as I know, The Rail Park and Cira Green are Philly’s only places with greenery that are up in the open air.
Close to central Philadelphia’s Chinatown section, The Rail Park was created by a partnership of forward-thinking area residents and governmental and private entities, and is built on what were abandoned, elevated Reading Railroad tracks. Those tracks once brought freight and passengers into and out of The City Of Brotherly Love. They were last used for those purposes in 1984.
And Cira Green? Well, unlike The Rail Park it’s not under city government’s oversight. It’s an entirely private enterprise, but everyone is welcome there. Its home is the roof of a parking garage that sits between two modern towers. (The two towers, the parking garage and Cira Green collectively are known as Cira Centre South.) Cira Green opened three years before The Rail Park did and rubs shoulders with The University Of Pennsylvania and with Drexel University in the enormous part of town known as West Philadelphia.
I took in Cira Green first. I rode the parking garage elevator to the 11th floor and then walked up a staircase that leads to the roof. Voila! Cira Green spread out before my eyes, one and a quarter acres of walkways, terraced lawns, shrub and flower beds, and a sprinkling of trees. There’s a burger and beer joint on the grounds too, and a big tent where organized events are held. Lawn chairs and chaise lounges were scattered around.
Cira Green is a solid piece of work, and dozens of people were there enjoying the sunny day. But it ain’t knock-your-socks-off beautiful. If it were on ground level it would be considered fairly pedestrian. But it’s not on ground level. One hundred and fifty or more feet above the streets, it provides a motherlode of fab views. Damn right I didn’t plop my ass into a chair or chaise lounge. What I did was walk all over the place, checking out those views.
Skyscraper-loaded central Philadelphia, across the murky Schuylkill River, gave me a buzz, as did West Philadelphia’s kaleidoscopic patterns, dominated by tans, browns and greys. But what I also couldn’t keep my eyes off of were the reflections in the facades of the two giant buildings flanking Cira Green. A person, such as I, could get lost in those reflections.
One public transit ride later, not to mention blocks and blocks of walking, I found the stairs that lead to The Rail Park. The park is in a gritty neighborhood that goes by various names, including Callowhill. Much of Callowhill went up in the 1800s. The area has an industrial look, which figures, because many factories once produced goods there. A few still do. Others have been converted to residential use. Parking lots are part of the landscape too, as is a dense array, too dizzying for me to digest, of other structures. The Rail Park was needed. It’s the only park in Callowhill, the only green refuge.
I liked The Rail Park. A mere 20 or thereabouts feet above street level, it doesn’t command the types of views that Cira Green does. But that was alright with me. As I walked back and forth along the park’s quarter of a mile length of planks and gravel paths, I looked here and I looked there, admiring the otherworldliness of the electric company substation very near the park and enjoying the neighborhood’s overall no-nonsense ambience.
The park’s plantings are pretty. The oversized swings struck me as a delightful touch. Basically, The Rail Park, at least during the moments I spent within it, was very welcoming. I felt comfortable and at home. If I lived in its vicinity I’d head over there now and then, book in hand, and find a comfortable perch on which to read.
One guy was doing exactly that. One young lady walked her dog. Two couples huddled, exchanging sweet nothings or something of that order. And a few folks of various ages, including an old guy, one of my peers, relaxed on the swings. Yeah, I definitely liked The Rail Park. I hope that Callowhill’s and Chinatown’s residents have come to embrace it, or will.
In closing, I tip my metaphorical hat to Philadelphia, a city that always has inspired me. Without Philadelphia, this website would be hurting for content. For real.
(As I almost always say, please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this story. Gracias.)
(If you click on any photo, a larger image will open in a separate window.)
Yeah, Another Blogger 
The whole ageing thing IS depressing but I think you’re handling it in the right way. New experiences are good for us. Thanks for the tour. 🙂
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Time marches on. No doubt about that.
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Have you ever stopped into the Hop Sing Laundromat? It’s a very cool speakeasy-style joint in Chinatown. If you are looking for a new experience, that’s a fun one.
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Hi. I never heard of it. I’ll look into it. Thank you.
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Oh I so love Philadelphia. And NEED to get back & do the Rail Park. Thanks for this reminder. And c’mon, aging so beats the alternative. Other than its introducing me to widowhood I am enthusiastic about the late 80s (as in, now being 86.) So far, NYC/DC, Lisbon, Arctic Circle; ahead, NYC again, NC/GA and the Galapagos. Maybe I’ll get to Philadelphia before I hit 87. Just keep your cardiovascular system going. Keep calm & write on.
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New experiences and new challenges are definitely the way to go. Both parks look wonderful. I would probably enjoy the Rail Park most of all because I am not great with too much elevation.
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Hi, and thanks for stopping by. The Rail Park is cosy. It’s a good place to unwind in.
