$15 million redesign planned for Philadelphia's Love Park

Thursday, March 26, 2015
VIDEO: $15M redesign planned for Love Park
Rain or shine, people love heading to Love Park and now the city is planning a $15 million redesign for the iconic Philadelphia landmark.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Rain or shine, people line up in front of the love sculpture at Love Park.

"This is a big spot. Everybody knows Love Park is the big thing when they come to visit," said Annamarie Garcia.

"It's a great day to hang out when it's nice. The kids come out and play when the sprinklers are on," said David Whittaker.

"Seems like they are doing a lot of stuff around here. They have the skating rink and parkway so don't leave Love Park out," said Herb Brooks.

The city is now showing some love to Love Park with a $15 million redesign.

There are four options for the makeover.

City officials say the final plan will be a combination of the best of each along with what people already love.

"People love the entry way on 15th Street, the love statue, the fountain and the beautiful view of the Art Museum - they want to keep that," said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor.

One of the most requested changes is for more green space.

When you look at the park from above, you can see that a majority of it is concrete.

"We want a place that can carry a lot of different activities, generate from revenue for the care and maintenance and continue to be a gathering point," said DiBerardinis.

The city will present the final plan on April 30th.

Construction is expected to start at the end of next winter/first of next spring and would last for nine months to one year.

The park will be closed during that time.

"Philly is definitely changing. By the Center City district building up, the parks around the area, it's going to bring people in from the suburbs and bring a lot of commerce to the city as well," said Stefania Marsico.

The city would like to hear your thoughts.

To sound off, visit planphilly.com/lovepark.

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