Parkwood, Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Parkwood
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Mechanicsville School in Parkwood, October 2010
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Philadelphia County |
| City | Philadelphia |
| Area code(s) | 215, 267 and 445 |
Parkwood is a neighborhood in the Far Northeast part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It was built as a planned community between 1960 and 1962. Most homes here are brick row houses.
Parkwood is bordered by the Byberry East Industrial Park to the north. The Poquessing Creek is to the east. Knights Road is to the southeast, and Woodhaven Road is to the southwest. The Parkwood Shopping Center is a local place to shop. The Philadelphia Mills mall is a much larger shopping center nearby.
Contents
History of Parkwood
Before European settlers arrived, Native American groups lived in this area. These included the Algonquian and Iroquois nations. The Lenni-Lenape were a main Algonquian group. They settled near the Poquessing Creek because it offered good fishing, hunting, and water.
The Lenape people created many paths in the region. Early European explorers and settlers used these paths. Over time, these paths became wagon trails and major roads. Some of these important roads include Knights Road, Bristol Pike, and Roosevelt Boulevard.
Early European Settlements
In 1645, settlers from Sweden moved into the area. Soon after, English Quakers also arrived. Many believe the area was named "Byberry" after a town in England called Bibury. Others say William Penn and Henry A. Snyder suggested the name. The spelling changed a few times. In 1694, the area officially became known as Byberry Township, PA.
The Quakers built a Friends meeting house in 1692. This was a place for their religious meetings. By 1710, a Quaker school was also built.
Growth of Byberry Township
As the small village of Byberry grew, the first "Free School" opened in 1802. These buildings were rebuilt in the 1800s and are still standing today. Byberry Hall was built in 1846 by Robert Purvis. He was a free man of color and an important abolitionist. Famous abolitionists like Lucretia Mott spoke there. Since this area was mostly farmland, these buildings became the "town center."
The Red Lion Inn opened in 1730. It was located on the important Bristol Pike road. It is said that George Washington stopped here. He was on his way to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Several mills were built along the Poquessing Creek in the late 1700s and 1800s. While the old mill buildings are gone, you can still see stone arch bridges from that time.
By the late 1700s, the Lenni-Lenape people moved away from this area. Two important Philadelphians, Henry Armstead Snyder and Dr. Benjamin Rush, observed and wrote about Native American culture. Dr. Rush was a doctor who signed the Declaration of Independence. He also helped train Meriwether Lewis for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Today, there is a memorial for Dr. Rush where his family home once stood.
Modern Development
In 1854, Byberry Township became part of the City of Philadelphia. Later, the Byberry Hospital was built. It closed in the 1990s. The land where the hospital stood was then used for an industrial park and Benjamin Rush State Park.
In the late 1950s, the Korman Corporation built most of the homes in Parkwood. They planned it as a community called Parkwood Manor. A shopping center was added in the 1960s. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Byberry Industrial Park was created. The Franklin Mills Mall (now Philadelphia Mills Mall) was also built. Soon after, the Community College of Philadelphia opened a campus in Parkwood.
The Mechanicsville School is an old building in Parkwood. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Parkwood's Population
In 2000, about 14,778 people lived in Parkwood. By 2020, the population grew to 17,386. The neighborhood is becoming more diverse, like Philadelphia as a whole.
The table below shows some facts about the people living in Parkwood compared to the whole city of Philadelphia (data from 2022).
| Demographics (2022) | Parkwood | City |
|---|---|---|
| White | 76% | 44.8% |
| Under 18 | 24% | 22% |
| 65 years + | 14% | 14% |
| Population in poverty | 11% | 19.4% |
| Median family income | $65,449 | $49,127 |
| High School graduate | 89% | 85% |
| Bachelor's degree/higher ed | 22% | 31.2% |
| Unemployment rate | 05% | 11% |
| Cars per household | 1.7 | 0.9 |
| Occupied housing units | 97% | 89% |
| Owner occupied housing | 74% | 53% |
Land Use in Parkwood
Parkwood has a good mix of different land uses. This includes homes, parks, schools, shops, and businesses.
Residential Areas
Parkwood is mostly a residential area, meaning many people live here. There are different types of homes. You can find apartments, condominiums, row homes, and single-family houses. Most homes in Parkwood are well-kept. Very few homes are empty. About 80% of homes are owned by the people who live in them. This is much higher than the rest of the city. In 2009-2010, homes sold for about $160,000 to $210,000.
Commercial Areas (Shopping)
The Philadelphia Mills Mall is a very large shopping center. It has over 2,500,000 square feet (230,000 m2) of space. It is located on the eastern side of Parkwood. You can find many chain restaurants and large stores there. This mall offers lots of shopping choices.
Parkwood also has its own neighborhood shopping center. It is located at Academy and Byberry Roads. This center has been improved over the years. It now has a new main store.
Industrial Areas (Businesses)
The Byberry Industrial Park is an important part of Parkwood. More than 50 businesses are located here. They employ about 5,000 people. Some large companies like Elliot-Lewis Corporation and Ricoh Business Systems are in this park. The park also has the Delaware Valley Veteran's Nursing Home. The Northeast campus of the Community College of Philadelphia is also here.
Open Spaces, Parks, and Recreation
Parkwood has many nice open spaces. Small creeks and grassy areas run through the neighborhood. These are great for walking, exercising, or just enjoying nature.
Community Facilities
Parkwood has places for different groups to meet. These places help bring the community together. Decatur Elementary School and Shallcross School are located in the southeastern part of the neighborhood. Junod Playground has a building for indoor activities. St. Anselm Church is a major place of worship. The closest public library is the Katherine Drexel Branch Library. It is located just south of Parkwood.
Notable People
- Martina White, a state representative
