Memorial Day Weekend Sees the Return of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Opening of Philly's First Outdoor Roller Rink

by Drink Philly in Culture

Spruce Street Harbor Park, which brought new life to the Delaware River Waterfront when it debuted last summer, will open over Memorial Day Weekend for this year’s season. The park will again feature colorful hammocks, floating gardens, twinkling lights and delicious food and beverage options.

Opening day for the park is Friday, May 22, and the park will remain open daily through the end of September. An increased park footprint allows for more gardens, more hammocks and more food and drink choices for the 2015 season. Increased bike parking and a Ride Indego bike share station will increase the park’s accessibility, meaning there’s no excuse not to visit this incredible installation this year.

In addition to an expanded Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Delaware River Waterfront is also getting Philadelphia’s first and only outdoor roller skating rink. After more than 20 years of enjoying ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink, guests will now be able to skate on the waterfront year round with the launch of Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will also debut May 22. Guests of Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest won’t recognize the Lodge after it has been transformed into a relaxing summer hideaway. Cool off after skating around under the fans and misters with a cool drink in hand.

Click through the slides for a look at last year's Spruce Street Harbor Park, and stay tuned to Drink Philly for updates on food and beverage options as Memorial Day Weekend approaches.

UPDATES: If it has been too long since you relaxed in a hammock, you’re in luck. Thursday, May 21, is the preview event for the 2015 season of the Spruce Street Harbor Park and the new Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest. This Endless Summer Fundraiser allows you to be among the first to check out this year’s parks. Enjoy new food items from Garces Group, Federal Donuts, Franklin Fountain and Shane Confectionery while you dance or roller skate to retro jams provided by DJ Foxx Boogie. Proceeds from the preview night will help keep the events at both parks free throughout the summer. Tickets for the event are available here.

If you can’t make it out on Thursday, the weekend will be full of great events ensuring that the unofficial start to Summer 2015 is a memorable one. Both parks open to the public on Friday, May 22, at 11 AM. Catch the Phillies Phanatic at Summerfest from 3–4 PM, and Philly’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff will be spinning ‘roller boogie’ style from 9–11 PM. Music, games, crafts, special appearances and much more are scheduled throughout the weekend. Check out the full event schedule here. And don’t forget to enjoy a Lazy Hammock IPA, a beer brewed exclusively for SSHP by Yards, while you’re there.

Image via Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest