In Logan Square, the issue of whether historic preservation trumps safety is on the table. Or is it?

Recently, two individuals who live nearby nominated Coxe Park, located at 2136 Cherry St., to be considered for the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.

Coxe Park

Interestingly, Friends of Coxe Park (FOCP), oppose this nomination. According to their website, historic designation would prevent further improvements and modernization to the outdated playground equipment, an initiative they were working on before the nomination occurred last year.

Historic playground?

At its preliminary hearing, Feb. 27, the Committee on Historic Designation, heard from both groups. The question, according to LSNA zoning chair Ed Panek, is whether or not the playground equipment will be included when the park receives historic distinction.

“Can historic preservation be trumped by safety?” says Panek.

A final decision will be made by the Historical Commission at a public hearing March 9. The playground was built from 1971-1974. In the original August 31, 2011 nomination letter, applicants state “the playground equipment that is critical for the historical interpretation of Coxe Park requires painting and some minor maintenance/repair.” In a February 21, 2012 response letter to said nomination, FOCP argue the park is not historically significant.

Historic statue?

“The nomination was prepared only after the FOCP, at the recommendation of the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, applied for and received a grant from the Community Design Collaborative to develop a community led conceptual design for potential improvements to the park,” the response letter says.

“Unfortunately,” the letter continues, “a few neighbors objected to the process itself, based on concerns that any construction or renovation would negatively impact their quality of living. At least one nominator voiced the opinion that the FOCP and the process would ‘destroy the park.’”

Closer look at a section of the playground. Soon to be "destroyed"?

FOCP also claim the nomination was made without notifying the LSNA or FOCP.

Well, what do we think, folks? Does the modern design of the park and its equipment deserve preservation? Or should the FOCP be permitted to reimagine the park and incorporate safer, though perhaps less interesting to look at play equipment?

–Lou Mancinelli