Paines Park Project

Hey everyone,

After being involved with this project for the last 5 years orso, I have truly come to realize how much value word of mouth holds. You tell someone about this project once, and they catalog it. They hear about it a second time and think "Oh, I heard about that from so-and-so. Hmmmm..." If they hear about it a third time, they're sold and want to know more. It's that simple.

This is the goal of the following message. We've made enough moves on the political front and have the City and State's buy-in. Now it's time to involve the community in a way that will hopefully influence more corporate and public dollars.

All I ask is that you talk to at least one person about this project. Just mention it, that's it. Forward this message on to people you think would be interested in hearing about it. If you have a blog or some way to reach more people, please repost. If you can help in other ways too, amazing. But all it takes is one mention and you've done your job to help me and this City out.

If you need to know any other information about the project, check the website listed at the bottom, or contact me directly.


Thank you,
Nick

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Around 2001, Philadelphia began to really crack down on skateboarding in public areas, most notably, City Hall and JFK Plaza (Love Park). It hit us hard, as the central locality of these spots made them perfect in so many ways - this WAS the City to us. A lot of people got bummed and left but a few of us stuck around to stand up and fight.

It's only at the moment you're told you can't do something that you truly know what you're made of.

Over the past 7 years we have organized ourselves into a presence in this City that has received the following:

1. 2.5 acres of land to build a park on, centrally located between the Art Museum and Schuylkill River
2. Approval from all relevant agencies to build
3. A design award from the American Institute of Architects
4. $1M from the City of Philadelphia to make this happen (1/6 of our budget)

We're so close. We've been fighting for so long. It's your typical Rocky story. The underdogs need to win this one, to show this City what its future should be, instead of being told no. And just know this project is not just about skateboarding, this will be a world-class public space connecting two newly revitalized neighborhoods, to be used by all.

Be a part of something bigger than you. Please contact me directly if you are interested in helping out. It can be one of a million different ways. We are planning an art auction / event with bands in April / May - maybe you can help plan / donate talent for that? Maybe you know someone in a good corporate position, or a wealthy individual who wants to donate funds to the construction of the park to get their name out there?

Whatever it is, it doesn't matter how big or small, EVERY PIECE HELPS. Just talking about this project to one other person will have its impact, I guarantee it.

We need to start assembling our army.


Get at me.