About
A Park for Everyone. A Project for All of Us!
Tucked away on the 800 block of North Orkney Street—a historically certified cobblestone cartway—Orkney Park is a hidden gem in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. Bounded by Reno Street to the south and Myrtle Street to the north, this wooded parcel has been maintained as open space since the early 1980s, thanks to the vision and dedication of neighbors Mitch Deighan and Mike Anderson.
Over the years, the park has quietly evolved into a thriving urban nature preserve. Towering elm, pine, locust, buckeye, spruce, and cottonwood trees rise above a rich understory of shrubs and perennials. Wildlife flourishes here: birds and squirrels are joined by raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, and even the occasional fox. For many, Orkney Park is more than just green space—it’s a peaceful retreat from the fast pace of city life.
Friends of Orkney Park is the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of this special place and protecting it from real estate development for generations to come. Our mission is to restore and safeguard this hidden treasure for the good of the neighborhood—offering a space where nature, community, and quiet reflection coexist. Through our efforts, we aim to deepen appreciation for the natural world and ensure that Orkney Park remains a sanctuary for all who visit.
Over twenty different types of birds as well as other wildlife have been identified in Orkney Park. The biodiversity of such a modest plot of urban wildness will have a significant effect on its surrounding residents. The rich diversity of plants, insects, animals, and trees also provides an educational opportunity for children and adults to learn about nature right outside of their front door. While some use Orkney Park as an escape from their busy lives, others will use it as a chance to experience what this historic oasis has to teach.
Did you know?
The diversity of the natural environment around people is more important than the size of that land and can improve overall psychological well-being
The presence of green vegetation significantly contributes to residents’ sense of safety
Compared to a larger woodland area, a secluded but well-lit park makes visitors feel much more secure
Green space improves neighborhood social ties and brings people closer together
Board of Directors
Bob Aretz
Janet Finegar
Tony Hochstetler
Leslie Kaufman
Mallorie Lauvaux
Donald Phillips
Liz Reed
Bob Reicher
Neighborhood Gardens Trust (NGT) works with self-organized gardeners, community organizations, property owners, and the City of Philadelphia to secure ownership or long-term leases for community-managed open spaces to prevent the threat of development or other reuse.
NGT provides community gardeners with peace of mind that the open spaces they care for will be protected for their continued use and for future generations.