Floating Pop-Up Park Coming to the Delaware River

A river is a strange place for a pop-up park but a temporary park featuring a beach, fountains, lily pads and more is going to soon be a reality in Philadelphia.

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announced Friday its plans to create the Spruce Street Harbor Park on the Delaware River this summer.

The DRWC points to a series of floating barges that will serve as the centerpiece of the project located at Penn’s Landing Marina at Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street.

The positioning of the pop-up park near the Great Plaza gives people who head to the area for a festival, concert and/or movie the chance to relax a little, according to officials.

"Spruce Street Harbor Park, thanks in part to a grant from ArtPlace America, stands to substantially augment the already fantastic lineup of summer events at Penn’s Landing," said DRWC president Tom Corcoran. "By creating new spaces, we’re showing Philadelphia and the region just how beautiful and accessible the waterfront can be.”

Some of those attractions at the pop-up park include hammocks, a mist walk and summer foods.

The project is a partnership between the DRWC and a group of designers.

"Not only are these spaces amazing, they're cost effective and immediately attainable. Their ephemeral quality keeps us intrigued and our attention focused on what's next," said project collaborator David Fierabend of Groundswell Design Group.

The park is expected to open June 27 and will welcome visitors until Aug. 31.

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