Originally donning the name "JFK Plaza" during its establishment in the 1960s, Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture was installed amongst the granite steps and large fountain during the mid-70s, prompting this plaza to be better known as LOVE Park. This familiar cherry red, pop art sculpture is one of many that are featured in other parks across the world, including Spain, Canada, Taiwan, and Tokyo. Located in Center City just north of City Hall around 15th St. and Arch St., LOVE Park is an internationally acclaimed former skateboarding haven for Philly kids -- especially during the 1980s. West Chester native and Jackass star Bam Margera has been known to skate the park, and the area was also featured in scenes from various levels in Tony Hawk video games.
Skateboarding in the park has been a major Philly controversy for the past few decades, as the city passed an official ban on skateboarding in the park in 2002, much to the dismay of many residents and skaters, alike -- after Philly had been the host to the X-Games for the two years prior. Even Philadelphia's City Planner Edmund Bacon (father of actor Kevin Bacon and endearingly termed "the Father of Modern Philadelphia") has supported the activists in opposing the legalization, but the city has prevailed in forbidding the seemingly harmless activity after (purposely?) renovating the park and eliminating most ideal skating space including ledges, stairs, and stone benches. Aside from skating, the park is celebrated for its fountain, whose water famously changes color for various events: pink during breast cancer awareness month or "Phanatic" green to commemorate Phillies World Series wins. Combined with the coyly slanted "O" of the LOVE sculpture, the fountain and recent landscaping provide a pleasant urban ambience for business people to bask in during their lunch hour.
