About

History

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse opened to the public on July 23, 1899 after Richard Smith, a wealthy Philadelphia electroplate and type founder, and his wife, Sarah, left instructions in their wills for it to be built in memory of their son, Stansfield.

In the early 1900s, the Playground Movement was developing around the belief in children’s need and right to play -- and in the notion that play is essential to children’s healthy development. Smith was an early pioneer in the Playground Movement and was one of the first playgrounds to open in the U.S.

The Smith Playhouse, often mistaken for a private estate, is a 16,000 square foot building with beautiful artwork, an elegant staircase, wraparound porches, and rooms outfitted for different play opportunities.  It was designed by one of the foremost architects of the early 1900s, James H. Windrim. Windrim’s commissions included other important buildings such as The Masonic Temple, The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and The Union Depot in Pittsburgh.

The Smith Playground sits on 6.5 acres in East Fairmount Park. It’s designed to provide a respite of fresh air, green rolling hills, natural beauty, and a chance to interact with other children in the simple joys of play.  It is also home to the 119-year old Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, a treasured play experience for generations of Philadelphia's children.

In 2003, more than a century after the Playhouse opened, Smith formed a 501c3 nonprofit to raise over $7 million in funds to provide critical, immediate repairs that risked this facility closing forever. With funding from corporations, individuals, foundations, the City of Philadelphia, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Smith was able to make major repairs and  improvements to the Playground. Almost 20 years later, another $9 million renovation was completed on the Playhouse.

Smith’s rich archives — which  include daily journals, annual reports, photographs, oral histories and other information from 1899 to the present — tell the story of its deep commitment to children, families, and the community.  Since its founding, Smith has focused on being inclusive and accessible to all.  As evidence of this commitment, Smith does not charge an admission fee, making it possible for all families to visit and enjoy the facility and programs. 

Today, Smith is a cornerstone for the community, serving an annual audience of roughly 160,000 children and adults drawn from over 500 zip code areas, including every neighborhood in Philadelphia.  It also continues to be a safe-haven for families throughout the City of Philadelphia. In 2024, Smith will celebrate this rich history as it marks its 125th anniversary.