Whether you are a sports pro or a wee bit athletically challenged, this is the season to get out your fan gear, your basketballs, your gloves and your racquets and head outside for some spring competition. Living in Philly gives us a leg up on other places – we have the whole Fairmount Park system at our fingertips. But we are also fortunate to have a number of parks, playgrounds and sports clubs right down the street from us. Check out these local sports venues to get your athlete on this week.
1. The Water Tower – Whether you are looking for a baseball field for a pickup game or a nice place for some spring basketball, the Water Tower Recreation Center has what you’re looking for. From after school programs to day camps, from fencing lessons to indoor soccer (all hosted by a number of local organizations), this rec center fills a huge athletic spectrum in Chestnut Hill. With basketball and tennis courts and baseball fields crying out to be used, there’s never a dull moment here.
Location: 209 E Hartwell Lane
Phone: 215-685-9296
2. Cricket, Anyone? – The Philadelphia Cricket Club may sound swanky (and it is), but it is also a great place to play cricket, golf, squash, bridge, bowling and more. With 21 grass tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, a 25 meter pool and more, there is something for everyone. And it’s a great spot for special occasions as well, with its ornate interior and beautiful landscape. The catch? This is a club, and one must be member sponsored to apply for an invitation. Learn about the application process here.
Location: 415 W. Willow Grove Ave.
Phone: 215-247-6001
Find out what's happening in Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
3. Grab Your Skates – Don’t let spring keep you from chilling out. The Wissahickon Skating Club functions all year round, and in addition to open public skate and hockey sessions, the club offers ice skating lessons, freestyle sessions for the more artistically inclined and a number of other exciting activities for you ice goers. Public skating is held every Friday night, and there are a number of hockey, figure skating and other camps and clinics for all ages to really get a good handle on the ice.
Location: 550 West Willow Grove Avenue
Phone: 215-247-175
4. Allens Lane – Allens Lane Park in Mt. Airy is another incredible resource for a day of sports, playground and relaxation. With basketball and tennis courts and a beautiful, summertime flower garden, this outdoor segment of the Allens Lane Art Center is sure to please. Enjoy all the perks of the Fairmount Park system in your own backyard from 6:00am to 10:00pm everyday, right up the road.
Location: West Allens Lane & Greene St, Philadelphia, PA 1911
Phone: 215-248-0546
Find out what's happening in Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
5. Get Your Squash On - There is no better time to learn an interesting sport, so stop by The Squash Club of Chestnut Hill and see what they are all about. Don’t know what squash is? That’s an ever better reason to check it out. This club has a great set of facilities and massage therapy for members. What more could you ask for?
Location: 500 West Willow Grove Avenue
Phone: 215-248-3085
