10th Annual Clark Park Fundraiser – May 7th

CLARK PARK FUNDRAISER CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF PROGRESS

University City District and Friends of Clark Park host party to fund ongoing
maintenance of neighborhood’s largest public green space

On Thursday, May 7, 2009, University City District (UCD) and the Friends of Clark Park (FoCP) will host the 10th Party for the Park fundraiser – an annual event that helps provide all necessary funding for the maintenance of Clark Park, University City’s largest green space and most vibrant outdoor destination. The party featuring live music and a silent auction will be held from 5:30 to 8:00pm at 43rd Street and Kingsessing Mall, just across the street from the park in the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia’s (USP) charming courtyard.

For this very special anniversary event, UCD and FoCP will honor 10 exceptional individuals whose contributions, over the past ten years, have been instrumental in the park’s ongoing transformation. Honorees include past UCD executive directors Eric Goldstein and Paul Steinke, Clark Park advocates Cynthia Roberts, Lewis Mellman and Chris Leswing, Department of Recreation’s Barbara McCabe, University of the Science’s Elizabeth Bressi-Stoppe, University of Pennsylvania Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli, Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Joan Reilly, and Drexel University’s Rita LaRue Gollotti. Special recognition will also be given to Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Representative James Roebuck and Senator Anthony Williams.

Over the past nine years, park advocates and donors have raised more than $500,000 to supplement the maintenance of Clark Park. Thanks to these contributions, the appearance, health, and vitality of the park continue to improve. But, ongoing maintenance, such as mowing grass, edging walkways, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, tree plantings, and emptying trashcans, cannot continue without these contributions. In addition, a long-term endowment exists and continues to grow each year for capital improvements. Amid the challenges of maintaining city parks, University City District, Friends of Clark Park, and the Department of Recreation have created a unique public/private partnership allowing Clark Park, a heavily used 9-acre park, to thrive. The Park is home to the Clark Park Farmers Market, music festivals, youth soccer, and many other neighborhood events throughout the year. It is located in the heart of University City’s Streetcar Suburb and National Register Historic District and serves a racially and socio-economically diverse population of residents, students, University City employees and visitors.

Frank Chance, President of the Friends of Clark Park touts Clark Park’s historical significance when recalling the fact that the Park was the site of the Satterlee Hospital (1862-1865) where more than 60,000 wounded soldiers were treated and that the Mill Creek once ran through the Park. He also notes that “the revamped basketball court incorporates a green drainage system allowing water to percolate into the park and that the only monumental bronze statue of Charles Dickens (and little Nell) makes its home in Clark Park.”

Lewis Wendell, Executive Director of UCD, added, “2009 marks the 10th anniversary of UCD’s effort to join with the community to raise funds for the maintenance of Clark Park. This year we will include special recognition for folks who have been instrumental in the Party for the Park over its 10-year history. Clark Park keeps getting more use as one of the most vibrant, diverse and active park destinations in Philadelphia and as a result it needs special TLC. We look forward to a great turnout and as always a great reason to have a party.”

Tickets are $75 for individuals and $60 for Friends of Clark Park members. 100% of the net proceeds go directly to park maintenance. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.partyforthepark.org or by calling 215-243-0555.

The fundraiser is possible because of the generous sponsorship of ABM Janitorial Services, AlliedBarton Security Services, CRW Graphics, Diversified Search Ray & Berndston, Drexel University, Parkhurst Dining Services, University of Pennsylvania, UNICCO Service, University City District, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and Unique Advantage.