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Hi Fran. You’re more active than most people 40 years younger than you!
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Great pictures and as you say even if not knock-your-socks-off beautiful, it has the advantage of height so you see the city in a totally different way.
Keep on being curious Neil, it’s definitely good for a person.
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I’m trying!
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Vive La Nouvelle. I just made that up but I think it’s almost French. Age is just a state of mind. Keep seeking inspiration and you’ll always be young (despite any physical evidence to the contrary).
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Hi George. I like the expression that you made up. Keep on hiking!
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Reminds me of the High Line in New York City. What a thrill to walk like a giant among tall buildings.
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The High Line is really good, as you know. It’s become a huge tourist attraction. It’s in a part of NYC that not too many people used to go to.
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I was about to say the same thing! I’m glad Philly has this in its cityscape.
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Hey there. The Rail Park is nowhere near as long as the High Line. But it has its own character. And it’s good.
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I remember seeing you that day at City Hall . Interesting l have never bee there. I will have to check it out.
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Hi Joyce. You’ll like both of the parks. Maybe more elevated parks will be built in Philadelphia. I hope so.
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My daughter owned a loft on the Rail Park a few years before it was constructed. Even enjoyed visiting then. It was a changing neighborhood. Never heard of the West Phila Park. Thanks for the tour.
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Hi Vincent. Pay a visit to both parks. You’ll enjoy them.
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Looks like quite the walk! I too find that investigating new places helps keep life interesting. Enjoyed going on this walk with you, Neil. Des
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Hi Des. If you ever visit Philadelphia, put both of these parks on your list of possible places to visit. The areas surrounding the parks are interesting too, especially the neighborhood that The Rail Park is in (and also the one that it is near . . . Chinatown.)
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Such an interesting exploration of a city where I’ve never been. Your photos are great!
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Many thanks, Becky. I appreciate that.
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You’re very welcome!
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That is stunning. The engineer in me wants to know how the f*** they do that? The spiritualist doesn’t care a whit.
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Hi. It’s true. Both parks are major engineering feats.
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Keep on truckin’, Neil, this was interesting. I think the Rail Park and NYC’s High Line are just excellent ideas, Singapore has a great one one too, they’re a great regeneration for cities, and as you said, sometimes the only green refuge for some neighborhoods.
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Yeah, cities need to do things like this in order to make things interesting for the locals and the tourists.
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I’ve never heard of elevated parks, but what a great idea! I hope St. Louis gets on board with that sometime soon. Meanwhile, keep walking and sharing. Because one, we enjoy reading about it, and two, you’re right that steady exercise is one of the best ways to stave off that dreaded “old fogeyism” that is awaiting us all!
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Hey there, Ann. Yeah, it’s good to walk around, exploring. There’s almost always something of interest to see. Have a real good rest of the week.
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Parks in the air – what’s not to love? Wonderful!
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I know. It’s a terrific idea. I’m glad that both of the places I wrote about exist!
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Very cool pics. We’ve been meaning to check out the rail park and this post put it front and center. Thanks!
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Hey there. I’m glad to hear from you. The Rail Park is modest, but that’s part of its charm. To me, anyway. You’ll like the Callowhill neighborhood. It’s pretty fascinating. And Chinatown is a six minute walk from the park.
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Thanks for the tips. We live in Chester co and our daughter is going to Temple, so we envision spending more time exploring the city.
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👍👍
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It looks like a beautiful day! Love those reflections.
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Hi JT. The reflections up there are something else. Maybe I’ll do a story some day about reflections!
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I preferred the Rail Park…what a great idea to give a green lung to the area. You’re right about keeping alert, looking for the new…it stops the brain from atrophying and the legs from seizing up.
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Yeah, we have to try to keep keepin’ on. It helps!
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Your photos and explanation of what you did make me want to get to Philly and duplicate your path. Short of that you inspire me to explore more of the city parks around me.
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Hi Ally, and thanks for dropping by. These two parks are not on the tourist maps, I suppose. But, if you ever visit Philly, they are worth checking out. See ya.
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By way of the internet, thanks for taking me with you on this journey. And as Norman Vincent Peale said, “Forget your age and live your life.” And let’s not forget George Burns, “You can’t help getting older but you don’t have to get old.” One day at a time, Pal. Enjoy the ride. Great essay. All the best. Jerry
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“Forget your age and live your life.” — that’s a great quote.
Have an excellent week, Jerry. I’m always very glad to hear from you.
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It’s amazing, what huge difference small natural oases can do to the neighborhood, Neil. Your story proves the point. We need to have more of these!. I particularly liked the views from elevated Cira Green. The reflection of the highrise is fantastic!
All the best,
Tanja
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Tanja, you’d go wild about the reflections up there. There are two very tall buildings there, one on each side of the Cira Green park and extending way above the park. Each building has amazing reflections.
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I think it would be fascinating to take photos at different times of the day and the season, Neil. There is a project for you! 😊
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Philly has a big number of tall buildings with reflective surfaces. I very well might do a piece about reflections. Have a good night!
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Thanks, Neil, sweet dreams to you.
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How lovely to read about the beauty and interesting finds in a city instead of, say… police being ambushed by bullets and water, or rat infestations, and people doing unspeakable things to each other. Thank you for sharing! And yes, growing old is not for the faint of heart but fighting through it….with grace and, well…kicking and screaming…it’s what living is all about. 😄
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Afternoon, Cristina. Philadelphia is very large physically, and has many neighborhoods, from different eras, within it. So, there’s an incredible number of interesting things to look at and explore. Thanks for stopping by. See you —
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These are beautiful development in Philadelphia and certainly worth the visit – and it gave you something interesting to write and something interesting for us to read. Go again; go often to Philadelphia and treat yourself to a beer while there!
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Beer! One of my staples. One of mankind’s best creations.
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Cheers!
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So glad to hear you have these elevated green spaces. Aren’t they great? I guess you’ve already answered that–yes, they are. I haven’t seen the ones in Philly but have often walked the High Line in NYC–same concept, built along old elevated tracks. I love it when people/government takes something old and rusting and turns it into something green and people-friendly. Reading about this somehow made me day. Perhaps we can keep the planet from dying. Perhaps we will live forever.
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Dream on!
Hi Amy. Changing the subject, Sandy and me went to the Philadelphia Folk Festival on Sunday, the last day of the four-day event. It’s held on a farm about 25 miles from Philly. It’s like stepping back into the hippie era. David Crosby and his band were the final act on Sunday. They were great. Crosby’s voice is as good as ever.
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So you were doing a Woodstock at 50 celebration. Very cool. I hope you and Sandy enjoyed a relaxing mud bath and a hit or two of Dr. Leary’s good medicine–just for old times sake😉
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What a great way to discover some unknown features that just might be fairly close by! Thanks for taking us along!
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Hi there. I’m glad you got a kick from this essay. Many thanks for adding your thoughts.
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Sands through the hourglass…. Nice tour of through the beauty of Philly.
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Yeah, we each have our own hourglass, and the sands don’t stop running. That’s life! Enjoy the week. Be seeing you —
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I thought of the High Line in NYC, love going to the Whitney first and Chelsea Market in that area. As for aging, the alternative is not good, right?
Keep doing all the things that make you feel alive. Aging is inevitable, of course. 😉
e
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Hi Eden. I used to go now and then to the original Whitney. Haven’t been to the new one. NYC is amazing in that the new Whitney is in a part of town that not many people used to go to. If you build it, they will come!
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You must go Neil. It’s a fabulous museum as most of the upper floors have outdoor access. It integrates indoor and outdoor space seamlessly, and makes for a unique experience.
Definitely not the like the stuffy museums of old.
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Great stuff Neil! Keep rocking on! I like the name of the neighbourhood: Callowhill. Must work that into a lyric some time…
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See, Philadelphia has inspired you!
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I so enjoy your tours and photos – for a wee while, I’m somewhere else and it’s great. One day, I hope to take in Philly (it’s certainly at the top of the must-see/do list). … And I so hear you re age. Every time I blink, I’m a year older and nothing has changed (save for the addition of a few new wrinkles and crinkles). 🙂
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Hi. One thing that everyone has in common is getting older. You can’t stop time!
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I always enjoy your Philadelphia posts, it makes me look forward to the day I can revisit the city. Thank you!
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Hey Brad. Good to hear from you. Philadelphia awaits your visit!
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Judging by all the posts, this walking tour post is a hit and i liked it also. I suspect Philly is a spot i will not get to see so en joyed learning about it.
Certainly a polar opposite to my city, and i think it is a great idea to provide respite from concrete and steel.
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You’re right. The more parks the better.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. Take care.
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Philadelphia is on my list of places to visit some day. These parks will be in there as well along with the typical tourist sites.
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Hi Linda. Philadelphia has a lot to see, including plenty of off-the-beaten-tracks spots.
Enjoy the rest of the week. Be seeing you.
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Best way to spend your “golden years”- exploring, and experiencing new things. My guess is that these trips are budget friendly. Both parks sound lovely. From your description, I’m leaning towards Cira Green. Thanks for sharing. All the best.
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Hi Lindi, and thanks for stopping by. I’ll head back to Cira Green one of these days to take in the views once again.
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Like your idea of doing new things. While you still can!
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Ditto, for sure.
