Cities all over the United States, and the world for that matter, have recognizable, buildings, statues, streets, and more that we see and immediately attribute to that specific place. These landmarks all have their own story and reason for why they have become a symbol for their city. Some classic United States landmarks include: the “Hollywood” sign in Los Angeles, the Statue of Liberty in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the space needle in Seattle. The list carries on but I think we get the point. Philadelphia has its share of recognizable landmarks like the famous Art Museum steps where Rocky Balboa essentially planted his “planted his flag,” the Ben Franklin Bridge, City Hall, and, one of my favorites, “Love Park.” “Love Park,” as it is affectionately nicknamed because of the love statue, is officially called John F. Kennedy Plaza. For the past 4 years I have been living in Philadelphia and have not known anything about “Love Park” or its history until recently.
Some beautiful United States landmarks you may, or may not, be familiar with!
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-most-beautiful-landmarks/23
Why do we care? What does it mean, exactly?
Landmarks can help people identify with the city they live in or, what many refer to as, “their” city. The John F. Kennedy Plaza, or “Love Park,” is an important landmark that people have gravitated to and can attribute to the city of Philadelphia. I believe that the love statue helps to symbolize the popular notion that Philadelphia is “the city of brotherly love.” While strolling through the plaza, I saw all sorts of people engaging in games, conversations, relaxation, and site seeing. What I saw in all those activities was love. Love for themselves, each other, and the city that brought them together. I will eventually talk more about the inhabitants of the park below. Before I even knew where this park was I had this image of the statue in my head. I had seen it all over the place associated with Philadelphia. Once I eventually stumbled upon it I felt like had been there before. I am happy that I have this chance to really think about the meaning of the park and learn more about its history.
Check out a little bit of background info if you’re interested!
http://www.ushistory.org/lovepark/history1.htm
Skateboard HAVEN…for a little while.
In the late 60s, kids from all different neighborhoods converged on the park to engage in socialization and in the mid-1980s skateboarders discover the park.
The architecture of the park, including the different levels and curves, continuous granite surfaces, and the large space for sessions is what attracted skaters to the park. The park’s reputation grew and the nearby public transportation made it easily accessible for skaters all over the city and the surrounding suburbs. As the park grew into a skateboarding haven, people would visit to watch and be entertained by the sport, parents would bring their kids to play in the fountain, and it became a destination for the city’s youth to socialize and relax. The park brought people together because of the beautiful view of the parkway, the location, and, even though some came for slightly different reasons, there was space for everyone to enjoy. I think it is really important for people, in the city especially, to find common ground where there is tolerance and comradery. Cities are full of so many people with their own agendas and schedules and everyone is often just bumping into each other with very little acknowledgment to those around them. When a place such as “Love Park” arises and brings those same people together it is truly special. A place like that symbolizes brotherhood. Though it created positivity and creativity, skateboarding was eventually banned and those who were caught were slapped with a hefty fine. Even though the skateboarding movement in “Love Park” has passed, it is still a place where locals and tourists can gather, socialize, and enjoy the city.
So who’s chillin in Love Park now?
While making your way through the park you will find all sorts of locals and tourists making memories on a daily basis. I had the good fortune to speak with some of its inhabitants to gather their perspective on the park and what it means to them. Philadelphia native and businessman, Jason Caro, said, “It is a beautiful spot for me to relax on my lunch hour really close to work.” The park’s close proximity to many business professionals makes it a desirable place to get some fresh air during the long, and often grueling, workday. Caro even noted that he had spent some time in this park during his younger years hanging out with his friends.
I also spoke to several Philadelphia natives playing chess and card games in the late afternoon during this beautiful fall weather. One man, James Waters, said, “I have been coming here for years almost everyday to hang out with my friends. It is just what we do.” Whether it is during the lunch hour, after work, or on a day off locals engage in social stimulation within the confines of “Love Park” on a regular basis.
In addition to locals and business professionals, there are many tourists who make their way to the park to snap photos with the famous love statue. I, myself, am also guilty of taking a few photos in front of the love statue just last year. I managed to converse through some broken English with a few tourists from Switzerland who were getting their photo taken in front of the statue. Elias, from Basel, said, “I have been so excited to see America. I have been visiting many cities and Philadelphia is nice! My friends told me of the park after their travels and I wanted to get a photo also.” Elias, who was with his girlfriend of two years and his best friend from home even confided in me, explaining he thought about maybe proposing in front of the statue during the trip. It seems he may have decided to wait a little bit longer but the idea is there. It is in the minds of the public. Even I would be tempted at the idea of proposing to the woman I want to marry in front of the love statue. There is just something about it. Some sort of appeal that is a result of its physical characteristics and the power and symbolism this park now holds.
I also spoke to some tourists from Spain who are staying in Philadelphia for a couple of days to take in the sites and social life. Maria and Marcos saw the park in a movie and had planned on coming to see it since they started dating four years ago. “At first it was kind of a joke but over the years we kept bringing it up so I decided to plan the trip,” explained Marcos. Who knows, maybe Marco will even decide to propose during the trip.
The point is, this park has garnered notoriety all over the world and even more so to the locals of Philadelphia because it is a place of love, understanding, tolerance, and brotherhood. Many landmarks become landmarks because their physical characteristics are unprecedented or because of the beauty in their complexity. “Love Park” is much more than any of that. This park is not quite unbelievable or remarkable in any way. In fact, the fountains are mirrored and just a repetition of their counterparts, the statue, while really nice, isn’t profound or complex, and the architecture is not award winning or astonishing. The beauty of this park is in its simplicity and its location. “Love Park” has proven that an iconic landmark does not need to break any records or push any sort of boundaries to earn attention and appreciation. The love statue has become a beacon for people with open hearts to come and share their time together and the location makes it so easy to do so.
What does the future of Love Park look like??
Take a look for yourself!
http://articles.philly.com/2013-07-12/news/40516521_1_love-park-capital-budget-garage
Thanks for reading!
Writing Workshop Fall 2013 