Dickens Day 2026 Celebration!

Join us for a festive Dickens celebration in the park!

We’ll gather at Elmwood Methodist Church for the main program, then walk together to the Dickens statue for a short ceremony and dancing—featuring the Kingsessing Morris Dancers.

Afterward, keep the celebration going with pizza at Clarkville, compliments of FoCP

Program: 2:00–3:30 P

Statue ceremony & dancing to follow

Clarkville gathering around 4:00–4:30 PM

Come celebrate community, tradition, and a little Dickensian joy—we’d love to see you there!

FoCP Cofounder, Barry Grossbach, has passed away at the age of 86.

Barry Grossbach during an interview in 2024

The Friends of Clark Park are sad to share that Barry Grossbach, one of The Friends’ cofounders, passed away on December 18^th, 2025. He was 86 years old. Barry was an invaluable member of the community who volunteered his time and donated his money to a variety of causes. Barry helped create the formation of University City District, served as a board member of Spruce Hill Community Association, and was a founding member of The Friends of Clark Park. He and his late husband, Mike Hardy, resided in Spruce Hill for over 50 years.

During his years with The Friends of Clark Park, Barry provided immense help to our organization by organizing efforts to improve Clark Park as much as possible. His early efforts laid a solid foundation for our organization to build upon and is the reason we are as strong as we are today.

Additionally, Barry generously contributed financially to the Friends of Clark Park. He donated 400,000 dollars of his own money to contribute to the Clark Park Plan and has provided funding to various organizations to improve greenery in the surrounding area. Barry also purchased property at the corner of 43^rd and Osage with the express purpose of turning into a community garden.

Community members like Barry are what make us – us. His legacy will be felt for decades through the incredible physical environment that he helped cultivate. Barry has been laid to rest at The Woodlands and will never be far from Clark Park. We will miss you, Barry. Thank you for everything you have done.

The 'Philly Phlush' Public bathroom is now open in Clark Park!

From left to right, a representative from the City, Ben Sirolly (President of FoCP), and John Schaeffer

It’s been just over a week since the new public bathroom opened, and the reception has been nothing short of stellar! The bathroom officially opened on October 27^th at 9AM to a small crowd of board members, local media, and most importantly the bathroom’s first official user – John Schaeffer! The Friends held a small lottery to determine a winner for who would be ‘The Phirst to Phlush’

After selling tickets, Advisory Council member Carol Jenkins announced the winner at the farmers market on a cool Saturday morning. The selected winner was ecstatic at their selection. But tragically, the winner was unable to make the opening date after short notice from the city. Thankfully, John stepped up to take the honors and cement his name in Clark Park history!

The bathroom is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 8PM and Saturday through Sunday from 9AM to 9PM. Workers from the city will be around regularly to clean, stock, and maintain the bathroom. Inside the stall, users can find emergency naloxone (Narcan), free menstrual products, and of course a working, flush toilet. A hand washing station with soap is located on the exterior. Gone are the days of Porta-Potties in the park, the future is now!