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“Depressing, man, depressing”. I almost bailed after that bit. But as usual I hung in and was rewarded. “Rail Park”, what a fantastic idea. Just the thought and the follow through to get it together and make that happen. Hey it isn’t going to win any botanical awards but just the idea of greening things up instead of leaving dead cement is a step ahead.
Love that story Neil. I’ll meet you there for a bag lunch one day. CB
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You’re on!
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Philadelphia seems like a hell of a place, I’m even thinking of putting it on my list of places to visit if I ever get to the USA which I probably won’t but I live in hope.
All the best Neil.
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Hey Steve. Philly is worth visiting. Old and new buildings. Good cultural scene. Interesting neighborhoods. Large parklands.
Enjoy the rest of the week. I’ll see you.
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I followed your steps with great curiosity, and it’s good to have a glimpse into the city you live. Your posts have always been entertaining and informative. Your age, no, it doesn’t cross my mind at all. Take care, Isabelle
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Hi Isabelle, and thanks. You know how to make me feel good.
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I love the concept of elevated parks. We need something like that in Adelaide
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John, one of your missions in life now is to construct an elevated park in your city. You can do it!
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On the trails and coverages that you share Neil, you are going to be a legend. With your beautiful shots combined with interviews. all on video, you would be a travel anchorman. Another excellent post! Cheers! ☕😊☕
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Thanks for the thumbs up. I have fun when I poke around Philadelphia. There’s a lot to see there.
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You demonstrate your knowledge each time you poke around and share. You are a Philly networking asset. Take heed. Cheers !!😎🍵
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Great to see how green spaces can be created amidst the concrete jungles that are our modern cities…
Lieve
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Right. People need places where they can be reminded about nature.
Enjoy the weekend, Lieve. Have fun.
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Have a great weekend too!!
Lieve
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I enjoyed the tour. Thanks.
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Hi Lynne, and thanks.
I hope the weather in your region is as good today as it is in mine. I was outside for the last two hours enjoying the mild temps and clear skies. See you.
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Thanks for the tour. I don’t get to Philly often, but will put this on the to-do on the next trip.
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Hi. Both parks are off the beaten track. But that’s part of their charm.
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Nice to see some well-thought-out greening going on. Lovely photos, Neil. Hope you’re feeling an easing of that angst, Father ‘F’-ing Time must have dropped back some for you as a result of that visit… he certainly took a step back for me, as I read this. 🙂
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I think you’re right. I had a lot of pep in my step that day.
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Great post, Neil! Finding something new every day–or at least once a week–is great advice. Cheers!
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Hi Cecilia. Yeah, I think it’s a good orientation to have. It works for me, anyway.
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I’m glad you’re exploring and finding new surprise in your city. That will keep your mind and body young. 😀 I think, in general, we spend way to much time inside with the same old routine. Happy wandering.
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Hi there. Yeah, wandering around can lead to good experiences. I like it!
Thanks for stopping by. Take care.
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Neil, you’re only as old as you think you are and you are so young in spirit that you’ll live another century!
And I so love these posts! I work some blocks from Chinatown, but didn’t know about the elevated rail trail and now I must go. AND, I use 30th St. station every day and didn’t know about Circa Green! How is that possible? So you see, I am counting on you to fill me in on all things Philly. Thanks for the expert travel advice. I’m going to check these two places out asap!
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Pam, the stairs that go up to The Rail Park are on Callowhill Street between 11th and 12th.
See ya!
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Will check them out ASAP!
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There’s a mini-elevated park with walkway behind Philly’s Museum of Art now–not as well-kept as I would have expected from the museum, but some good views of the Schuylkill and a bit of the up-in-the-air greenery feeling.
There’s also a small Highline-style greenery walk in Bethlehem, PA at the old steel stacks along the Lehigh River. Such places are popping up even in smaller cities, and it’s terrific use of otherwise brown-field or abandoned spaces.
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Hello Ann. I did some googling to find out about this. I think you’re talking about the Treehouse In The Sky. I noticed it once, but didn’t check it out. I’ll go there the next time I’m at the museum. Thanks for mentioning this. See ya!
Neil Scheinin
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Yes, and the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, which also has a walkway.
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I love this idea of the rail park! Wish Milwaukee could construct something like this…but come to think, there might not be a feasible spot for it. Poop.
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It’s a great idea. And It’s off the beaten path, for sure. I doubt if many tourists will check it out because of that. But I hope that city residents will popularize it.
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That Rail Park looks amazing. What does one do to reconcile life and death? I think you’re living pretty nicely over there! X
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Hi Claire. The Rail Park is an example of creative thinking. I hope that the people living near it will embrace it.
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I love the Rail Park. Thanks for the tour and photos. Elevated parks are such a great idea. Here in Ireland, Greenways are becoming popular. They are pedestrian/cycling pathways on disused railway lines and usually take you through scenic areas.
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The more parks and pathways, the better!
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