Goodbye Spruce Street Harbor Park

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This past weekend was somewhat sad.  That wasn’t because the Eagles lost.  It definitely wasn’t because the Phillies’ season ended.  That was actually a relief.  This weekend was sad because Sunday marked the end of Spruce Street Harbor Park (SSHP).  The park may have been the best thing the city has done in years.  It was, without a doubt, one of my favorite spots to chill out on a summer night.  If you missed it, then you truly missed out.

People of all ages and races, rich and poor gathered every day and night at the park along the Delaware River.  The park was a gathering place that provided a sense of community in Philadelphia that occurs far too infrequently.

If you wanted drinks, they had great local beers and decent sangria.  If you had kids, they had giant-size games of Connect Four, Jenga, Chess, and Lego sets.  DJ’s and bands provided free entertainment.  Jose Garces had good burgers, both meat and vegan, and slamming shoestring French fries.  The lights were unlike any I had ever seen outdoors.  Chairs were everywhere if you just wanted to check out the view or read a book. And, they had hammocks!

The park being a melting pot of people might’ve been the most impressive aspect of the park.  With racial tensions in places like Ferguson dominating the headlines, SSHP felt like an oasis.  The park was packed every night I was there and everyone was in a good mood.  I didn’t see any arguments or fights while I was there and that had to be upwards of 20 times.

The city put up a beautiful pop-up park on the river and people flocked to it.  That’s proof that we need and want a developed waterfront.  It’s a shame that egos, politicians, and wallets get in the way of serious commercial development along the Delaware River.  The waterfront could be something special.

Hopefully, those out-of-touch politicians trying to close the liquor license loophole that allows the pop-up gardens to exist will get a clue about what their constituents want and move on to more important issues.

A winter lodge is opening soon.  I’ll have high expectations, but there was something awesome about being outside on the water and drinking a beer with friends.  SSHP was so popular it has to return…..right?