About Us
Our Girl Scout Troop 21078 of Marlton, NJ was inspired to create a Silver Award project at Gateway Park, a section of Cooper River Park, after meeting with advisor Tom Knoche (Friends of Cooper River Park West) and getting a tour of this hidden paradise. We had a huge shock when we entered the park through a tiny hole in the fence, and learned that residents have been waiting over a decade for their section of the park to be improved and the gates opened to the public. We instantly made the decision to help out the park to the best of our ability.
We are running a Plein Air Festival and Community Paint Out contest to promote open space justice and awareness of the park in the greater community, as preparations are made to transfer park ownership and open the park later this year.
We are running a Plein Air Festival and Community Paint Out contest to promote open space justice and awareness of the park in the greater community, as preparations are made to transfer park ownership and open the park later this year.
About the Park
Gateway Park was created in 2000, during preparations for the Republican Convention in Philadelphia. The park replaced a series of motels, gas stations and bars along Admiral Wilson Boulevard. The park has remained officially closed; barriers currently greet motorists attempting to enter via the parking lot. This much-needed open space would serve Camden residents who would otherwise have to cross dangerous motorways to access parkland.
Friends of Cooper River Park West supports open space justice in Camden: "Camden County has begun an investment of $23 million to improve the portion of Cooper River Park east of Route 130 according to its “Vision Plan,” while the portion west of Route 130 has been waiting 12 years for promised improvements. It has not been open to the public since 2000, even though Camden does not have enough open space to serve its population."
Here is an excellent article published by Kevin Riordan, Inquirer Columnist (posted on January 31, 2014)
Friends of Cooper River Park West supports open space justice in Camden: "Camden County has begun an investment of $23 million to improve the portion of Cooper River Park east of Route 130 according to its “Vision Plan,” while the portion west of Route 130 has been waiting 12 years for promised improvements. It has not been open to the public since 2000, even though Camden does not have enough open space to serve its population."
Here is an excellent article published by Kevin Riordan, Inquirer Columnist (posted on January 31, 2014)