The best part is knowing that Penn undergrads will never, ever hang out here.

Ooh, lookie: The long-promised Penn Park, made out of the urban detritus that was the land located east of the Highline and stretching from Walnut Street to South Streets, is finished! And open! And it’s big! (Get a look at a PDF of the layout here.) Proud mama Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania, wrote to the Penn community the other day:

Penn Park is the centerpiece of our Penn Connects campus development plan. Through our thoughtful use of land and commitment to excellence in design, Penn is defining what an urban university can and should contribute to its community through urban transformation, sustainable development, and recreational activity.

In the last 22 months we have replaced 14 acres of asphalt with a beautiful landscape; transforming the eastern edge of Penn’s campus, which for nearly a century was an industrial zone. Today, those 14 acres have been reclaimed and reshaped into four athletic fields, 12 tennis courts, and various walks and pathways that will enhance the quality of life at Penn for students, faculty and staff that engage in athletic and recreation pursuits. Several acres of open space, including a picnic grove, can be enjoyed by those looking for a natural respite. Penn Park will further catalyze new and exciting developments as the gateway between West Philadelphia and Center City – two fast-growing and dynamic neighborhoods – is enhanced.

And there really is quite a lot to celebrate: There’s a Grand Opening Picnic at Penn Park on September 15, from 5-7:30 pm., and a Field Day of games, prizes, and fun on Saturday, September 17 from 4-6 pm.

So there you have it: The world is not totally made of shit. Have you got some good news? If so, send it to tips[at]philebrity[dot]com with “GOOD MOTHERFUCKING NEWS!” in the subject header — we’d love to hear about it.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 9th, 2011 at 11:38 am.