University to Celebrate Transformation of Industrial Site to Community Park in University City

What: A celebration and community barbeque will mark the redevelopment of the once industrial site on 32nd Street and Powelton Avenue into a park with 45 trees, walking paths, lighting and green space on 2.5 acres. The $500,000 project began a year ago.Who: Members from the Drexel and Powelton Village communities will join Drexel President Constantine Papadakis, City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Powelton Village Civic Association President Mike Zuckerman and Kristen Smith, president of Drexel’s Undergraduate Student Government Association. Papadakis and Blackwell will help plant an elm or “liberty tree” in the Liberty Tree Memorial site of the park. Visuals: Papadakis and Blackwell planting the tree to the applause of the crowd… music and fun as members of both communities celebrate.When: Friday, October 17, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. (Tree planting at 5:30 p.m.)Where: 32nd Street and Powelton AvenueBackground: The elm tree has been known as a symbol of freedom since 1765. The celebration and tree planting follow Drexel’s “green” convocation earlier in the day, which will feature noted environmental expert Daniel Esty from Yale University.News Media Contact: Niki Gianakaris, Assistant Director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu