Linwood Park... An Oasis:
Transforming a Parking Lot into Paradise


Linwood Park: The view before
Lower Merion, PA officials have converted a parking lot into a green soothing oasis in the Ardmore section of the Township. On a warm sunny Friday afternoon in late May, local county, state and federal representatives cut the ribbon and officially opened Linwood Park. The Township used $257,000 of its Community Development Block Grant funds to help construct the park. Approximately $45,000 HUD Recovery Act monies helped fund the new sidewalks, curbs and ramps surrounding the park so that it is accessible to those with disabilities.

The land for the park was acquired through Montgomery County's Open Space Fund. With vision and creativity, the designers took the old parking lot and turned it into open space using sustainable design concepts.


Linwood Park-5: Linwood Park: After - A new oasis

The Friends of Linwood Park were on hand to celebrate the opening of the park which will bring people together and build a sense of community. This serene space serves as a respite and outlet from the pressures and realities of daily urban living. This lovely setting acts as a connection to nature that inspires people to be good environmental stewards. It is also a safe haven for recreation and relaxation.

Steve Coleman, the author of "The Invisible Park," captures the purpose of green environments like Linwood Park. He says: "People come to parks with simple needs: rest, relaxation, recreation and respite from the city. Good parks meet these needs, but then also respond to deeper yearnings, giving us ideas, hope and a sense of possibility in our own lives and communities...Parks, in turn, broaden our own capacity to imagine...The key is to offer a rich variety of experiences that spark the imagination and illuminate what it means to be fully alive."


Lower Merion Township officials and community leaders gather to cut the ribbon on the finished park.

As we celebrated the opening of this neighborhood park in Lower Merion Township, we were all filled with anticipation of the many wonderful interactions that are certain to occur here for this generation and for generations to come.
 
Content Archived: June 06, 2012