3rd Annual Party for the Park Collects $66,000

Philadelphia. 7 May 2002 – For the past three years, the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation, Friends of Clark Park, and University City District have collaborated in a unique public/private partnership to comprehensively improve Clark Park, one of Philadelphia’s largest and most actively used parks. This year, over $66,000 was collected in sponsorships and ticket sales, including a $20,000 matching grant from The Drumcliff Foundation and Silent Auction that netted nearly $4000. Surpluses from previous years seeded a new, permanent endowment for the Park with $50,000. University of the Sciences in Philadelphia added $2,500 to this amount. To continue the high level of maintenance in the Park without depleting the principal, the endowment must grow to $750,000.

Funds raised at the Party are used for supplemental maintenance of this historic, 9-acre park including spring and fall cleanups, turf maintenance, weeding, and mulching. Clark Park is the most permitted park in the city system, excluding those with rec centers.

The agreement among the UCD, Friends of Clark Park, and the City is unique. UCD, a private non-profit, is under contract with the City to hire and manage a professional landscape firm for this public park. Enhancement of the public environment in University City is a building block of the UCD mission, and renewal of the Park is a continuation of the sidewalk cleaning and public space improvement services it already provides in University City.

The partners thank sponsors AP Construction, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, Barclay White Skanska Inc., Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP, Bon Appetit Catering, Campus Apartments, The Drumcliff Foundation, Kelly/Maiello Architects and Planners, Royalty Press, Select Rentals, Smart & Associates, Timothy Haahs & Associates, Turner Construction, University of Pennsylvania, and University of the Sciences in Philadelphia for helping to ensure that Clark Park remains a welcoming and attractive amenity for University City’s 47,000 residents, 35,000 students, and 59,000 employees.

For contribution information for the Clark Park endowment, contact Meridith Sauer at 215 243 0555 x232 or meridith@ucityphila.org.

Celebrating its fifth year of operation, University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan, and advocate for University City's diverse urban community. The UCD's programs to improve streetscapes and parks, remove trash and graffiti, provide technical assistance to home- and business owners, increase public safety, and publicize University City's advantages have improved the quality of life since 1997. For more information, visit UCityphila.org.

Release Date: Tuesday, May 7th 2002