Top Outdoor Basketball Courts In Philadelphia

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 16, 2014 7:00 am EST

People of all ages and abilities can play basketball, and it's a great way to stay fit and connect with friends. The sport can be played any time of the year, and while playing on the wooden floor of a gym is nice, there is a lot to be said for taking the game outside when it's sunny in Philadelphia — and even when it's not. So head out to one of Philly's outdoor basketball courts for a pick-up game with friends or spend a little time honing your free throw skills. There are plenty of places to play basketball outdoors in Philly, including these top picks.

Charles D. Conklin, Jr. Recreation Area
15 E. Church Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
(215) 887-1000
www.cheltenhamtownship.org

Located in Elkins Park at the corner of Church and Yew just outside the city limits of Philadelphia, this park boasts a full outdoor basketball court that's perfect for a competitive game or a friendly round of "horse." Other amenities in the family-friendly, well-kept park include outdoor sand volleyball, a tot-lot and an ample playground, grills for picnicking, plenty of open space and free parking. There is also a wading pool and an outdoor swimming pool, although the pool requires users to be residents of the township and to obtain an annual membership.

East Plymouth Valley Park
900 Germantown Pike
Plymouth Township, PA 19462
(610) 277-4312
www.plymouthtownship.org

Located in the near-Philly community of Plymouth Township, East Plymouth Valley Park is home to not one, but two outdoor basketball courts, one of which is lighted – a bonus for those who can't get to the park before sunset. The amenities of this well-cared-for 22-acre park include four baseball fields, one of which is also lighted, as well as a lighted football field and four lighted tennis courts. Convenient parking, a playground, restrooms, pavilion and pond help to make this park family friendly.

Gable Park
209 Bishop Hollow Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 356-0200
www.newtowntownship.org

Located in the Philadelphia-area township of Newtown Square, Gable Park is centrally located and situated on the township Municipal Complex. The park's safe, clean and well-maintained amenities include outdoor, full-court basketball courts, making it convenient for sharing. A synthetic turf field, soccer and baseball fields, lacrosse facilities and a children's playground help to round out this tranquil park's amenities. Gable Park is also home to a dog park and has access to the township's walking trail system.

Palumbo Park, Playground and Recreation Center
700 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 686-1783
www.palumborec.org

Palumbo Park in South Philly's Bella Vista neighborhood has it all when it comes to basketball, with both indoor and outdoor courts. On any given day, especially when the weather is nice, you're sure to find a crowd on the outdoor court. After school when the kids are letting off steam is usually the busiest time, and weekends are popular, too. Just keep in mind that parking can be tricky – it's only available for two hours at a time – and the bathrooms are not always open.

Schuylkill River Park
2500 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.fsrp.org

Schuylkill River Park is a popular destination for outdoor fun in Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The outdoor courts are clean and well maintained, while a tennis court and playground round out the amenities, making this a popular destination for recreation in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. A parking lot makes for easy access, and the entire place is handicapped accessible. Want to take the family to shoot hoops but don't want to leave your pup behind? No worries, Schuylkill River Park also has a dog park that is well maintained and divided into spaces for larger and smaller dogs.

Christy Ayala covers sports, recreation, the outdoors, and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. She earned a masters degree in recreation administration from George Williams College and managed programs in the Midwest, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.