Day: June 22, 2015

Jun 15 2015rnrnReclaimed Outdoor Spaces Invigorate The City & Offer Modern Opportunities For Leisurern

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rnSpruce Street Harbor ParkrnrnIn The New York Times' influential “52 Places To Go In 2015” article, writer Nell McShane Wulfhart calls Philadelphia “an urban outdoor oasis,” attributing the city’s transformation to places like Dilworth Park, Race Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park and Bike Share. And what an urban oasis it is.rnrnPhiladelphia’s residents and visitors are heading outdoors in huge numbers thanks to the activation of many under-utilized spaces in recent years. Lively urban parks, reimagined recreational landscapes and spirited pop-up gardens have taken over once-overlooked patches of land and water. These transformations have the city’s civic planners reclaiming inactive riverbanks, surplus lots and forlorn rail lines while stimulating a fun and festive sense of community pride.rnrnMuch of the action can be spotted in Center City and on Philadelphia’s two rivers: the quiet, beautiful Schuylkill to the west and the shipping waterway of the Delaware 30 blocks to the east. In between the two rivers, picturesque parks and lively beer gardens now live in once-abandoned parcels of land.rnrnDelaware River:rnThe Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is spearheading much of the development along the city’s eastern waterfront. As cities worldwide find new ways to bring activity to post-industrial ports and piers, the organization moves ahead with a master development plan that creates appealing public destinations every half-mile and truly connects the city to its waterfront from north to south:rnrnDelaware River Trail: The first 1,400-foot-long portion of the riverfront trail is now open for cyclists and walkers from Spring Garden Street to Ellen Street. Now, the DWRC is turning its attention to the next two phases: replacing the southern portion of the trail that currently runs between Washington Avenue and Pier 70 Boulevard and cutting the ribbon on the SugarHouse Casino portion, which will link the existing part of the Riverfront trail at Ellen Street to the casino’s current bike path. The trail forms part of the East Coast Greenway and will link to a planned river-to-river bike path. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and the William Penn Foundation funded this project. (215) 629-3200, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnRace Street Pier: Located in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the first project in DRWC’s master plan for the Central Delaware River opened in 2011 and features two levels for recreation. The upper terrace, dubbed the Grand Sky Promenade, rises 12 feet toward the bridge and is paved with Trex, a sustainable, synthetic decking material made out of reclaimed plastic and wood. The promenade is connected to the lower terrace by a multi-tiered seating area, perfect for watching the tide roll in. The DRWC conducts free yoga classes seven days a week in season. Major funding came from the William Penn Foundation. Columbus Boulevard & Race Street, (215) 629-3200, racestreetpier.comrnWaterfront Winterfest: In 2013, DRWC got people buzzing with the first installment of its Waterfront Winterfest, a seasonal garden and village featuring ice-skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink, shops, music, food and fire pits. Year two of Waterfront Winterfest featured an even cozier lodge experience, upscale food, fireplaces, fire pits, a new light show and more activities in and outside of the lodge. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 925-RINK, waterfrontwinterfest.comrnSpruce Street Harbor Park: DRWC followed up Waterfront Winterfest with the wildly popular Spruce Street Harbor Park. This year’s edition of the summertime pop-up implements the successful elements of the 2014 edition, like the hammocks and floating barges, with additional food vendors and other elements to make the park even better and more successful. For its first year, Spruce Street Harbor received a $310,000 ArtPlace America grant. Open through September 27, 2015. Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street, (215) 629-3200, sprucestreetharborpark.comrnWashington Avenue Pier: Following the enthusiastic reception of the permanent Race Street Pier, DRWC debuted Washington Avenue Pier in 2014. Visitors can climb a beacon created by artist Jody Pinto, take in river views from an elevated boardwalk and follow markers that relate the site’s history as a major immigration hub and the nation’s first navy yard. The William Penn Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and DRWC provided the $2.15 million in funding for this project. Columbus Boulevard & Washington Avenue, (215) 629-3200, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnBlue Cross RiverRink Summerfest: Capitalizing on the success of Winterfest, DRWC launched a warm-weather version of its riverside rink and gathering place. The centerpiece of the summer edition is an outdoor roller-skating rink, which is located next to an air-conditioned lodge outfitted with rocking chairs for comfy people-watching, eating and drinking. The outdoor village also features misting towers and rock-climbing. Discounts for rink admission are offered to Blue Cross subscribers. Open through September 27, 2015. