53 Pa. Stat. § 3183
It shall be lawful for, and the right is hereby conferred upon, the cities of this commonwealth to purchase, acquire, enter upon, take, use, and appropriate private property, for the purpose of making, enlarging, extending, and maintaining public parks, parkways, and playgrounds within the corporate limits of such cities, whenever the councils thereof shall, by ordinance or joint resolution, determine thereon: Provided, That where such private property is outside of the city, it may be annexed thereto by ordinance of said city: And provided, That where any poorhouse properties are so taken, and such cities shall have made adequate provisions for thereafter accommodating and supporting the poor of the districts, wards, and townships within such cities, wherein such poorhouses are located, nominal damages only shall be allowed for such taking, and the land shall be held on condition that such city shall continue to make adequate provisions for the poor of such districts, wards, or townships.
53 P.S. § 3183