Cooper's Ferry Partnership & Camden Special Services District Named Recipient of 2014 Downtown Pinnacle Award

During its 60th Anniversary Conference and Tradeshow, the International Downtown Association (IDA) recognized Cooper’s Ferry Partnership (CFP) and Camden Special Services District (CSSD) with a Downtown Pinnacle Award for the Camden Night Gardens held in April 2014.

The one-night Camden Night Gardens program transformed a vacant prison site into a vibrant community space featuring local artists, musicians, BMX biker demonstrations, food trucks and restaurants, large-scale light, sound and projection installations, a pop up bike share and table space for local vendors. Through the diverse range of programming, the event attracted a wide range of participants from Camden and across the region, and established a new civic tradition that re-defines the image of the city through arts-based placemaking. The project was initiated by the CFP & CSSD, funded by the William Penn Foundation, and conceived and designed by Nuit Blanche New York (NBNY).

Camden Night Gardens was among numerous qualified entries in the category of Events and Programming. Submitted projects and initiatives in this category come from those organizations working to further their city centers by completing the following:

• Focused on programs and events that improved the image and vitality of downtown with events that promote downtown and attract visitors.
• Delivered projects that communicated the vision, mission, function, and achievements of the downtown or business district association.

“We are honored to be recognized with a Pinnacle Award from the IDA for this new and successful programming initiative,” said Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd. “The Camden Night Gardens was a transformative initiative for the City of Camden and our residents. The project brought together not only residents from throughout the City but also a diverse group of visitors and guests from various parts of the state and region to reimagine Camden’s physical landscape and to share Camden’s unique history and creative community.”

Anthony J. Perno III, CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership added that the event “showcased all that Camden has to offer by using the Lighter Quicker Cheaper model of placemaking.”

“Cooper’s Ferry Partnership’s project received IDA’s most prestigious award for demonstrating excellence in downtown management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “Each year the IDA Awards Jury honors the very best programs and projects in each category to recognize great work and most importantly to set the standard for best practice in our industry. The Camden Night Gardens is a wonderful example for all cities to emulate.”

The Washington, D.C. based International Downtown Association (IDA) is a champion for vital and livable urban centers and strives to inform, influence and inspire downtown leaders and advocates. With 500 members and thousands of friends, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities and regions.

Working together with the City of Camden and Mayor Redd’s office, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership activities spur revitalization and support new investments, opportunities and programs in Camden to give people a reason to rediscover why now is the time to live, work, invest and play in Camden. Run by CFP, the Camden Special Services District is Camden’s business improvement district and a member of the International Downtown Association.

*NOTE: Photos of the April Camden Night Garden event are available upon request.*

About Cooper’s Ferry Partnership:

Cooper’s Ferry Partnership is a nonprofit economic development corporation that facilitates long-range policy and infrastructure projects for the Camden Waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods, to revitalize the City of Camden as the place to work, live and invest. For more information on Cooper’s Ferry Partnership visit www.coopersferry.com or www.camdenwaterfront.com.