Editorial | The Lightning Round

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, August, 2006

Square deal

It's finally the week to make a historic play date at Philadelphia's Franklin Square. How's that? Take the kids to play among the homeless? No, that's old-school Franklin Square.

From the carousel to the Philly-themed mini-golf course to the playgrounds and fountain, the square has been transformed from a neglected orphan into an amusement oasis at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

The reclamation of the square as a tourist destination for families - complete with after-dinner hours of operation (see http://onceuponanation.org) - fills an important niche in the historic district.

Congratulations to the governments and foundations that rustled up the $6.5 million for the makeover, and to Once Upon a Nation, the nonprofit that executed...