Pennypack Park facts for kids
Pennypack Park is a large and beautiful park located in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's part of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation system and was officially started in 1905. The park covers about 1,600 acres (6.5 square kilometers) of forests, open fields, and wet areas.
The Pennypack Creek flows right through the park, from Pine Road all the way to the Delaware River. Pennypack Park offers many fun activities. You can find playgrounds, trails for hiking and biking, and special paths for horseback riding. There's also the Pennypack Environmental Center on Verree Road, where you can learn more about nature.
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Discover Pennypack's Amazing Wildlife
Pennypack Park is a fantastic place to spot many different kinds of animals. It's a busy home for over 150 species of birds, plus lots of mammals and reptiles.
Birds You Might See
Many birds live in or visit the park. You might see tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds zipping around. Look out for the tall great blue heron near the water. Different kinds of warblers sing in the trees. You could also spot a large pileated woodpecker tapping on trunks. The park is also home to ducks, geese, and powerful hawks. At night, listen for the calls of great horned owls and the smaller screech owl.
Mammals Living in the Park
Pennypack Park has a large group of deer that you might see. Many other mammals also call the park home. These include different kinds of bats flying at dusk. You might spot a red fox or a gray fox. Smaller animals like rabbits, chipmunks, and mice are common. Look for muskrats near the water or a groundhog digging burrows. Raccoons, skunks, opossum, and weasels also live here.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The park is also home to many reptiles and amphibians. You might see several kinds of snakes. Different turtles live in the park, including the large common snapping turtle. Frogs and the common toad can be found near wet areas. Several kinds of salamanders also live hidden in the park's habitats.
A Glimpse into Pennypack's Past
Pennypack Park holds many old buildings and structures. These remind us of the park's long history.
Historic Bridges and Buildings
One very old structure is the King's Highway Bridge. It was built in 1697 on Frankford Avenue. This bridge is the oldest stone bridge in the United States that is still used today!
Another historic spot is the Pennepack Baptist Church. This church was officially started in 1688. During the American Revolutionary War, the Verree House on Verree Road was attacked by British soldiers.
If you look closely, you can also find old railroad tracks. There are also remains of early mills and water channels that powered them. These show that people have been using this "Green Heart" of Northeast Philadelphia for many generations.
