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Franklin Square Attractions Open For 6th Season Since Park's Makeover

By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today is the official first day of the season at Franklin Square, the center city Philadelphia park that has opened for its sixth season following multimillion-dollar renovations.

"The carousel is running, there's miniature golf to play, and of course Squareburger to eat," says Amy Needle, president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, the agency that runs the tourist venue.

Needle says there is a new attraction at the park this year:

"We are also opening a brand-new thing, a pavilion in Franklin Square where you can host your birthday party or special event.  It's indoor and outdoor space that's heated and air-conditioned."

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Today, visitors said the reopening of Franklin Square's attractions gets them excited for warmer days to come.

"This is when the golf opens, when everything opens up," said one young man.

The fountain in the center of the park is now operating, too.

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"Yes, the kids have been really excited about the fountain being open," one woman told KYW Newsradio.

Needle, of Historic Philadelphia, says that Franklin Square, at 6th and Race Streets, adjacent to the Ben Franklin Bridge approach, seems to get more popular every year.

"Last year we had over 750,000 people visit the park within the season," she said.

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