There are many things that define Philly, but two of our favorites are the famous Philly cheesesteak and LOVE Park. After much anticipation, LOVE Park will be having their grand reopening in Spring 2018. The park is receiving a much needed facelift, with the City of Philadelphia adding fountains, green space, light fixtures and gardens. The famous sculpture also underwent a transformation, including restoration and repainting.
LOVE Park closed in February 2016 for renovations intended to improve the beloved space immensely. Located in the JFK Plaza, LOVE Park serves as the gateway to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The reason for the reopening delay was unexpected brick and stones discovered by the construction crew.
LOVE Park gets its name from the LOVE sculpture, which was designed by pop artist Robert Indiana. It was originally a print image created in 1970 that is currently on display in the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Many famous skateboarders visit LOVE Park to train, making it internationally known as one of the best skateparks in the world. Skateboarders discovered this hidden oasis in the mid-1980s, inspiring the X-Games to come to Philadelphia twice, which was the first time in history the same city was chosen for two consecutive years.
LOVE Park is known as a hangout for people of all demographics to congregate. Its close proximity to all subway and regional rail lines makes the location ideal. Business people watch the skateboarders on their lunch break, and LOVE Park is known as an iconic safe space for all. LOVE Park was a place where skateboarders could congregate freely until 2002, when the government banned it.
We’ve placed LOVE Park on our list of one of the top spots to visit in Philadelphia, so go check it out and make sure you head to Geno’s Steaks to try a famous Philly cheesesteak before or after!