Waterfront South Trail 1
The Michael J. Doyle Park and Fishing Pier
In choosing our ginko, Robin Palley and I considered a number of options. At first, we thought of areas of verdant splendor, e.g. a park in Philadelphia, the Children’s Garden by the aquarium, and elsewhere. Because the were four or five episodes, we thought it would be a good idea to start at the Writers House and walk one of five ways from there – either way on Broadway, along Jasper Street and either way on Ferry Avenue. We decided to go north on Ferry Avenue to Jackson Street and west to the Michael Doyle Park and Fishing Pier.
We walked along that route observing our surroundings for inspiration in writing haiku-a ginko.
Scroll slowly down the page to see clips of our walk and haikus from the site as you stroll down virtually walk with us.
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Nick Virgilio Writers House
The Nick Virgilio Writers House -- the beautifully restored former pharmacy and home of Doctor John Donges from 1875 until 1890. It was renovated to commemorate the world-renowned innovator of American haiku and to further literacy and mindfulness especially among the youth of Camden. To that end we host many virtual events, and for the past year or so, the Mighty Writers program.
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Sacred Heart Church
The cornerstone of the intersection of Broadway and Ferry, its parish, and for celebrants from around the Delaware Valley. Pastor Michael J. Doyle, Msgr., through charm and persistence has generated the thriving neighborhood of Waterfront South which was once slated to be cleared and reused solely for industrial development. Nick Virgilio was a regular at Sacred Heart and a friend of Father Doyle.
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Bridget's House
The first writing cooperative in South Camden. Created and hosted by Cassie Macdonald, Bridget’s House is a peaceful space conducive to writing and reciting work by its participants. Emblematic is the cracked stone in front of the house with the Leonard Cohen poem
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Center For Environmental Transformation
A non-profit organization occupying the renovated convent of the Dominican Sisters of Hope who taught the children of Sacred Heart School. The facility can house up to 30 volunteers who come to Camden to work on community projects. Currently, the most visible ongoing project is growing food in the greenhouses and gardens, teaching environmental stewardship, and distributing 2000 pounds of produce this year – all grown from seed by students directed by Farmer John.
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Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority
The final resting place of the sewage of Camden County. Once an olfactory nemesis of the those who made their home in Waterfront South, the utility has strived become a better neighbor and has contributed significantly to many neighborhood non-profits and the Environmental Infrastructure Project.
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Michael J. Doyle Park Entrance
Starting at Ferry and Jackson and continuing west, a verdant hillside planted with fruit trees and other native species greets visitors to the fishing pier. After a walk along the shaded sidewalk bordering rain gardens, one sees glimpses of the Delaware River and the City of Philadelphia on the other shore.
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Michael J. Doyle Park and Fishing Pier
Once upon a time, not many years ago, the residents of Waterfront South had no access to the water. Formerly those with access worked for New York Shipbuilding or the Port of Camden. There was no access to the river for recreation, fishing, or just sitting by the water.
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“Ginko walks are nature walks meant to help you write haiku.” – The Sidewalk Lotus
Having participated in ginkos, I was not convinced that walking around Camden while being filmed would be conducive to the process as I saw it. The ginko originated in the 17th century with Basho’s ‘Narrow Road to the Deep North”. In this book, published in 1694, are many poems written on the spur of the moment ranging in subject matter from striking vistas to more mundane observances. He is reported to have said “My home is the journey”.
Going out with the intention to experience the world around you while noting your own experience can be quite fulfilling. Haiku is meant to express that relationship. Enjoy the journey . . .write ‘yourself’.
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This project has been generously funded by:
