The Hacktory is bidding farewell to summer at the Gray's Ferry Crescent and its symbol: Photuris Pennsylvanica. This little bug is the most common firefly in our region, and also Pennsylvania's state insect. As part of this effort, the Hacktory is offering several opportunities to make electronic fireflies and mimic these amazing beetles by becoming part of a Firefly Swarm (aka bike parade). Hacktory staff along with other volunteers from the Bicycle Coalition will gather lit up friends and neighbors along the route to direct people to the final stop at the Crescent. Once at the Crescent, parade participants will have the opportunity to be a part of a Swarm interacting with fabricated fireflies with cell phones and other lights. All of these activities are FREE and open to the public!
Firefly Swarm/Bike Parade on September 18, 7-9 pm, FREE!
Meet at SW corner of Rittenhouse park
Bike Light Workshop on September 20th, 6-8 pm, FREE!
At the Crescent (RSVP is required)
Firefly Workshop on September 21st, 4-6 pm, followed by a Firefly Swarm in the park at 7 pm. FREE!
At the Crescent (RSVP is required)
Firefly Workshop on September 25, 6-8 pm, FREE!
At The Hacktory (RSVP is required)
Firefly Swarm/Bike Parade on September 27, 7-9 pm, FREE!
Meet at SW corner of Rittenhouse park
HELP BUILD A MASSIVE CARDBOARD MODEL OF 400 YEARS OF PHILADELPHIA HISTORY ALONG THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER IN JUST 48 HOURS!
September 20-22nd * All Ages Wanted * Grays Ferry Crescent * Food * Prizes * Adventure
CAMP CRESCENT! is a festival of making, building and exploring for all ages at the Grays Ferry Crescent that uniquely engages nearby community members and park visitors in investigating and celebrating the rich history and vibrant natural assets of the park. Taking place September 20-22nd, community members, school groups, park visitors, and existing users will explore and celebrate the Grays Ferry Crescent by building cardboard models of the forts, buildings, bridges, and development that shaped the Schuylkill River and Philadelphia’s history. Throughout the weekend there will be complimentary events, challenges and activities–such as a Jump-The-Schuylkill Skateboarding Competition, Grays Ferry Crescent Flag Design Competition, Build-Bartram’s-Birdhouses!, and Make-Your-Own-Robotic-Firefly—that celebrate unique moments and features along the River’s history.
The building festivities kick-off at 6.00 pm on September 20th at Camp Crescent in the Grays Ferry Crescent Park with the building of the Dutch and Swedish forts that dotted the area in the 17th century. By late Sunday afternoon, participants of all ages will have constructed a massive, spectacular model of 400 years of development, engineering innovation, and Philadelphia history from everyday pieces of cardboard and be exploring a new future for the Grays Ferry Crescent and the Schuylkill River.
No particular skills, knowledge, materials, or tools are necessary to participate. Snacks will be provided throughout and prizes will be awarded for the various competitions throughout the weekend as well as the most prolific builders–Building Heroes!–who log the most hours helping build Philadelphia’s history. Sign up on Public Workshop's facebook page.
The Rails to Trails Conservancy profiled Philadelphia and Pittsburgh's growing urban trail systems, and the Gray's Ferry Crescent received some special attention.
You can read the full article here: www.railstotrails.org/news/features/taleoftwocities.html
June 11, 2012 - Generocity covers the ribbon cutting for the Grays Ferry Crescent along the Schuylkill River near Gray's Ferry Avenue.
June 11, 2012: The Philadelphia Inquirer covered the ribbon cutting for the Gray's Ferry Crescent, and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation's plans for future development in the area: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120611_New_link_in_Schuylkill_trail_opens_in_corner_of_Grays_Ferry.html