
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A fireworks show tonight at 7:30 looks to be a colorful way to open a space that’s very green. The University of Pennsylvania is inviting all to make use of its new park.
It has a picnic grove, athletic fields, tennis courts and open space, but the main draw of Penn Park’s 24 acres?
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Before, a parking lot. After, UPenn president Amy Gutmann says, a traffic-driver for student-athletes, faculty and staff — and anyone else looking for an urban oasis.
“As you come over the Walnut Street Bridge into West Philadelphia, there’s now a ramp you can walk down, walk your bicycle down, run down. It comes right into the park — you can use it, and then walk into our campus or back home, whatever you like.”
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An artist's rendering of the soon-to-be-completed Penn Park. (Credit: University of Pennsylvania, University Communications)
It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, and the athletic facilities can be rented.
The grand opening starts at 5 tonight, when they’ll plant trees to add to the 500 new ones already taking root.
Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio 1060
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