Fall 2008

Brian Siano, Editor Frank Chance, Publisher PO Box 31908, , PA 19104 Telephone 215-552-8186 Website: http://www.clarkpark.info Bulletin Board: http://www.clarkpark.livejournal.com Calendar Park A Plan Meets the Neighbors Sat. Sept 20: Music and Arts By Brian Siano Festival (Amplified Sound), 11:00 am to 8:00 The Park A Revitalization Project reached a milestone this July 16th, when design- pm ers Lisa and Bryan Hanes presented their design scheme to the neighborhood at our Sat. Sept. 27: Youth Soccer General Membership meeting. This design is the culmination of several years’ worth Begins of community polling, study, and evaluation by the FoCP Planning Committee. Due Sat. Oct 4: Bark in the Park to the enthusiastic reception by those present, the Board of the FoCP endorsed this Sat. Oct 4: Farmer’s Market 10th Anniversary plan as the basis for the reconstruction of Park A. Sat. Oct 11: Uhuru Solidarity PlanCom Chair Matt Grubel brought everyone up to date on the process. A few Flea Market days before the public meeting, the Haneses presented a set of three alternative de- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm signs to the Planning Committee. From these, PlanCom selected the design which ad- Wed. Oct 15: FoCP General dressed these issues best. The day before the public meeting, the design was presented Membership Meeting to the Partners, which include city officials and agencies, such as the Horticultural Society, which also endorsed the plan. “Then when we’re done, and we’ve finished the schematics, the Haneses can go on with design development. This will get into more details about layouts, materials, plants, specifications for the features within the park, and estimates of probable costs.” “In Schematic design, we’ve basically taken all the information that’s come from the past,” Grubel explained, “going all the way back to the Master plan. Then we talked about some very basic concepts about what A Park should be. It should have a civic plaza, preserve quiet uses, etc. We also incorporated practical things, like soil tests and tree assessment, and city requirements, and we also picked up additional information Sat. Oct 18: Spiral Q People- hood Parade (Continued on Page ) Presented by the University City Arts League and the Spiral Q Puppet Theatre General Membership Meeting October 15th Sun. Oct. 19: Lutheran Settle- The Friends of Clark Park will be holding a General Membership Meeting on ment House’s Festival of October 15th, at 7 p.m., at USP. Hope Historically, our October meetings have been well attended, as they are a good 1pm to 4pm time to evaluate the park right after the summer season, and plan for next year. Sat. Nov 08: Veterans Day Com- memoration They’re also extremely important meetings, because we’ll be electing new Board 11 AM members. There are six slots opening (including two Officers, the Vice-President and Mon. Nov 17: FoCP Board Orien- Secretary), so if you’re interested in helping to shape and maintain Clark Park, don’t tation, Board Meeting hesitate to get on the ballot and get involved! 5 PM This is going to be a momentous year for Clark Park. We have the Park A project Mon. Nov 17: Tree Planting 9 AM which, events and money willing, may see us breaking ground within the next two Wed. Nov 19: FoCP Board Meet- years. The city is considering merging the Parks and Recreation departments into ing one, which will have a considerable impact on how well Clark Park is maintained. 7 PM So you can see why this particular meeting is so important. We need to give you a Wed. Dec 17: FoCP Board Meet- ing comprehensive State of the Park report, and we want more of our neighbors to come 7 PM out and get involved in our park’s future. The Park A Proposal outlined by Bryan and Lisa Hanes, July 2008. about community use.” The previous the early action items are on the recon- ago, we wouldn’t have considered plan- month, the City and State have pro- struction. There will also be further re- ning for it. “What we’re trying to do is vided grant monies, totaling more than view by such city agencies as the Water plan in for some flexibility. As these uses $450,000, to implement portions of the Department and the Art Commission. and users come along, the park is going design. This requires us to decide what Once this has been settled, the archi- to be flexible and able to make an op- tects will develop detailed blueprints. It portunity for those uses.” Surveys con- is entirely possible, said Grubel, that we ducted by the FoCP show that people may see construction by next Spring. enjoy a wide range of activities in Park A. People like to come here and do Designing for the Community nothing, sit, and relax. Some play chess Lisa Hanes outlined the issues in- or volleyball. But they also came here to volved. “It’s a well-loved park,” she enjoy the social atmosphere of the Park, began, explaining that Park A is a very especially the opportunity to hear music successful public, open space, and peo- at the drum circle and the shopping and ple love to come here and play. “But social life at the Farmer’s Markets. it needs some rehabilitation. And our Historically, many public spaces and main goal is to not take away from the parks in the United States go back to a main character nor the uses that hap- Beaux Arts style of planning, similar to pen, but to very much support it.” that of , with large She cited the Capture the Flag play- promenades and tree-lined paths. Madi- ers to illustrate an important goal of the son Square in New York City is closer to design. It’s a popular and important ac- the design of Clark Park, with paths that tivity in the park now, but three years An 1860 map illustrating the Mill Pond outlines. meander as they reach from corner to  Friends of Clark Park corner. Clark Park reflects this fashion as for the central plaza. There was concern well. Maps of the park from the 1920s over its size, and whether it should be show more pathways and pavement, designed to accommodate events such which reflect the activities of strolling, as the Flea Markets and May Fairs. Also, seeing-and-being seen, etc. the Plaza would be paved, and the size But Clark Park’s history also reveals and permanence of the feature made a large role for water. The park used to decisions even more difficult. Last year, be the site of the Mill Pond, and maps the plan was to extend and widen the drawn in 1860 reveal that the pond cov- Plaza into a promenade similar to those ered the region of Park A. Also, although at Rittenhouse Square, running from the mill creek has been covered, the behind the Dickens Statue and towards Schuylkill is still only three city blocks the Gettysburg Stone. away. The original plan for the park Ultimately, the Haneses suggested proposed a lily pond, and photographs a circle of stone finds. “We call it fine from 1910 show willow trees in Park A, gravel or very large sand,” said Bryan, which are low-land, water-loving trees. adding that it’s used at Logan Square and in parks throughout Europe. (Also, Paths and Plazas it won’t choke, smother, or disrupt tree Bryan Hanes then discussed the roots.) The disk is a kind of non-design, overall features of the proposal, which The Dickens Statue, 1910. Note the willow trees. open to multiple uses that’d be deter- were derived from the Planning Com- mined by the people using it. The design for incorporating storm water control, mittee’s work over the past two years. proposes the use of moveable chairs in both in the park and on the streets sur- The concept incorporates two main av- the plaza area. Bryan presented draw- rounding the park, which s greatly de- enues connecting the opposite corners, ings of this space, and compared it to sired by the Water Department. Photos a large path loop around Park A, and a the way NYC’s Bryant Park is used. One of water catchment systems, such as tree central plaza. Green space was a high enticing but optional feature is the pro- wells, were presented as examples, and priority: by moving the west-side path posed water feature, which would be a one of the more radical proposals is to closer to the HMS school fence, green flat area of stone where water would run build a stone catchment basin under the spaces are larger and more contiguous, thinly over the surface. This would pre- sidewalk of the Farmer’s Market, similar and benches and planting areas can be serve the quiet of the park, while offer- to that under the basketball court. placed along the fence line. ing a new water feature that would keep Over the past two years, the Planning the nearby area cool. The Community Responds Committee had considered several ideas The Hanes’s proposal was greeted Bryan also discussed the proposals

