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Fans of smooth walkways and well-lit greenery can soon kick back at Marconi Plaza.
The construction that began at the park at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue in mid-February is finally picking up speed and should be finished within the next few months, weather permitting.
The timetable for the construction’s completion has been repeatedly pushed back by the inclement weather that has besieged South Philadelphia for much of the past month.
A meeting on the project was held May 27 among representatives of the Fairmount Park Commission, the Broad Street West Civic Association and City Council President Anna Verna’s office and the contractors from Milestone Construction Management. All the parties were satisfied with the progress.
"We wanted to get brought up to speed, and it looks pretty good so far," said Broad Street West President John Furey Sr.
Marconi’s concrete walkways have been replaced with asphalt, a move that initially caused concern.
"We wanted to make sure that the asphalt was the safest and best option for the seniors who walk around here," Furey said.
The aesthetic improvements won’t be limited to the walkways. There’s a possibility that new benches and lights will be added, along with new trees along Broad Street. Furey pointed out that the benches would have partitions in them, which would prevent homeless people from sleeping on them day and night.
"This park is the gateway to the community, and we want to keep it a people park," he said.
His civic group intends to push for an increase in nightly police patrols to ward off drug dealers who Furey says inhabit the park after dark.
Dog owners also will be encouraged to clean up after their animals — a responsibility that some have shrugged off for years.
"There’s nothing wrong with taking your dog to the park, but if you don’t clean up, it becomes a health problem because kids running around barefoot can pick up roundworms," Furey said.
Beyond beautifying the park, Broad Street West is also hoping to get Marconi Plaza officially certified as a historical landmark. The association is currently working through the city historical commission to assemble the proper documents and recommendations.
"It’s a big project, but it’s something that’s very necessary," Furey said of the plaza.
Big, indeed. Out of the $413,000 originally budgeted for the construction work, the city has spent nearly $250,000 so far, according to Bob Previdi, director of communications for Council President Verna.
For some residents, though, the price is not an object.
"It’s a good idea and it’s worth it," said Donna Iacono, of the 1600 block of West Moyamensing Avenue, "as long as they keep it clean."
