Theo tin phila.gov
For Immediate Release: July 22, 2016
Published By: Office of the Mayor
Contact: Jennifer Crandall , (215) 683-3586, Jennifer.Crandall@phila.gov
Debuts with Red, White and Blue for DNC
Philadelphia – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy, has upgraded the lighting installation at the iconic Boathouse Row on the Schuylkill River, thanks to a generous donation from The Joanna McNeil Trust. Tomorrow evening, with all eyes on Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention, a new display of red, white and blue lights will reflect across the water.The lights that trim the houses were first installed in 1979 and then replaced in 2005 with LEDs that promised to look brighter, last longer, use less energy, and work in conjunction with a computer system that could change their color. In 2012, various failures began occurring to the lights, power supplies, and controller – leaving dark gaps. Since parts from the original system are no longer available due to changes in technology, a full replacement of the components was necessary. When Joanna McNeil Lewis learned that the city did not have the funds in place to tackle the project, she offered to assist with the costs.
“We are delighted to show off Philadelphia’s magnificent Fairmount Park with this display of patriotic color,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “It is with the support of civic-minded people like Joanna Lewis that we are able to maintain and enhance one of the largest urban park systems in the country.”
“The Host Committee of the Democratic National Convention is grateful to Jody and The Joanna McNeil Trust, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Fairmount Park Conservancy for timing the relighting of Boathouse Row to coincide with the convention,” said Edward Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania and former Mayor of Philadelphia and Chair of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention. “The lights are a wonderful way to showcase one of Philadelphia’s many beautiful public spaces.
The project team is thrilled to present Boathouse Row in red, white and blue for the Democratic National Convention delegates, starting Saturday, July 23rd and continuing through the evening of Friday, July 29th. This project though is ultimately a gift to the City of Philadelphia; with the lights returning to their iconic white after the Democratic National Convention. Joanna NcNeil Lewis has contributed her time, energy and resources to many of Philadelphia’s most important institutions, and saw this opportunity as a way to ensure that one of Philadelphia’s most magnificent locations shines brightly for all to enjoy.
“Philadelphia’s 10,000-plus acres of public parks belong to everyone, and it’s up to all of us to help keep them in good shape,” said Ms. Lewis. “I appreciate how hard everyone worked to get the new lights up in time for the world to see one of the most stunning views our city has to offer.”
The new lighting system will be capable of being programmed with specific colors for occasional special programming, such as with the Democratic National Convention. Donations to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for these special lighting requests go to the Boathouse Row Maintenance Fund, which ensures the continued care of this visual landscape.
A large-scale community celebration is being planned for this September, which will include representatives from the Schuylkill Navy, the individual rowing clubs and programs, along with city leadership, and during which the full programming capabilities of the lights will be unveiled.
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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.Fairmount Park Conservancy exists to champion Philadelphia’s parks. Our mission is to work as a collaborative partner to lead and support efforts that preserve and improve the parks and recreation system in order to enhance the quality of life and stimulate economic development of the Greater Philadelphia Region. We fulfill our mission by leading capital projects and historic preservation efforts, fostering neighborhood park stewardship, attracting and leveraging resources for the parks, and developing innovative programs throughout the 10,200 acres that include Fairmount Park and more than 100 neighborhood parks around the city. The Philadelphia park system is one of the largest urban park systems in the world and includes some of the region’s most famous attractions. For more information, please visit myphillypark.org, join us at facebook.com/fairmountparkconservancy, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @myphillypark.
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https://alpha.phila.gov/press-releases/mayor/boathouse-row-relights-tomorrow-night/
