In addition to UPenn activities, Penn Park hosts a variety of social sports leagues (I know both Philadelphia Sports Network and Philly Sport and Social Club host leagues at this location). There are two soccer field-sized outdoor turf fields. In the winter, one of them is usually covered by a dome. I don't know what that's like, but after playing Tuesday night football all winter on the outside turf field, I dream of the warmth that dome must provide. The turf on both fields is new and well maintained.
In addition to the soccer/football fields, there is a softball field and several tennis courts (where members of the public can purchase court time). There is a security office in the park, which is a nice safety consideration. In addition, there are super clean restrooms above the softball field and next to the security hut, that I have never found to be closed (and I was there at 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday).
On nights and weekends, the fields are usually being used by a league or UPenn students, so you have to get lucky to get some field time.
Parking: There is a lot next to the turf fields, but it costs $8 and there are often people ticketing. The Walnut Street bridge almost always has parking. The meters are 12 hours from 8 am to 8 pm so they are relatively cheap and if you are going at night or on the weekends, they are free.
After you are done at the park, stop by new Sbraga spot, The Fat Ham or World Cafe Live, both of which are a mere two-minute walk away on the Walnut Street Bridge. read more