Water control proposals for Clark Park. Left: Tree wells. Right: Water catchment system for 43rd street Farmers’ Market area. Friends of Clark Park  Bryan Hanes’s sketches illustrating the Central Plaza. with general enthusiasm during the wheelchair-friendly, and some paths the bigger open spaces may encourage question-and-answer period. Margie (close to 44th and Baltimore) will be people to adjust where they play vol- Politzer asked about the maintenance of moved or regraded to better enable leyball. Lisa stressed the need for user the chairs in the plaza, and the prospect people with wheelchairs (and parents education, and discussion among the of people simply taking them. Bryan with strollers). various user groups in the park. replied that Bryant Park had been a Alan Krigman noted that the de- crime-riddled area, and yes, they did sign puts very few constraints on what The Park A Redesign Campaign After some back and forth on par- lose a lot of chairs in the beginning. people do and where they do it, and ticular details, former FoCP President They currently lose about 25 a year. that this philosophy is “a great way to Jonathan Snyder spoke about the Park Bryan acknowledged that there is a risk go.” Tony West brought up the lighting A Redesign Campaign. “We have, as an to this, but it may encourage a greater systems in the park, and Bryan stated organization, taken a bold new direc- sense of community sharing, much like that a forthcoming lighting plan would tion. We have hired these designers. We the free bicycles in Amsterdam. be a major part of the detailed design. have taken this upon ourselves because Darryl Stovall asked if the paths Paul Brooks asked about provisions for what we got back was a lot more excit- would conform to accessibility require- a volleyball court. Bryan Hanes replied ing, and it was designed by people in ments, and Diane Gallagher of the that he hasn’t seen a huge demand for the community who have a real knowl- HMS School asked if the plaza’s stone a permanent volleyball court, although edge of our park. But this is going to find surface would be accessible to the we have been talking with the volleyball cost. And we are having a campaign kids in wheelchairs. The stone finds are players about future developments, and to raise the money to pay for this.” Snyder described events planned for the future, ranging from cocktail parties to larger events, and the fund established specifically for the Park A project. “We are looking to raise $75,000 within ten months” said Snyder, “and we are looking to raise this money within ten months, so the clock is ticking.”

