John F. Collins Park — Attraction in Philadelphia

I’m honestly not sure where to begin. Magical. Professional. The Olivia Pope of event organizing. Lol. I can’t say enough good things about Jhona Ireland, the Event Sales Manager at Center City District (CCD). As the chair of one the largest sections within the American Sociological Association (ASA) (a non-profit), I had a minimal budget for organizing a joint reception with another Section. I scoured the city for something that would fit our needs and satisfy the ASA’s offsite reception requirements (e.g., contract review, access, contingency plans, etc..). It was a TALL order with lots of “almost possibilities” that didn’t pan out.

By the time I connected with Jhona, I was at my wits end. To say that her professionalism, hard work, and resourcefulness turned the whole experience around for me—is an understatement. I felt like I had the partner I desperately needed to pull this off and put it together. Jhona used her deep networks and ability to think outside the box and her dogged determination to overcome roadblocks largely driven by our limited budget. I took comfort in her ability to work with me and my group to find solutions to problems that arose, to answer emails in a timely manner, and to efficiently process paperwork—all while doing so long-distance and virtually. My organizers and I were told that we hosted the best reception at the conference not only because the space itself was so beautiful and magical, but also because it was arranged with such elegance and thoughtfulness (the linens, flowers on the tables, lighting, and bartender and dessert stations)—thank you Aaron Walters, CCD’s Manager of Event Logistics, who was also incredible to work with! Thank you LaShon Green for your "A Sweet Surprise" dessert station! People raved about the treats!

I didn’t think Jhona could be any more amazing until meeting her in person ! She was gracious and easy to work with on the ground. I had to do little more than show up not only because the work we put in beforehand made that possible, but also because Jhona and Aaron made it possible! Don’t think twice about booking an event with CCD and working with this incredible team! It’ll be one of the best decisions you would have made as you organize your...

Nestled within the bustling heart of the city lies a tranquil oasis, a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the chaos of urban life. The gentle sound of shimmering water fountains creates a soothing symphony that mingles with the faint rustle of leaves, while the fresh, earthy scent of greenery envelops you, inviting relaxation.

Just a stone’s throw away, you can grab a delightful snack from one of the charming eateries that line the nearby streets, each offering tempting treats to satisfy your cravings. Once you have your bite in hand, retreat to this peaceful haven where you can unwind—whether basking in the sun’s warmth with a friend or savoring the moment in solitude, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Here, time slows down, and you can recharge your spirit amidst the comforting embrace...

The park is a sliver of land between buildings on Chestnut Street, named after a former landscape architect, urban planner and educator who developed other parks in the area.

What caught my eye was its peaceful lushness in the middle of a concrete jungle. Trees, plants and flowers adorn every inch of the garden setting, complete with a small water feature tucked into the corner. Benches and tables are available for perching. According to a tabletop ad, the Chaddsford Winery hosts a wine garden every Thursday & Friday afternoon from June through August.

Because of passing rain, everything was wet so picnicking wasn't possible. Had it been dry, it would've been a killer place to chill with some takeout food.

OVERALL: A diamond in the rough of a...