Next time your up at the Belmont Plateau taking in one of the most amazing views of the Philadelphia city skyline or reliving Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff's Summertime, be sure to check out the John K. Binswanger Grove of Park Champions. Officially dedicated yesterday in honor of Binswanger's work in the Philadelphia Park system, it's a collection of seven trees — three Green Mountain Sugar Maples, two Sweetgums and two Swamp White Oaks — that celebrate certain "champions" of the Fairmount Park System, and, you know, serve as role models and such.
Phillies First Baseman Ryan Howard (please save the OBP jokes for another time) was the inaugural Champion back in 2012 for his work with Hunting Park Revitalization Project. Billie Jean King and Ron Jaworski were both named Champions in 2013. This year, Patricia Kind took home the honor for her 15 years of dedication to the Fairmount Park Conservancy. While the trees were actually planted last year, the plaque dedication explaining the purpose of the grove took place yesterday. Even better, there is now a bench at the southern end of the grove, because you simply can't even get enough of The Plat or those spectacular views of the city.
· Fairmount Park Conservancy [Official]