LOVE Park, Philadelphia

LOVE Park, officially named John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a notable public park in Center City, Philadelphia. It is renowned for its reproduction of Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture, which has become an iconic feature overlooking the plaza. The park's nickname, "LOVE Park," is derived from this sculpture.

The park's design was the brainchild of former Philadelphia city planner Edmund Bacon and architect Vincent G. Kling. It was established in 1965, covering an underground parking garage. The park's central attraction is a single-spout fountain, added in 1969, which quickly became its main feature.

Located directly across from the Philadelphia City Hall, LOVE Park serves as a visual terminus for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It was dedicated in 1967 as John F. Kennedy Plaza, and a plaque within the park commemorates this dedication.

LOVE Park is also significant in the skateboarding community. For many years, it was a popular skateboarding spot, contributing to its cultural significance.

The famous "LOVE" sculpture by Robert Indiana first graced the plaza in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration. Initially, the sculpture was temporary and removed in 1978. However, thanks to the efforts of Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr., chairman of the Philadelphia Art Commission, the sculpture was purchased and permanently installed in the park that same year.

From 2016 to 2018, LOVE Park underwent a major makeover, turning the concrete-heavy plaza into a greener and friendlier space. The project added lawns, gardens, stormwater basins with diverse plants, new café areas, and recreational spaces, all while preserving the view of City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This transformation reflects modern urban park design trends, marking a new era for the park.