A Year in Review
Activating Camden
Inspiration from the civic commons in 2023
Be inspired in the new year with reflections from cities across the country using their civic assets to build trust, connect people of all backgrounds and deliver more resilient communities. Today, the first in our series of photo essays reflecting on the past year of progress features the civic commons work in Camden.
Creating a carnival experience: Camden Night Gardens
Camden Night Gardens, held on May 26th, marked the Connect the Lots season kickoff in the City of Camden. This vibrant event transformed Cooper’s Poynt Waterfront Park, a 5-acre waterfront park on the former site of Riverfront State Prison. The transformation of this land into a public space and an accessible trail has allowed Camden Community Partnership to create a carnival destination for Camden’s youth and families, as well as visitors. The event was a tremendous success, drawing in over 5,000 attendees throughout the night. The park was filled with free carnival rides and games, providing endless entertainment for visitors of all ages. Community-based organizations added to the sense of unity and cohesion of Camden Night Gardens, fostering a strong community spirit. A live performance stage featuring local artists elevated the evening to another level under the backdrop of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline. Activating the park on the Camden Waterfront, with rides and a lively atmosphere, created a beautiful and immersive experience for all.
Expanding trails in the City of Camden
Earlier this year, Camden Community Partnership worked with the Camden County Parks Department to submit a $20 million RAISE grant application to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). The proposal focused on building out specific gaps in the county trail network, including several missing links in the City of Camden. In the summer, USDOT awarded the County a $19 million grant, with all funds directed to trail projects in Camden City. The collaborative efforts of the Camden County Parks Department, City of Camden, Trust For Public Land and Camden Community Partnership will connect trails under the Ben Franklin Bridge and the back channel within North Camden as well as improve several other trails to provide more recreational space and access between neighborhoods and cities in the Camden County area.
Activation of public space along the commercial corridor
The Camden Special Service District, in partnership with the City of Camden and Camden Community Partnership, launched the Lunchtime Concert Series along the business corridor of Downtown. The activations are designed to bring a different Downtown audience to a central public gathering space around the 3rd and Market Street intersection. With a large 140 block Downtown consisting of several disparate sub-areas — such as the Waterfront office district, Eds and Meds corridor, government facilities at or around City Hall and the emerging corporate Gateway District — the need for a central gathering place for Downtown stakeholders was evident. The performing arts were thread through the naturally occurring and intimate public spaces already on Market Street. The lunchtime concert series helped create a flow of pedestrian traffic along Market Street and encouraged people working in downtown to explore local businesses and restaurants, spending more time out in the City versus their office spaces.
Outdoor adventure in the urban city
This year was the dawn of a new age for paddling excursions off the shores of Pyne Poynt Park in North Camden. After hearing a call for more regular kayak access from residents, Camden Community Partnership, Center for Aquatic Sciences and Upstream Alliance programmed five “I Paddle Camden” dates throughout the summer with broad success. Event goers enjoyed getting out on the water and seeing Camden from a new perspective. Back on shore, food trucks were on hand with smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream and hot dogs. Some of Camden’s finest local DJs kept the energy up, giving an upbeat backtrack to these family fun events in North Camden, including off-river activities like bounce houses and yard games along with free access to kayaks and canoes. In total, over 400 residents participated throughout the summer.
Celebrating cultural heritage: Latin Night En La Plaza
The City of Camden is very culturally diverse, with a Hispanic population of 52.8%. Every September, Camden Community Partnership, in collaboration with Camden Special Services District and the City of Camden, hosts the festival, Latin Night En La Plaza, to commemorate the National Hispanic Heritage Month and pay respect to the Hispanic community who chose the City of Camden as their home. This year’s festival featured renowned Latin artists and cultural performances. Local Hispanic businesses also had an opportunity to promote and showcase traditional food, crafts and garments, allowing diverse Camden city residents to partake in this grand fiesta! The event received great feedback and excitement from the residents who are very excited to see an expanded Latin Night in 2024.
Reimagining the Civic Commons is a collaboration of The JPB Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and local partners.
