The Friends of Rittenhouse Square was created in 1976 to address the increasing gap between available city funding and the maintenance needs of Rittenhouse Square. With a mission to “preserve, protect, and beautify” the park, the Friends work in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The Friends fund and manage many programs and projects needed to sustain the Square. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Friends provide funding through membership, special events, private donations, sponsorships, and capital campaigns.

Now a driving force behind the success of Rittenhouse Square, the Friends provide all of the park landscaping, tree care, grass seeding, graffiti removal, bench repair, supplemental seasonal maintenance staff, sidewalk sweeping, dedicated park ranger, excess seasonal trash removal, holiday lights, doggie bags, etc.

The Friends also fund special projects to address the ever-changing needs of the Square. Past projects have included: the restoration of sculptures and the fountain, repairing the perimeter iron fencing, building the iconic guardhouse, and renovating the historic gardener’s cottage. Upgraded lighting, the installation of a security camera system, and over one million dollars in historic restoration work are the most recent improvements the Friends have made to the park.

Whether you are a neighborhood resident or simply a lover of Rittenhouse Square, the Friends need everyone’s support to keep this historic landmark vibrant. Please consider becoming a member – while the Square has many fans, what it really needs is more Friends.