LOVE Park: Philadelphia’s sculpture, wedding photo destination, skateboarding Mecca
Officially called JFK Plaza, LOVE Park earned its popular nickname due to the iconic LOVE sculpture which sits beside a fountain in the park. Originally created by artist Robert Indiana, the LOVE sculpture is now the subject of many Philadelphia souvenirs and marketing campaigns for the city. Beyond the sculpture, LOVE Park has both romantic and controversial connotations for many from the area.
Due to its simplicity, popularity and positive message, the LOVE sculpture makes JFK Plaza a popular site for wedding and engagement photos. Couples often make a special trip here while visiting Philadelphia just to capture a photo next to the famous sculpture and fountain.
In recent history, LOVE Park has been at the center of controversy. LOVE Park was a popular destination for amateur and professional skaters. Some pros even relocated to Philadelphia because of the challenging urban landscape presented by the park. However, the city government prohibited skating and replaced some of the park’s architectural features to prevent damage.
This was an unpopular move; it was opposed by a sizable youth movement asserting that Philadelphia’s true reputation as a center for arts, culture and offbeat entertainment was at risk. Many individuals beyond the typical skateboarder demographic also opposed the banning of skateboarding in LOVE Park: the new rule put city revenue and income at risk. Pro skaters would no longer be able to attract visitors to the area and larger events such as the X-Games soon lost interest in Philadelphia as an environment conducive to urban sports. Companies and organizations offered to pay for the upkeep of the park and the damage done by skateboards, but the city declined to accept.
Among those in favor of the park’s use as a skateboarding environment was Edmund Bacon, the park’s creator.
Though skateboarding is no longer allowed, LOVE Park is still an ideal spot for recreation. It serves as a refuge for professionals on lunch and students once school is out. Located in close proximity to City Hall, LOVE Park is a popular meeting spot and a frequently-photographed location.
If you wish to visit LOVE Park/JFK Plaza, public transportation is the recommended method of getting there. LOVE Park is located close to SEPTA’s Suburban Station and the last PATCO stop from New Jersey. To walk there from the art museum, just find City Hall and walk towards it down the parkway.
Posted by Tara M. Clapper
