Mario
Lanza Park
Located in the middle of a Philadelphia block on Queen Street between
Second and Third Streets, the Mario Lanza Park is but another tribute
to that city's beloved son. It is a short walk from Lanza's birthplace,
St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, and the Mario Lanza Museum. The park was
originally known as "Queen Street Park" but at the behest
of the Lanza family and most notably Hilda Lanza, the city fathers renamed
it "Mario Lanza Park." It was dedicated on September 29, 1967
in a ceremony attended by Lanza family members including Mario's mother
Maria Cocozza as well as the President of the Mario Lanza Institute
Nicholas Petrella and a representative of the Mayor's office. The Lanza
Institute had a plaque placed on top of a brick podium with the following
inscription: "Mario Lanza Park- Erected by the Mario Lanza Institute
in memory of the great Philadelphia tenor. Dedicated Sept. 29 1967.
Mario Lanza 1921-1959."
The park is very picturesque and serene and is the perfect setting
to relax on one of the benches and read a book, have lunch, or listen
to your favorite Mario Lanza recordings. There are four banners equally
spaced around the park each bearing the name of the park and a facsimile
of Lanza in a tuxedo singing. There is also a bulletin board for announcements.
The park is populated with a variety of trees and bushes and there is
a special enclosed section for citizens to let their dogs get some exercise.
It should be noted that the Mario Lanza Park is a city park and is not
owned, operated, or maintained by the Mario Lanza Institute.
Taken from "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter courtesy
of Bill Ronayne
