Camden County Commissioners have announced the return of the “Summer Parks” concert series this year.
The outdoor concerts take place in every month of summer to highlight green spaces throughout the 2,700 acres of park land in the county.
Shows and events for all ages will take place at Wiggins, Cooper and Haddon Lake parks. Camden City will also host a slew of activities with the help of “Connect the Lots,” a popular, community-driven initiative to activate Camden’s families and spur use of state parks and underutilized spaces.
“Camden Night Gardens,” feature event of “Connect the Lots,” is coming Friday and will feature a blacklight party and 300-foot zip line. Vedra Chandler, Camden’s community events director, believes the event is a perfect kickoff for the summer that will enable the community to see improvements made to the parks in recent years.
“Camden (County) has been fortunate to have lots of recent investments in the parks …” she said. “‘Connect the Lots’ was formed in 2014 as an opportunity to encourage residents to enjoy some of the new spaces. It’s since grown to continue that trend … We’re also building new parks and introducing residents to those new parks.”
Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash looks forward to the summer events returning after a COVID pause. Much like Chandler, Nash spoke about the importance of utilizing improved outdoor spaces in the county and in Camden.
“It’s special because we recognize just how important these outdoor concerts/events are for family engagement,” he said. “… A revitalized park helps stabilize a community. It serves as an economic engine, it increases property values, enhances the quality of life, makes people want to stay, work, and live in an area.
“These concerts [in the parks] are so special because they are an amenity,” Nash added. “They provide that type of free family entertainment … because it strengthens [the community].”.
One non-concert event in particular Chandler highlighted is the Camden Family Fun and Fitness Day at the city’s new track and athletic field complex, site of a former minor-league baseball stadium. The workout will be led by Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs .
To stay up to date on all events, visit the county website and follow on Facebook. “Connect the Lots” will regularly update its websites to reflect changes to the summer schedule.
For the full list of the “Summer Rocks” concert series, visit https://www.camdencounty.com/enjoy-camden-county/2022-summer-concert-series/
