A (Somewhat) Brief History of Orianna Hill Park

Orianna Hill Park was an abandoned lot owned by the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of the City of Philadelphia. The Old First Reformed Church of Philadelphia began using the park as the "Tot lot" in the late 1970s for two months each summer. Neighbors began maintaining and using the park the rest of the year, pruning trees, mowing the grass and clearing the 3rd Street section of the lot.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, several attempts were made by individuals to buy the land for development. Each time, neighbors joined together to petition city officials to preserve what was then Northern Liberties' only green space. In 1992, the community garden was established and named Orianna Hill Park. For many years the park was shared by gardeners, local families, dog owners and the camp.

In the mid-1990s, tensions between the dog owners and the church camp led to the camp finding another space. The main park area became increasingly devoted to off-leash dog use. Eventually, several dog owners took the initiative to install the low wooden fence on the Orianna Street side, fully fencing the space for the first time and eliminating the hazard of dogs running into the street.

A nearby neighbor, overwhelmed by the presence of so many dogs, began a campaign to eliminate off-leash dog use in the park. Dog park users joined together in this year to gather signatures on petitions, to call Councilman DiCicco's office, and to negotiate with the RDA. It was finally agreed that the best solution would be for the neighbors to take over ownership of the park. The Friends of Orianna Hill Park was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1999. On September 14, 2000, the land was sold to the Friends of Orianna Hill Park for one dollar.

Throughout and beyond the process of taking ownership, the users of Orianna Hill Park continue to care for the land in the way that convinced our government officials that we deserved to own the property. The community gardens thrive under their gardeners' care. Dog park dues money goes towards maintenance and improvements to the park.

rianna Hill Park is the result of efforts by many residents, past and present; dog owners; gardeners; and simply good neighbors who work to make our neighborhood better. While other dog parks exist in Philadelphia, Orianna Hill Park remains the ONLY truly legal dog run (where members own the land on which their dogs play) in the city. It is also the ONLY dog run protected - by our bylaws - from sale, development, or other loss of the land or its use. As a user of Orianna Hill Park, you are part of a unique asset to the City of Philadelphia. Enjoy!!!

And please pick up after your dog.