Parks on Tap Returns to Two Riverwards Locations for Second Season
After a banner first year, the city’s traveling beer garden was renewed for what is expected to be an even more successful return engagement.
Parks on Tap rolls out next month, bringing the popular program to 20 city parks, including Penn Treaty Park and Powers Park in the Riverwards.
Launched in 2016, the initiative was spearheaded by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with Avram Hornik of FCM Hospitality. The inaugural season included 14 stops, with more parks and several weeks added for this summer’s festivities.
“The biggest takeaway from last year was that people wanted us to keep doing it,” said Elizabeth Moselle, associate director of business development at the Fairmount Park Conservancy, noting “overwhelmingly positive” feedback and a very high response rate on post-event surveys. “So we decided to do it in even more places and to scale it up a bit.”
Penn Treaty Park (1301 N. Beach St.) will welcome the program Aug. 16-20, while Powers Park (2965 Almond St.) will be the last event of the season, slated for Sept. 27-Oct. 1.
John Kalicki, president of the Powers Park Conservancy, estimated that about 600 people turned out during last year’s five-day affair.
“The expectations were that folks would come out, it would bring the neighborhood together and just be a good time, and it exceeded all those expectations,” Kalicki said. “It was just a wonderful experience. And [organizers] were satisfied enough that they’re coming out again.”
Parks on Tap features beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Guests can bring blankets, and organizers also supply an array of comfy chairs and hammocks, as well as restrooms.
Dogs are welcomed, as are children.
Marc Wilkens, director of business and event development for Parks and Recreation, said organizers are amping up the kid-friendliness this year.
“We got a great response from families and folks bringing their kids to play; it’s a fenced-in area, so parents really enjoyed letting the kids run around,” Wilkens said, noting cornhole was a big hit with youngsters. “We wanted to accommodate that experience and add more elements to it by bringing in more games and more kid-friendly food options and amenities.”
Many of the sites also complement the programming with their own additions.
Last year’s Powers Park event included an Indego bike ride, quizzo and bingo, all of which Kalicki said will likely return. He said he’s also considering musical elements, such as local bands and a karaoke or talent showcase.
Wilkens said Parks on Tap is a good way to get locals involved with city and neighborhood parks, as well as connected to other residents.
“There are amenities that are not normally there, like restrooms and food and drink, and they encourage folks to spend time in the park when they might not normally,” he said. “It activates park spaces in different ways and also brings a sense of community, as you get to engage with other folks and neighbors.”
Parks on Tap kicks off May 17 at the Azalea Garden near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Programming at each site is from 5-10PM Wednesday-Thursday, 1-11PM Friday-Saturday and noon-10PM Sunday.
For more information and a full schedule, visit www.parksontap.com. •