Campus-Wide Open Space Policy & Procedures
Campus Greens, Lawns and Plazas are designed to provide open space for the University and University Community. In order to maintain these spaces and prevent excessive damage, regulations have been adopted.
The General Policies listed below apply to all spaces. Additional policies and regulations apply to the following specific open spaces:
General Policies
- No motorized vehicles shall be permitted on lawns or planted areas.
- No person shall injure, deface, remove, cut or damage any of the trees, plants, shrubs, turf, or structures therein.
- Bike riding or walking of pets without a leash is prohibited on lawns. (Note: Penn's full Bicycle Policy can be found here: Bicycle Policy)
- Lawns may not be used for contact sports such as football, rugby, or soccer. Only light active recreation such as Frisbee, jogging, or children's sports are permitted.
- Cleats are prohibited.
- No disturbance from stakes or other excavations are allowed without first obtaining permission from Facilities & Real Estate Services . Underground irrigation systems, lighting conduits and other utilities are located below the lawn and beds, some within 12" of the surface.
- Facilities & Real Estate Services reserves the right to prohibit use of lawns at any time due to field conditions and maintenance requirements.
- No smoking ordinance. Pursuant to City of Philadelphia Ordinance Bill # 050063-A, no smoking is allowed inside any University of Pennsylvania Facility and no smoking is allowed within twenty (20') feet of any entrance to any University of Pennsylvania Facility or within twenty five (25') of any entrance to a LEED certified facility. A CVN (code violation notice) violation 10-602d is $100. A fine can total $300.00.
- Trespass/Solicitation Policy. Trespassing or Soliciting is Prohibited. Only students, faculty, staff or alumni of the University of Pennsylvania, or other persons having specific business herein, may enter a University building. Violators are subject to arrest for criminal trespass.
Additional Provisions
Penn Park
Penn Park, located east of the Highline and stretching from Walnut Street to South Streets, features both passive and active recreation and athletic components. Formal and informal play fields are framed and subdivided by canopy trees, lawns, and meadows.
Download a walk/run loop map with distances
For more general information about Penn Park, read our FAQ's.
The Park hours of operations are 6:00am - 12:00 midnight.
There are specific rules and regulations that apply to Penn Park - please refer to the Penn Park Facility Use Guidelines here.
Reservations for Penn Park
To reserve spaces, please use the Facility Rental Request Form on the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics website. Please note that South Green (the area closest to the South Street Bridge) will not be available to reserve until Spring 2012.
Shoemaker Green
Shoemaker Green, a new open space located on 33rd Street, bordered by the iconic Palestra and Franklin Field, will connect the central campus to the University's Penn Park on the eastern side. Sustainable design aspects such as a rain garden, porous pavers, and a cistern for rainwater reuse support Penn's Climate Action Plan, which calls for increasing campus green space and improving storm-water management for the campus and the city. As a 2.75 acre public commons, the open lawn area is designed to accommodate large groups for special events, as well as cater to smaller audiences like an outdoor class or individuals for a lunchtime respite.
There are specific rules and regulations that apply to Shoemaker Green - please refer to the Shoemaker Green Facility Use Guidelines here.
Reservations for Shoemaker Green
To reserve space, please use the Shoemaker Green Facility Rental Request Form.
Highline Green
Highline Green is defined as the space bounded by Chestnut Street on the north, 31st Street on the east, the edge of the right-of-way beneath Walnut Street on the south, and the paved vehicular area on the west. All activity, is prohibited beneath the overhead railroad right-of-way and between the railroad support structures. No unauthorized person is permitted within the fenced area of the Penn Children's Center. Use of the lawn is prohibited after dusk.
Reservations for Highline Green
Send an email to reserve Highline Green.
Hill Square
The open space is bounded by 33rd, 34th, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets. Landscaping and lighting accentuate a poplar-lined, curving brick walkway integrated with 125 Years, a sculpture by Jenny Holzer. Use of the lawn is prohibited after dusk.
Reservations for Hill Square
Send an email to reserve Hill Square.
Hamilton Village Green
The open space is bounded by 40th, 39th, Walnut Streets, and Locust Walk. Reservations for the use of the Hamilton Village Green space must be made through College Houses & Academic Services. Use of the lawn is prohibited after dusk.
Reservations for Hamilton Village Green
To reserve space, please use the College House Outdoor Space Reservation Form.