History of the gardens

Seventeen fruit and nut trees were planted on the Corinthian Avenue side of the park in spring 2012, kicking off development of the wedge-shaped area that is now Corinthian Gardens. The gardens were developed in phases and officially opened to the public in 2020, following years of planning alongside neighbors, and collaboration with city council, various city departments and agencies, Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Fairmount Community Development Corporation. 

​Corinthian Gardens has since blossomed into a thriving neighborhood asset featuring multiple gardens for multiple uses:

• Edible forest gardens, including bushes and trees with berries, fruits and nuts for the taking
• Natural play area with sandbox for kids up to age five
• Picnic tables and small recreation areas for gathering
• Demonstration garden
• Garden walk, suitable for all
• Personal garden plots for members
• Garden shed with rain garden and educational activity space (under construction spring 2021)​ ​

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Join the Gardens

Corinthian Gardens welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities to help out in the gardens or to work toward obtaining a personal garden plot. 

Based on availability, garden plots are assigned in March of each year. To be eligible for a plot for that season, you must complete 15 volunteer hours and volunteer for one FESPP event (Treecycling, Breakout 5k, etc.) in the year prior. To subscribe to Corinthian Gardens and begin receiving notifications of upcoming volunteer opportunities and workdays, send a request to [email protected].

To maintain your plot for the following season, you must complete 15 volunteer hours and volunteer at one FESPP event, in addition to any hours devoted to tending your own garden. Serving as a member of a Corinthian Gardens sub-committee qualifies for five volunteer hours per year. You must also renew your $50 membership with FESPP each year. Financial assistance is available.
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If there is a wait list, gardeners who have held their plots for three years may be asked to give up their plot for a year to make space for others. Gardeners will be informed before each new season if there is a wait list.