campus photoCampus-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, the following regulations have been adopted.

General Policy

  1. No motorized vehicles shall be permitted on lawns or planted areas.
  2. No person shall injure, deface, remove, cut or damage any of the trees, plants, shrubs, turf, or structures therein.
  3. Bike riding or walking of pets is prohibited on lawns. (Note: Penn's full Bicycle Policy can be found here: VPUL - EVP Bicycle Policy 1994)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Facilities & Real Estate Services reserves the right to prohibit use of lawns at any time due to field conditions and maintenance requirements.
  7. 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. A CVN (code violation notice) violation 10-602d is $100. A fine can total $300.00.
  8. 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.

campus photoAdditional Provisions: 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. The Lawn is defined as the seeded area.

  1. All organized or non-organized activity, is prohibited beneath the overhead railroad right-of-way and between the railroad support structures.
  2. No unauthorized person is permitted within any use area of the Penn Children's Center.
  3. Use of the lawn is prohibited after dusk. Facilities & Real Estate Services / Urban Park may be contacted at 215.898.7202.