Best of the River Wards 2012: Best Park

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Walk past Campbell Square on any typical sunny weekend and you might see a few things — a group of old friends, a pair of mothers pushing their young children in strolles or a neighborhood resident with a green thumb tending to the flower beds.

The park has had problems in the past with litter, vandalism and drug users, but it has steadily improved thanks to concerned locals and members of The Friends of Campbell Square.

Now the group hosts events each month in the square and Mayor Michael Nutter even officiated the wedding of Philadelphia Police Officer Samuel Tribuiani in the park in May.

Star spoke to Friends of Campbell Square secretary Susan Ongirski in June for a story about her work in the park. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s gorgeus now. There are four or five new gardins [in the park] and we’ve had a historical sign and benches put in,” she said. “To see the park being used makes me feel so good. I am proud.”

To learn more about The Friends of Campbell Square’s work in the park, visit www.facebook.com/campbellsquare.

– Mikala Jamison

Runner Up: Frank Glavin Memorial Playground (A&W) at E. Westemoreland Street and Almond St.

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