"Build It and They Will Come" by Jean Wallace

Lover's Lane by Rovella Davis

Lover's Lane by Rovella Davis

Hello,
I have an idea for Penn's Landing. Since it has always symbolized
romance and culture to me personally, I think it should be home of the
official "Lover's Lane". There should be some sort of resort for lovers
only. One with lovely artwork, a walk-way, fine dining, exciting events
for lovers and music of all genres played live daily/nightly.
There should be a professional photographer on site, as well as a
professional artist that can do hand sketches/drawings. There should be
a way that people could join a sort of lovers' membership club. There
should be special events on Valentine's day of each year, as well as a
built-in gazebo (spelling?) for weddings, receptions, engagement
parties, bridal showers, bachelor parties, etc...
I know this would take a lot of money and planning to accomplish, but
Philadelphia is full of romance, full of romantics at heart, and
overflowing with talented people of all gender, age, creed and color.
Thank you for listening.
Rovella Davis

"Build It and They Will Come" by Jean Wallace

Several months ago, there was a wonderful article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer titled "Wildlife-watchers spend big in Cape May, region." This article talked about how wildlife watching is an $863.9 million business for New Jersey. One study found that residents and visitors to NJ spent $1.24 billion for goods and services watching wildlife. Designing a natural habitat for birds along the Delaware will mean that birds, and birdwatchers, will flock to Penn's Landing. In addition to creating a natural habitat, consider designing a "green" building to be used as an Environmental Science Center at Penn's Landing, complete with bookstores, classrooms for school students, restaurants, and more! This Environmental Science Center could certainly be a way for local residents and visitors to learn about our local environment, enjoy the outdoors and also learn about the rich history of the Delaware River.
While we do have wonderful science museums, none seem to use the potential beauty of the local environment to educate students and the public about the connection between our history and our natural history. What was once here, could be here again. And, as we are creating habitat for birds and other wildlife we will also be creating jobs and bringing in money. According to one person quoted in this same article, "everybody's staying in hotels, everybody's eating at restaurants. We've been here all weekend spending money."

Jean Wallace
Director of Education
Delaware Valley Earth Force
Wyncote, Pa.

Hello, I think Penn's Landing should be used as a plaza, for tourists. It could be a historical venue and have small souvenir stores along the path, a museum, and a few restaurants. Tourist or schools that have trips could make this the destination point to start off their visit to the city, maybe even a club for nitelife... something that would be family friendly, like in Baltimore. Considering we don't have a beach front this could be our attraction... something bright and lively, with music.... especially in the spring and summer... but in the winter it could just be a place to eat, and shop for souvenirs. -Denise

Denise M. Downs