Left: New York City’s Bryant Park, illustrating the Central Plaza concept. Right: A stone-surface water fountain, similar to that envisioned for the Central Plaza.  Friends of Clark Park The Park A Redesign Campaign (PARC) Youth Soccer Moves Why does Park A need my regularly for more information. Please into Fall Season contribution? attend our board and membership by Elaine Jensen Recently, Mayor Nutter announced meetings, which are always open to the Over 100 kids (including 27 new to a state grant, matched by the City, of public! The next meeting is on October the league) played during the spring $450,000 for Park A revitalization (see 15, 7 PM, at Griffith Hall on the USP season of Clark Park Youth Soccer. page 1 for details). The Friends of Clark campus. Twenty-five new families signed up, re- Park must raise $75,000 quickly, to pay Your help is important to rebuild sulting in new FOCP memberships. For for the professional landscaping blue- Clark Park – and make it strong and the first time some almost 5-year olds print that secured this government fund- beautiful for generations to come. Please were able to play! We welcome them ing. Studio/Bryan Hanes provided the donate today. Make your check out to and their families and encourage them schematic plan but the Friends of Clark Friends of Clark Park, write “PARC” on to get involved to ensure the future of Park -- through your donations -- must the memo line, and mail it to the follow- CPYSL. pay for overall design development and ing address: Thanks to volunteers at in-person for construction and engineering docu- PARC registration: Ed Sarbaugh, Kathleen ments. c/o Friends of Clark Park Turner, Molly Sarbaugh, Phil Jones, PO Box 31908 Jim Cummings, Susan Meeker, Paul How can I learn more? Philadelphia PA 19104 Check http://www.clarkpark.info Brooks, Ronald Nadel Harvey, Hope Fleming Mallory, Kathy Phillips, Diane Adler and Courtney Cavalieri. A parent meeting was convened during the season, which resulted in volunteers coordinating getting trophies and food for the closing day picnic. It takes many volunteers in order to make a season successful, and we thank all those who stepped up to the plate last season. And finally, a shout out to all of the volunteers who are coordinating the fall season: Janine Wright, David Walker, Phil Jones, Timara Barnes, Dirk Zhang, Yasser Aig, Elaine Zanutto, Mecky Pohlschroder, Jesse Lippert and Nell’s Angels especially Valerie DeLoach, who coor- The Friends of Clark Park would like to thank the following neighbors for their dinated pre-registration. Everyone who generous support of the Park A Redesign Campaign: registered is on a team and there are still openings at all age levels. The fall sea- Schwab Charitable Fund Peter Malandra son starts Saturday, September 27th. Joe Shapiro Mike Hardy and Brian Siano Barry Grossbach Frank and Linda Chance Lewis Mellman and Ingrid Lakey and Chris Coward Adam Goldman Amanda Benner and O’Donnell Real Estate Bill Moriarty Joe and Vanessa Lowry 1 Anonymous donor

Friends of Clark Park  As You Liked It by Maria Möller Shakespeare in Clark Park’s pro- duction of As You Like It was blessed with beautiful weather and outstand- ing attendance. Over the course of five performances, some 3,000 people came out to the park with picnics and blankets and enjoyed an evening of free theatre. For some, Shakespeare in Clark Park has already become a sum- mer neighborhood tradition. Others were first-time visitors, many travelling to Clark Park from other parts of the city and from the suburbs. SCP will be back again next year and will announce their 2009 show later this fall.

