Whitman, Philadelphia

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Whitman is a neighborhood in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is bordered by Sixth Street to the west, Front Street to the east, Bigler Street to the south, and Snyder Avenue to the north. The name comes from the nearby Walt Whitman Bridge, built in the 1950s.

Population and demographics: In 2000, Whitman (together with Queen Village and Southwark) had about 26,300 residents. The area was about 60% White, 27% Black, 8% Asian, and 5% Latino. About 40% of residents were under 18. The neighborhood has a large Irish Catholic community. In 2010, the population grew, with more Asian Americans and young professionals moving in.

Historic places: George Sharswood School and the SS United States ship are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Parks and recreation:
- Lawrence E. Murphy Recreation Center, 300 W. Shunk St: a 4.9-acre park with playgrounds, a pool, a basketball court, and sports fields. The building has a gym and multi-purpose rooms. It was renamed in 1964 for Lawrence E. Murphy, a recreation department employee of 37 years who worked there when it was Greenwich Recreation Center.
- Mifflin Square, 500 Wolf St: a 4.2-acre park with trees, walkways, a playground, and a basketball court.
- Reverend Edward P. Burke Playground, 200 Snyder Ave: a 1.7-acre site with a playground, a basketball court, and a hockey court. It is next to the Whitman branch of the Free Library. The site was named in 1963 for Reverend Burke, a pastor who opposed housing and expressway projects threatening the area.

Libraries and schools: The Free Library of Philadelphia Whitman Branch serves the community. The School District of Philadelphia operates public schools in Whitman. Neighborhoods assigned to Sharswood are also assigned to Furness High School.