Improved pathways, lighting and equipment features of renovated Vernon Park in Germantown

Huddled under newly installed lights at Germantown’s Vernon Park, neighbors celebrated the official reveal of $1.2 million worth of recently-completed park renovations.

Vernon Park, which sits at the center of the neighborhood’s commercial district on Germantown and Chelten avenues has long been criticized for attracting loiterers and not being family friendly.

The renovations, which took place over the course seven months, include the restoration of historic statues, renovated pathways, and the installation of playground equipment and adult fitness equipment. 

Tuesday night’s ceremony intentionally took place after dark to showcase the park’s new lighting. Large overhead lights brighten the pathways through the park and twinkling globe lights are strung down the center of the park. 

“Vernon Park was in need of these amenities,” said Mayor Michael Nutter at the park. “As a city we make a promise to provide safe, accessible recreation space to our citizens.”

Nutter credited the efforts of Eighth District Councilwoman Cindy Bass, the city’s Parks and Recreation and Water departments, the Friends of Vernon Park, the Fairmount Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for a joint effort in improving the park. 

Bass encouraged community members to “reclaim” the space as their own, and continue to make use of the park. 

“Be a presence in this park on the regular,” she said. “We have worked hard to get people back in the park.”

Ruth Seeley of the Friends of Vernon Park said the renovations were the result “of a vision of a better Germantown.” 

“Bring your friends and family to enjoy the park and start dreaming of next summer.”