Uwishunu.com

I rang the Liberty Bell! No, I’m not special. In fact, anyone can do it, as long as they can sink a hole in one in Philly mini golf at Franklin Square in Old City. With 18 holes, it gives quite the tour of Philadelphia. City Hall, the Museum of Art and even the Chinatown Friendship Gate are all there in miniature size. Even their Boathouse Row is lit in the evening. And once you’ve tallied up your strokes, how about sitting on a bald eagle on the Liberty carousel. It’s hard to believe that these attractions weren’t always here.

Once known as the Northeast Square, it was one of five that made up William Penn’s green country town. It was renamed after that famous inventor, since history believes that the kite and key experiment happened at that very spot. For years, it was my playground where soccer matches and football games commenced even if the grass barely grew and the pavement was severely cracked.

Time would fly with conditions only getting worst until I couldn’t even recognize the jungle gym where I once spent hours, hanging off its bars, wondering about the future. But Historic Philadelphia hatched a plan to revitalize the Square and bring it back to all its glory.

In the summer of 2006, Franklin Square made a triumphant return with rich green pastures, a working fountain, brand new playground equipment and, of course, the carousel and putt putt. It’s not what I remember because it’s better. Parents, this was voted Best Play Spot for Children by Philadelphia Magazine in ’07. Come find out why.

Franklin Square
6th & Race, Philadelphia, PA
215-629-4026
www.onceuponanation.org