A full transcript of the performance is available at http://shakespeare.mit.edu/asyoulikeit/full.html  Friends of Clark Park market opened in 1998 and, in doing so, came one step closer to their mis- sion: to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. To ac- complish this mission, The Food Trust ensures that customers on the Food Stamp Program, single mothers on the WIC program and senior citizens on the state’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Pro- gram (FMNP) can access the market’s fresh, local produce. All of The Food Trust’s markets accept food stamps and the FMNP vouchers that are delivered every year. The Food Trust supplements the market with nutrition education, of- fering the customers healthy recipes to take home along with the fresh and lo- cal ingredients from the market. From its very beginning, the Clark The Farmers’ Market 10th Anniversary Park market has had the support of the by Jonathan Glyn, The Food Trust city and of the neighboring local busi- nesses and organizations, including The On October 4, 2008, The Clark Park “You can find farm fresh produce at Friends of Clark Park. It has become a Farmers’ Market will be celebrating its great prices, and we even accept debit, weekly event in the lives of the neigh- 10th Anniversary with a festival and a credit cards and food stamp cards.” bors, friends, families, chefs, artists and free concert. The event will be held in The Clark Park Farmers’ Market musicians in this Park A of Clark Park, and will run from began as a joint project between The neighborhood. In its 10th year, the 10:00am to 4:00pm. Food Trust and the University City Dis- Clark Park Farmers’ Market is the sec- The event will include music, special trict. “At the time,” said Paul Steinke, ond largest farmers’ market in Philadel- vendors and recognition of the many who was president of the UCD in 1998, phia and is now open year round every farmers, shoppers and community mem- “the idea of a farmers’ market selling Saturday. bers who have been paramount in the local, fresh food in a city park was a Come out on October 4th to cel- success of the market’s 10 year run. The very new idea for Philadelphia.” The ebrate the market’s 10th anniversary! West Philadelphia Orchestra, Imhotep African Dance and Drum Ensemble and Happy Accident will all be featured at the “3rd Annual Farmers Rock Show” taking place throughout the course of the day. The event will also feature the acoustic music of Kenny & Jerry and Banjo Busk- er Steve, plus the University Arts League arts & craft table and some local live art performances. “It’s been exciting to see the farmers’ market at Clark Park grow so much over the last 10 years. The neighborhood’s support for the market is so strong that it’s open year-round,” said Yael Lehm- ann, executive director of The Food Trust.

Friends of Clark Park  The 11th Annual Spruce Hill Halloween Parade! by Bruce Andersen You don’t have to have kids to be a volunteer. We need volunteers to help with the planning, and we need volunteers to make the parade work on the afternoon of Friday, October 31. Tentative details: The gathering point is the flagpole at Clark Park.The step off for the parade is 4:30 pm The route will be: Start in Clark Park and cross Baltimore at 43rd St. Up the north side sidewalk of Baltimore to 44th St 44th St between Baltimore and Larchwood Larchwood between 44th and 43rd 43rd between Baltimore and Osage AND end on the 4200 block of Osage (Little Osage). Donated snacks need to be brought directly to the tables on Little Osage. Contact Bruce Anderson at [email protected] for details!

SAVE THE DATE! The Philadelphia Parks Alliance invites you to our Citizens’ Assembly on Park Reform with Mayor Michael Nutter Monday, October 20, 2008 6:00 - 7:30 pm Friends Select School, 1651 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Speakers will include Mayor Michael Nutter; Peter Harnik, Director of The Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land; and Pete (Alexander) Hoskins, President of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance. The Panel will be moderated by Chris Satullo, who writes The Inquirer’s Center Square column; and is founder & Director of Citizen Voices. The focus is on how and why the upcoming referendum to reform park governance and management will help to improve Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. The Philadelphia Parks Alliance P.O. Box 12677, Philadelphia, PA 19129 Tel: 215-879-8159 Fax: 215-879-8833 [email protected] www.philaparks.org

 Friends of Clark Park The FoCP does a lot for our park, and we couldn’t do a tenth of it without the support of our members. And your membership doesn’t just pay for the newsletter; it helps you stay involved in the work and activities we organize. On your mailing label, we’ve included the date of your membership’s expiration. If it’s coming up soon-- or has already passed-- please try to renew as soon as possible. You can use the form below, find a brochure on our website (http://www.clarkpark.info), or stop by the table we run at the Farmer’s Markets during the summer.

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