TURN UP THE FUN: Camden’s 2017 Connect the Lots

June 6, 2017 | Camden, Community News, Community News and Media

Dates Set for Camden Night Gardens and Camden Jam, New Programming Unveiled

On May 9, 2017, Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd and Cooper’s Ferry Partnership Vice President Meishka L. Mitchell unveiled the Connect the Lots program for 2017. A variety of fun outdoor events and programming for the spring and summer months are planned to engage residents and activate vacant, underutilized spaces in neighborhoods throughout the City of Camden.

“This year’s line-up of dynamic programming is designed for people of all ages,” explained Mayor Redd. “By offering an array of activities right in the heart of our vibrant neighborhoods, we are hoping to inspire residents to celebrate the rich cultural offerings we have right here in the City while engaging the community and attracting visitors from throughout the region.”

“These free family-friendly events will provide safe havens where Camden youth and their families can interact and enjoy their community in an exciting new way,” said Camden City Council President Frank Moran.

“Connect the Lots gives people the opportunity to see Camden in a whole new light,” said Anthony Perno, CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership. “The city is a hub of culture and artistic expression, and residents take pride in the neighborhoods they live and work.”

The Connect the Lots season will begin and end with its two trademark events – Camden Night Gardens scheduled for May 20 and Camden Jam for September 9-both in Roosevelt Plaza Park. The event has grown each year, attracting more than 3,000 residents and visitors in celebration of Camden’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. This year, Camden Night Gardens will feature an array of local artists, performers, food trucks and more. The season will end with Camden Jam, an annual music festival featuring artists and entertainment acts from a variety of genres, as well as fun, family-friendly cultural arts activities for people of all ages.

Below are several activities planned for the summer:

• June – Camden Peach Games, a new two-day citywide basketball festival, Rev. Evers Park
• July – September (Thursday): Farmer’s Market and Music event in Roosevelt Plaza Park
• June –  July (Friday night): Outdoor Movies & Family Fun, Roosevelt Plaza
• August – (Friday night): Outdoor Movies & Family Fun, Dudley Grange Park in August.
• August – “I Bike Camden” event, Cooper’s Poynt Park.

Other summer activities include House Party Fitness in Pyne Poynt Park and Zumba classes at Dudley Grange Park. The popular Bootcamp fitness classes will be held at Cooper’s Poynt Park.

Connect the Lots is a collaboration between Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, the City of Camden, Get Healthy Camden, Camden Promise Zone and the residents and stakeholders of the Camden neighborhoods where the program’s activities and events take place.

All Connect the Lots programming is made possible through support from The Kresge Foundation, William Penn Foundation, Campbell Soup Foundation, GE, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as program partners like Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society, YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Camden Special Services District, Dare 2 Dance and Diva Richards.

To see the full schedule of events, please visit www.connectthelotscamden.com

 

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