Neighbors, friends and politicians gathered in support of Clark Park at the Party for Clark Park held May 3.
Sponsored by the University City District and the Friends of Clark Park, the benefit raised over $100,000 in funding for the maintenance of the public facility.
The event formally granted $50,000 to the Clark Park Maintenance Endowment, which will ensure a long and healthy future for Clark Park and its neighbors.
Susan Scanlin, the president of the Friends of Clark Park, has been active in the revival of Clark Park for over seven years.
"I've been really motivated by the large numbers from the community and the outside," Scanlin said. "It's a neighborhood park and what's made it so successful is the community surrounding it."
Representing the diverse community which surrounds the West Philadelphia park, local politicians, small children and a myriad of others attended the event.
Aileen Zanoni, a '95 College graduate who attended the event, said that she thought that was one of the most important aspects of the park.
"The park is a vital place in the community," Zanoni said. "Having a green area in the middle of the city is crucial -- we shouldn't let it go to waste."
A swing band brought lively music to the festivities, in spite of the persistent rain throughout the party. An ongoing silent auction brought additional monies to the fundraiser, as well as local retail support of the cause.
The 2002 Party for Clark Park was the third annual celebration to benefit the area park -- advocates and community members are certain that this year's festivities will not be the last.
