Fairmount Park Shines This Summer: Must-See Events, Hidden Trails & Insider Tips for Your Philly Getaway

PHILADELPHIA – A Memorial Day gathering at Fairmount Park turned tragic late Monday when gunfire erupted near Lemon Hill Drive and Poplar Drive, leaving two adults dead and nine others—three of them teenagers—hospitalized, according to Philadelphia police. Investigators say shots rang out around 10:27 p.m. as crowds were packing up after cookouts and holiday celebrations, transforming one of the city’s most popular green spaces into a sprawling crime scene. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said multiple weapons may have been used, and officers recovered dozens of shell casings scattered across the Lemon Hill plateau, a scenic overlook just north of Boathouse Row. “Our officers were already in the park managing holiday traffic when the shooting started,” Bethel noted during an early-morning briefing. “Despite their rapid response, the suspects fled before we could make an arrest.” Victims and condition update • Deceased: one adult man, one adult woman • Injured: nine people (ages 15–43) suffering gunshot wounds to legs, torso, and shoulder • All injured victims listed in stable condition at Temple University Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital What witnesses saw Park-goers reported hearing a rapid volley of shots that sent families scrambling behind picnic tables and parked cars. “It sounded like fireworks until everyone started running,” said Marcus Hill, who was grilling nearby. Others described a gray sedan speeding away toward Kelly Drive moments after the first bursts of gunfire. Investigation focus Detectives are reviewing: • Surveillance cameras along Lemon Hill Drive and Kelly Drive • A crashed Hyundai found a block from the scene that may be linked to the shooters • Earlier 911 calls about fights and loud music in the same picnic area Why Fairmount Park matters Stretching more than 2,000 acres, Fairmount Park is Philadelphia’s crown-jewel urban oasis, drawing joggers, cyclists, and tourists to landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, Boathouse Row, and Lemon Hill Mansion. Monday’s mass shooting—the park’s deadliest in recent memory—has reignited debate over security resources in large municipal parks and the broader rise in summertime gun violence. How officials are responding City Council President Kenyatta Johnson called for an emergency hearing on park safety; the Philadelphia Police Department has boosted patrols and pledged a visible presence throughout the week. Mayor Cherelle Parker urged anyone with cellphone footage or tips to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit anonymous information through Philly PD’s text-a-tip line. Staying safe in large parks • Leave gatherings immediately if you see a dispute escalating. • Identify multiple exit routes upon arrival. • Report suspicious activity via 911 or park rangers. • If shots are fired, follow “run, hide, fight” protocols and render first aid only when safe. Fairmount Park remains open, but sections of Lemon Hill Drive will stay cordoned off as crime-scene technicians process evidence. Authorities ask visitors to avoid the area and anticipate heavy police presence while detectives work to reconstruct the shooting and track down those responsible.