Untangling the urban legend surrounding Collingswood’s liquor ban and Knight Park
A long-standing urban legend is gaining momentum as Collingswood considers allowing alcohol sales.
As Collingswood residents consider the prospect of finally permitting alcohol sales in the borough, the discussion has revived a long-standing concern that the move would put the sprawling Knight Park at risk.
Legend has it that the continued ban of liquor sales in Collingswood, which dates back to 1873, was a stipulation when the park was dedicated in 1888. If alcohol sales were ever permitted, the story goes that the nearly 70-acre park would cease to be a public asset and would be sold to developers.
With Collingswood voters set to decide on the future of alcohol sales in November, questions about the potential impact on Knight Park have swirled on social media and reached borough officials.
“Knight’s Park [sic] existence depends on the longtime tradition of Collingswood being a dry town,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“I recall hearing that if Collingswood was no longer a ‘dry town’ they would lose Knight’s Park [sic] as that was part of the agreement when the family donated it. Anybody know if this is true?” another person asked.
So, is there any truth to the rumor? No, according to officials.
“It’s an old wives tale,” borough administrator Cassandra Duffey said in an email. “There is no relationship between Knight Park and liquor licenses.”
Duffey, a 20-year resident of the borough, said she’s not sure of the rumor’s origin and that it predated her arrival in Collingswood.
“I’ve had to dispel this rumor every year I’ve been here,” she said.
The triangle-shaped park in the center of the borough was gifted by businessperson Edward C. Knight, in memory of his parents, according to the park’s website.
The park has been overseen by an independent seven-person board of trustees that works with the borough to coordinate and run local sports leagues and public events.
Bordered by Browning Road and Collings and Park Avenues, Knight Park boasts athletic fields, a walking and biking path, a playground, and a pond. Over the years, the park’s popular gazebo has become a local destination for weddings and other celebrations.
Like other public parks in Collingswood and across South Jersey, alcohol is not permitted — though that appears to be the only alcohol-related rule officially connected to the property.
The future of Knight Park has no connection to liquor sales in the borough, Collingswood officials emphasized.
“It’s a persistent rumor, but only that,” Duffey said.
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