Race Street Pier, Memorial Day Weekend Free Activities
Friday, May 27, 2011
Located at the end of Race Street along the water’s edge, the new park features a combination of interesting landscape architecture and a dramatic setting that offers spectacular views of the waterfront. Visitors can walk along the treelined paths and relax in the grassy areas while enjoying amazing views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, Center City, and the Delaware River from a totally new vantage point. On Memorial Day Weekend, May 28th and 29th, Philadelphia will celebrate the opening of its newest park, the Race Street Pier, with family fun entertainment, interactive activities, and information about the special features of this modern urban oasis. ACTIVITY STATIONS INFORMATION STATION a membership drive |
DJ Guy Smith
Will create a festive atmosphere with great music along the Race Street Pier.
1:00-3:00 PM (Front Gate)
Yoga Session by Ananda Mayi
Presented by the Friends of the Race Street Pier
Ananda Mayi will conduct a yoga session as part of the “Race Street Peers”
activities series.
2:00-3:00 PM (Lower Level Lawn/Saturday Only)
Give and Take Jugglers
Enjoy family-friendly fun with these world-renowned artists who combine vaudeville
and circus elements in their unique show.
2:00-3:00 PM (Boardwalk/Sunday Only)
Brass Heaven
Party on the pier to the sounds of Philadelphia’s premier brass band playing
their special brand of funky-fun blues, jazz, and R&B.
3:00 – 4:00 PM -Saturday (End of Pier)
4:00 – 5:00 PM -Sunday (End of Pier)
The Magic of Ran’D Shine
Prepare to be astounded and amazed by the magic of one of the top magicians
in the Philadelphia region.
4:00 – 5:00 PM -Saturday (End of Pier)
3:00 – 4:00 PM -Sunday (End of Pier)
Background:
In February 2009, Mayor Nutter together with DRWC announced funding was secured for design and construction of a one acre public park on the vacant pier at the base of Race Street, immediately south of the Ben Franklin Bridge. DRWC and the City of Philadelphia issued a Request for Proposals to provide design, construction documentation, and construction administration services for improvements to Pier 11 with the goal to develop Pier 11 into a publicly accessible riverfront amenity for residents and tourists. With public input and the leadership of the DRWC Planning Committee led by Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Dean, University of Pennsylvania School of Design, and Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development awarded the contract for the project design to James Corner Field Operations, a nationally recognized landscape design team whose credits include the acclaimed High Line in NYC.
The development of a public space such as the Race Street Pier was an early action recommendation of the Civic Vision for the Central Delaware, an extensive public study conducted by Penn Praxis to re-envision Philadelphia’s Waterfront.