Overview and General Description:

The first community meeting for the park planning efforts by the Save Our Waterfront North Camden Greening Committee took place at the Respond Elder Center on 9th and Linden in North Camden on Thursday, July 9th at 6:00pm.  The meeting consisted of 28 community members, ranging from youth to seniors.  Additionally, Greening Committee members and representatives from the New Jersey Tree Foundation, Save Our Waterfront, Respond Inc., the Camden-town Civic Association, the Walt Whitman Center for the Arts, the Department of Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University, and The Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University participated in the meeting.

The meeting provided an opportunity to build support and momentum among residents around the idea of creating a park, or series of small parks, in North Camden.  After an introduction and slideshow, the community had the opportunity to voice their desires and perceived needs for a new park in the neighborhood.   Over-riding themes that emerged included the need youth recreation spaces, specifically places for children to ride bicycles.  Other themes were the introduction of color and flowers, a community garden, and even outdoor education.  The issues related to public safety were a major concern, and some individuals suggested fencing or hiring security.

The meeting lasted an hour and a half, with dinner, sponsored by Susquehanna Bank.  The next meeting will be held on August 6th at 6:00pm in the same location. 

Specific Notes and Comments:

Many community members expressed STRONG concern over local children having no place to play. Just because there is a park across town doesn't mean these kids have access to it. It needs to be within the neighborhood - somewhere kids can play close to home.

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Date modified: July 28, 2009