Cramer Hill Waterfront Park in Camden, NJ, is a remarkable example of how urban spaces can be revitalized to benefit local communities. Built on the site of the former Harrison Avenue landfill, the 62-acre park now features a range of amenities, including walking and biking trails, a fishing pier, a kayak launch, picnic areas, a playground, and observation points offering views of the Delaware River, Petty’s Island, and the Philadelphia skyline.

The park's transformation is not just about creating a green space but also about addressing long-standing environmental and social justice issues. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and various state agencies led the effort to clean up the landfill, stabilize the shoreline, and restore natural habitats. This includes the planting of 375,000 trees and the installation of bald eagle perch poles and turtle basking docks, all aimed at enhancing the park's ecological value.

A key feature of the park is the integration of solar lighting, which was part of a broader strategy to ensure the park is both sustainable and accessible to the community. The solar lights are strategically placed in areas such as parking lots, pathways, the playground, and the fishing pier. These lights are powered by solar energy, making them an eco-friendly option that reduces the park's dependency on conventional electricity sources. This not only cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions but also reduces energy costs, allowing the park to allocate funds to other community needs.

SEPCO worked directly with an engineering firm to ensure the lights met the requirements of the project while providing the needed safety and security to the community. The SolarViper solar lighting systems illuminate critical areas like the parking lots, playground, fishing area, and pathways. This sustainable lighting solution not only reduces the park's carbon footprint by relying on renewable energy but also significantly cuts down on operational costs, allowing the park to allocate resources to other community-focused initiatives.

By providing adequate illumination, the lights make it possible for residents to enjoy the park during evening hours, which is particularly important in an area where safe, well-lit public spaces are essential for community well-being. This has transformed the park into a more vibrant and active space, contributing to the overall quality of life in Camden.

Overall, the integration of solar lighting at Cramer Hill Waterfront Park exemplifies how thoughtful design and sustainable technologies can create lasting benefits for urban communities, making public spaces more accessible, safer, and environmentally friendly.