Advertisement
(Pennsauken, NJ) – One of the most popular public places in the county, the Armitage Pavilion in Cooper River Park, will soon be replaced with the help of a $1 million Green Acres Grant awarded to Camden County by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Preservation Trust. A separate $50,000 grant will also be utilized in making improvements to the Watchable Wildlife Trail and an exhibit in the Cherry Hill environmental center.
“Cooper River Park remains one of the county’s most treasured public spaces and we continue to seek grants like these to make sure that the space is constantly being improved,” said Freeholder Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department, who recently announced kayak and paddleboat rentals in the same park. “Infrastructure improvements will increase the park’s ability to hold events and races on the river, and will have a general, positive impact on the quality of life for our residents using the greenspace.”
Advertisement
In addition to the replacement of the Armitage pavilion, the $1 million grant will be used towards improvements to the regatta start tower and docks, and creating easier access to viewing areas for spectators. Baseball fields in the park on North Park Drive adjacent to Bishop Eustace High School will also be rehabilitated, and a second field is planned for creation where there is currently only one on the site.
The Watchable Wildlife Trail, which runs from the Camden County Environmental Studies Center to Cooper River Park, will receive informative environmental displays, providing unique details about the County’s watersheds and green building landscapes, and wayfinding signage.
“This will be a great benefit to those coming to the park to participate in, or watch, one of our world-class regattas or racing events,” Nash said. “The park has already hosted nine successful major events this summer, and we’re looking forward to finishing the season with the Masters Race on July 24, and the Dragon Boat Festival at the end of the month.”
Advertisement
The improvements will be part of the Freeholder Board’s continued effort to improve and expand recreational opportunities in the county, and will benefit residents who utilize the parks as places for exercise and leisure. More information on the parks system and the other exciting additions being made, can be found by visiting us online or by calling the Camden County Parks Department at (856) 216-2146.
(Source: Camden County)