Fairmount Park Conservancy joins Philadelphia’s nonprofit community in mourning the loss of H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest, a one-of-a-kind civic leader and philanthropist and a long-time supporter and champion of our work.

His generous funding for the development of the Centennial District Master Plan, his commitment to the restoration of historic park properties and structures – including the viewsheds at Lemon Hill Mansion and Mount Pleasant Mansion, the restoration of the iconic Fairmount Water Works South Garden and Cliffside Paths, and a recent major gift to transform a crumbling park building at the edge of the Schuylkill River into the new Temple Boat House – brought to life projects that have been critical to the civic health and cultural life of Philadelphia.

Gerry Lenfest’s support of the Fairmount Water Works South Garden and Cliffside Paths was just one of the many ways he championed the Conservancy’s work.

We were thrilled to honor Gerry and his contributions at the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust’s Seventh Annual Benefit in 2007.  The Conservancy is grateful for Gerry’s singular vision, leadership and commitment to the city he called home and its cultural legacy. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.