Can community revitalize Camden garden?

CAMDEN – Nine-year old Bella Conti can't wait to play on the latest addition to the Camden Children's Garden — a four-and-a-half acre horticultural attraction that serves as a safe haven for kids.

The Cherry Hill resident spent Thursday morning helping about 200 volunteers from District Council Collaborative Board, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, ShopRite stores and national nonprofit KaBOOM! build a community playground and complete other renovations at the garden. The goal: to create a neighboring gathering place that promotes healthy play and well-being.

The playground is themed as a buccaneer ship confronting a green sea serpent. The design also features natural play elements that fit with the theme of the garden: "A special place to discover the world."

"I think its great to see everyone come together to make the garden a better place to visit," Bella said while painting one of the garden's bright, new silhouettes.

The new playground and renovations were funded through Dr. Pepper Snapple Group's "Let's Play" Initiative, which has partnered with KaBOOM! on more than 2,000 playgrounds across the country since 2011.

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While Camden Children's Garden focuses on changing its own image into a magical, hands-on attraction, many hope it changes the image of a city that lacks fun, safe and accessible places for children to play.

"The garden is a shining example of what Camden could be," said Camden Children's Garden Public Relations Director Andrew Adams. "We're investing in the next generation of children."

Adams is one of the many supporters working to freshen the current vibe of the garden.

Camden Children's Garden Board Member Tim Kearney said problems surfaced in 2004 when the New Jersey State Aquarium, which had a partnership with the Children's Garden, was replaced by the for-profit Adventure Aquarium.

"The garden property was built as a ticket booth to sell tickets to the aquarium as well as for the garden, said Kearney. "After the partnership ended, the garden struggled to find ways to fund everyday operational costs to keep the garden running."

The Camden City Garden Club, the group that operates the garden, lost its operating subsidy in 2010 but has received donations from community organizations since opening in 1999.

The District Council Collaborative Boards, a community organization that seeks to improve quality of life and public safety, is working with the Children's Garden to revitalize the attraction.

The agency emphasizes a community-policing model that brings the community, law enforcement, and city officials together to address concerns, share ideas, and work on sustainable solutions.

The garden's partnership with the council includes assistance with physical restorations, like mural projects, and the organization of numerous community events.

"Our goal is to improve accessibility and attract as many people as possible, affording them an opportunity to share in one of the best kept secrets in Camden," said District Council CEO Angel Osorio.

"The revitalization, particularly the new Kaboom! playground, will be a wonderland that will not only be enjoyable but will add to ours, and the Garden's mission, of encouraging fun and healthy lifestyles," he said.

Looking ahead, Osorio believes the garden will continue updating current exhibits and adding new educational programming.

"We hope our hard work results in the creation of our own mini Disneyland on the Camden Waterfront," he said.

Camden Children's Garden will host "Let's Play Camden," a day of play to celebrate the opening of the playground to children for the first time on Sunday, June 28.

The public is invited to attend an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The event will include nautical & pirate-themed activities and gifts.

Camden Children's Garden is located on 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ.

For more information visit www.camdenchildrensgarden.org or call 856-365-8733

Reach Matt Flowers at mflowers@gannett.com or on Twitter @CP_MFlowers