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East Passyunk Crossing, Philadelphia facts for kids

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East Passyunk Crossing
Gateway Plaza East Passyunk Welcome Sign
Gateway Plaza East Passyunk Welcome Sign
Country  United States
State Pennsylvania
County Philadelphia
City Philadelphia
ZIP code
19148
Area code(s) 215, 267, and 445

East Passyunk Crossing is a lively neighborhood in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It stretches from Tasker Street to Snyder Avenue and from Broad Street to 6th Street.

The neighborhood got its name and borders when the East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association (EPX) was created. This group is a Registered Community Organization of the City of Philadelphia.

East Passyunk Crossing is surrounded by other neighborhoods. To its west is Newbold, and to its north is Passyunk Square. To the east, you'll find Dickinson Square West and Greenwich. Finally, Lower Moyamensing is to the south.

Discover East Passyunk Crossing's Community

This neighborhood is home to over 12,000 people. Most residents own their homes. The average age of people living here is about 35 years old.

Most homes are rowhouses, which are houses built in a row. Many of these homes are more than 100 years old. The area is known for its welcoming and diverse community.

Explore the East Passyunk Avenue Shopping District

East Passyunk Avenue Sidewalk Medallion (DSC 3542)
East Passyunk Avenue Sidewalk Medallion

The East Passyunk Avenue Shopping District is a popular spot. It has over 150 unique businesses, including many restaurants. You can find it along Passyunk Avenue, from 9th to Broad Streets.

The City of Philadelphia helps keep this area nice. They created the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District. This group collects money from businesses to promote the Avenue. They also use the funds for sidewalk cleaning, making the area beautiful, and helping businesses grow.

The Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation is a non-profit group. They own and manage many properties along East Passyunk Avenue. They also help keep the public spaces clean and well-maintained.

The Sidewalk Medallions

Along the sidewalks of East Passyunk Avenue, you might notice round metal medallions. These are about 30 inches (76 cm) wide. They show the name "East Passyunk Avenue" and a picture of an indigenous person.

This design has been used for promotions for many years. However, in 2018, people started to point out that the design might not be respectful. It didn't accurately show the headdress worn by the Lenni-Lenape people, who lived in this area long ago. Because of this, the Business Improvement District began working to change the logo in 2020.

Major Landmarks to Visit

Joey Giardello Statue on Passyunk Ave at 13th and McKean Sts Philadelphia PA (DSC 3601)
East Passyunk Crossing statue honoring former boxing middleweight champion Joey Giardello

East Passyunk Crossing has several interesting landmarks. These spots are great for relaxing or learning something new.

East Passyunk Gateway Park

The East Passyunk Gateway Park is a pretty green space. It's a triangle-shaped area where Passyunk Avenue, McKean Street, and Broad Street meet. This park is like a welcoming entrance to the shopping district.

Joey Giardello Statue Park

The Joey Giardello Statue park is another triangle-shaped space. It's located where Passyunk Avenue, Mifflin Street, and 13th Street come together. This park has trees, tables, and benches, making it a nice place to relax. It features a statue of Joey Giardello, a famous boxer who became a world middleweight champion in 1963. The statue was put there on May 21, 2011.

History of Italian Immigration Museum

You can visit the History of Italian Immigration Museum at 1834 East Passyunk Avenue. This museum celebrates the contributions of Italian-Americans. It shows how they have made a difference in many areas, like sports, entertainment, politics, and science, across the U.S.

The Singing Fountain

On the neighborhood's northwest side, you'll find The Singing Fountain. It's located where Passyunk Avenue, Tasker Street, and 11th Street meet. This spot is popular for relaxing, with tables and benches. Hidden speakers play music, making it a unique place. The Shopping District also uses it for special events throughout the year. During warmer months, a Farmers Market is held here every Wednesday afternoon.

Free Blockbuster Box

Outside of South Fellini at 1507 E. Passyunk Avenue, there's a Free Blockbuster Box. This is a public movie exchange. You can take a DVD, VHS, or Betamax movie, or leave one for someone else to enjoy.

Education in the Neighborhood

East Passyunk Crossing has several schools and a public library.

Schools

  • Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School is a Roman Catholic high school. It serves students from 9th to 12th grade and is located at 1736 South 10th Street.
  • Southwark School is a Philadelphia Public School. It teaches students from Pre-K to 8th grade at 1835 S. 9th Street.
  • St. Anthony of Padua Regional Catholic School offers classes for Pre-K to 8th grade. You can find it at 913 Pierce Street.

Public Libraries

The Free Library of Philadelphia has a branch that serves this neighborhood. It's called the South Philadelphia Library and is located at 1700 South Broad Street.

Recreation and Community Centers

The neighborhood offers several places for recreation and community activities.

  • East Passyunk Community Recreation Center, 1025 Mifflin Street
  • United Communities Houston Center, 2029 South 8th Street
  • James Otis Ford Playground and Recreation Center, 631 Snyder Avenue

Postal Services

The United States Postal Service operates a branch here. It's called the Castle Branch and is located at 1713 South Broad Street.

Public Transportation

SEPTA provides public transportation for the area.

  • The Broad Street Subway has stations at Tasker-Morris and Snyder Avenue.
  • Several bus routes also serve the neighborhood:
    • Broad Street Route 4 (northbound and southbound)
    • 12th Street Route 45 (southbound)
    • 11th Street Route 45 (northbound)
    • 9th Street Route 47M (northbound)
    • 8th Street Routes 47 and 47M (southbound)
    • 7th Street Route 47 (northbound)
    • Snyder Avenue Route 79 (eastbound and westbound)
    • Morris Street Route 29 (eastbound)
    • Tasker Street Route 29 (westbound)

Places of Worship

East Passyunk Crossing is home to many different places of worship, reflecting its diverse community.

  • St. Nicholas of Tolentine Roman Catholic Church
  • St. John's Baptist Church
  • Indonesian Light Church Philadelphia
  • International Bethel Church
  • Bethany Indonesian Church of God
  • Abundant Life Chinese Church
  • Prophetic Church of Christ
  • First Christian Assembly
  • Abundant Harvest House of Prayer
  • Little David Baptist Church
  • St. George Coptic Orthodox Center
  • Indonesian Full Gospel Fellowship Church
  • South Philadelphia Shtiebel
  • Zhen Ru Temple Zhen Buddhist temple
  • Iglesia De Cristo Misionera

Local Government and Community Groups

This neighborhood is part of several government districts and has active community groups.

Government Representation

  • Your State Senator is Nikil Saval (D).
  • Your State House Representative is Elizabeth Fiedler (D).
  • Your City Council member is Mark Squilla (D).
  • The neighborhood is in the 1st and 39th Wards.
  • The police district is the Third.

Civic Groups and Town Watches

The East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association and Town Watch, Inc. works to make the area better. Their goal is to "advance the civic pride and preserve the historic integrity" of the neighborhood. They have different committees that focus on things like:

  • Making the area beautiful (Clean and Green)
  • Keeping the community safe (Public Safety/Town Watch)
  • Planning and zoning issues
  • Community events and marketing
  • Growing their membership

Their activities include monthly street clean-ups, neighborhood fairs, and weekly Town Watch patrols. They also represent the community at local Zoning Board Commission hearings.

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