The Friends of Mario Lanza Park are Queen Village residents who are dedicated to maintaining and beautifying Mario Lanza Park.  The Friends’ group was formed in 1987, at a time when the park was in a semi-abandoned state, with high weeds, uncut grass, and no planted areas.  Since that time the group has received several grants and has also held fundraisers that have provided the funds to transform the park into an oasis of green and beauty in Queen Village.  The Friends hold regular cleanups throughout the year.

In 1990, the Friends initiated KidFest, a series of events on Tuesday evenings in June that are now a tradition:  Bike parade evening, Firetruck Night, Mummer’s Night, Halloween Night.

The Friends also sponsor concerts in the park in September, funded by a grant from the Philadelphia Recreation Advisory Council.