Woods filled with tall trees, winding pathways, a scenic tidal river, over 40 species of colorful birds… all of it located just off Admiral Wilson Boulevard, and closed to local residents in need of green space.
On Sept. 20, Girl Scout Troop 21078 will host a Plein Air Festival and Community Paint Out in Gateway Park, a subdivision of Cooper River Park West in Pennsauken.
“Plein Air” means painting on location, outdoors. The goal of this festival is to promote open space justice and to raise awareness 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. Unlike Cooper River Park East, which was developed and turned into a beautiful area to take walks and bike rides, the west side of Cooper River remains underdeveloped.
The park has remained officially closed for 13 years; barriers currently greet motorists attempting to enter via the parking lot. This much-needed open space will serve Camden and Pennsauken residents who would otherwise have to cross dangerous motorways to access parkland.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 21078 were inspired to base their Silver Award community service project at Gateway Park after participating in a ‘Pledge to Fledge’ bird watching event and meeting with advisor Tom Knoche of Friends of Cooper River Park West.
They learned project management skills as they worked with the CCMUA, the NJ Conservation Foundation and Girl Scouts of Central and Southern NJ to approve the project. They worked with local groups such as UrbanPromise and Parkside Business and Community in Partnership, who have long been advocating for the park, to coordinate the event.
The Silver Award is the second highest award in Girl Scouting.
The art event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will include judging and a short awards ceremony the same day. Local and regional artists of all ages are encouraged to participate as the judging will be separated into students, 17 and younger, and adults, older than 17.
The community is invited to view the artists’ work from 3 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. at the park. Registration and more information about the contest can be found on the festival website, cooperriverproject.weebly.com.
