Comcast Invests $1M to Revitalize FDR Park in South Philly

The funding will support new recreational spaces, environmental upgrades, and community amenities in the 348-acre public green space.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a park swing set repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the modernization and expansion of recreational facilities in FDR Park.Comcast's $1 million investment in FDR Park's revitalization will bring new recreational spaces, environmental upgrades, and community amenities to South Philadelphia.Philadelphia Today

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation has awarded a $1 million grant to the Fairmount Park Conservancy to continue the transformation of FDR Park in South Philadelphia. The investment will help advance a series of projects shaped by community input, including new multi-sport athletic fields, the park's first basketball courts, a food market pavilion, and expanded natural landscapes designed to address flooding and improve environmental resilience.

Why it matters

The FDR Park Plan is a model for environmental resilience and a catalyst for social, cultural, and economic benefit in the South Philadelphia community. Experts project the revitalization will create significant value for the region and position the park to help grow the local economy for years to come.

The details

The $1 million grant will support ongoing improvements as part of the long-term plan to revitalize the 348-acre FDR Park. The investment will fund new recreational spaces like multi-sport athletic fields and the park's first basketball courts, as well as a food market pavilion and expanded natural landscapes to address flooding and improve environmental resilience. Construction on the park's transformation began in 2022, with over $111 million in public and private funding supporting completed projects like the Anna C. Verna Playground and a redesigned Gateway Plaza entrance.

  • The FDR Park Plan was first released in 2019 after gathering input from over 3,000 residents and stakeholders.
  • Construction on the park's transformation began in 2022.
  • A 2023 study found the park improvements could generate over $500 million in economic activity.

The players

Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

The philanthropic arm of Comcast Corporation that provided the $1 million grant to support the FDR Park revitalization.

Fairmount Park Conservancy

The nonprofit organization that will oversee the implementation of the park improvement projects funded by the Comcast grant.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

The city agency advancing a citywide approach to modernizing public spaces, using the FDR Park revitalization as an example.

Tony Sorrentino

CEO of the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Dalila Wilson-Scott

Executive vice president and chief impact and inclusion officer at Comcast Corporation, and president of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“The FDR Park Plan is a model for environmental resilience, and a catalyst for social, cultural and economic benefit. Experts project that this plan, which is one of the most significant park revitalizations Philadelphia has ever seen, will create great value for our region and position FDR Park to help grow the local economy and communities in South Philadelphia and beyond for years to come. Comcast is proud to be a partner in the park's future.”

— Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive vice president and chief impact and inclusion officer at Comcast Corporation, and president of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

“This work is more than an upgrade, it is a necessary shift in how we think about parks for the 21st century. With strong public private partnership and support, we are advancing a citywide approach to clean, green, accessible spaces in every neighborhood. We are grateful to the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation for this generous investment in Philadelphia's public spaces and in the communities who rely on them every day.”

— Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

“FDR Park is one of Philadelphia's most important shared spaces, and we are grateful for this investment by Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation as it serves Philadelphians now and future generations. Increased access to parks for physical activity leads to better physical and emotional health, and their power to help with climate-resilience is critical. Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is supporting a plan that strengthens the city economically, environmentally and socially by making this beloved park a more welcoming accessible public amenity for all.”

— Tony Sorrentino, CEO of Fairmount Park Conservancy

What’s next

The Fairmount Park Conservancy will oversee the implementation of the various park improvement projects funded by the $1 million Comcast grant, with construction and upgrades expected to continue over the next several years.

The takeaway

The revitalization of FDR Park in South Philadelphia, supported by a major investment from Comcast, demonstrates how public-private partnerships can transform urban green spaces into community hubs that promote environmental resilience, economic development, and improved health and wellness for local residents.