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 925-RINK, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnPier 68: On Pier 68, scheduled to open in mid-2015, recreational anglers and recreation-seekers can fish, relax, bring picnics and observe the tidal nature of the Delaware River from up close. The $1.7 million in funding for this project came from the William Penn Foundation, the City of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Wells Fargo and Walmart. Columbus Boulevard & Pier 70 Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnSchuylkill River:rnLong a labor of love for citizens who live in the western part of Center City, the Schuylkill River Trail, overseen by the Schuylkill River Trail Council, is beginning to connect the lower part of the river to trails that wind through Manayunk all the way to Valley Forge and beyond.rnrnSchuylkill River Trail: The paved riverfront trail that currently runs from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Schuylkill River Park and its popular dog park is about to get even longer. A new segment, planned for construction in late 2015, will allow runners, bikers, bladers and outdoor types to cruise along the river from Christian Street to Kelly Drive and beyond, passing the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Water Works Restaurant & Lounge, Paine’s Park skateboard park, Lloyd Hall and bike and Segway rentals near Boathouse Row. Also under construction beginning in 2015: Bartram’s Mile, a new greenway that will soon expand riverfront access in Southwest Philadelphia from Grays Ferry Avenue to 56th Street. Future plans for the trail include repurposing an abandoned historic railroad crossing just south of Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge, connecting the Grays Ferry Crescent and Bartram’s Mile. (215) 222-6030, schuylkillbanks.orgrnSchuylkill Banks Boardwalk: Philadelphia now has its own permanent boardwalk in the form of a 15-foot-wide, 2,000-foot-long, ADA-compliant concrete path that juts out above the Schuylkill River. Part of the Schuylkill Banks trail, it provides runners, bikers and pedestrians with a trail connection between Locust Street and the South Street Bridge. Those who want to take in the scenery can do so at any of the four overlooks offering city and waterfront views. The boardwalk opened to rave reviews in fall 2014 and was funded principally by federal and city funding. Schuylkill River (near 25th Street) at Locust Street, (215) 222-6030, schuylkillbanks.orgrnVenice Island: The Philadelphia Water Department partnered with Parks & Recreation and residents of Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood to turn a municipal project into an island-size children’s attraction. Here’s how it happened: The utility built a four million-gallon underground water tank and a pumping station with a green roof. On top of the tank went a 250-seat performing arts center devoted primarily to kids’ theater, an outdoor amphitheater, basketball and volleyball courts, a “sprayground” water feature and lots of park space with stunning sunrise and sunset water views. The water department paid for construction, and the parks department operates the recreational attractions. Main & Cotton Streets, (215) 482-9565, manayunk.com/dsr/veniceisland.htmlrnCenter City:rnCenter City District is spearheading much of the park work in the core of the city, with solid contributions from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, to ensure that recreational opportunities abound in parks and pockets all over downtown Philly.rnrnDilworth Park: In September 2014, City Hall’s front yard went from a concrete jungle to a $55 million multi-use park, complete with tree groves, benches, a Cuban-themed cafe and areas for outdoor events and performances. A programmable fountain offers children a place to romp and splash in warm-weather months. During the winter, an ice rink brings skaters to the promenade. Sloping glass headhouses lead to the major transit hub below the park. Donors include the U.S, Department of Transportation, Center City District, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, City of Philadelphia and SEPTA, as well as private foundations, businesses and individuals. 15th & Market Streets, (215) 482-9565, dilworthpark.orgrnSister Cities Park: Moms bring their strollers for free fitness classes (with singing) and music lovers bring their own bottles for picnics and performances at the landscaped urban oasis. For less organized fun, the park features a cafe, an eco-smart visitor center, an outdoor children’s discovery garden and play area, a boat pond, a pint-sized hill that evokes the Wissahickon Valley and a fountain that pays tribute to Philadelphia’s 10 sister cities. Center City District maintains and programs the park, which was rehabbed with help from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 440-5500, sistercitiespark.orgrnThe Oval: Ben Franklin surely would have appreciated this pop-up park, which in the warm months occupies Eakins Oval, a little-used parking lot on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Themed days and nights spotlight food and fashion trucks, movies, a beer garden, free health and fitness classes and an art installation commissioned by the Mural Arts Program. The park, open for its third year in 2015, was imagined and executed by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and presented by PNC. 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, theovalphl.orgrnPHS Pop Up Garden: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is bringing two versions of its popular greening projects (called “horticultural interventions” by staffers) to underused lots in 2015. The South Street Pop Up returns with a new design that romances the garden, while the first-time East Passyunk location transforms a vacant lot into an urban garden of sustainable practices and repurposed materials. Both feature curated food and beer menus, with proceeds supporting PHS programs such as City Harvest, which brings together a network of community gardeners who raise fresh, healthy food for 1,200 families in need each week. Open through October 1, 2015. 15th & South Streets, 9th & Wharton Streets, (215) 988-8800, phsonline.orgrnReading Viaduct Rail Park: Work could begin as soon as 2016 to transform a quarter-mile section of an abandoned elevated rail line in to a leafy green space with flowering plants and plenty of room to walk, sit and admire the Center City view from the raised rails. With help from the William Penn Foundation and the Poor Richard’s Charitable Trust, Center City District has completed the community-approved design for a portion of the viaduct and is currently raising money to begin renovations. Vine Street between Callowhill & Noble Streets, centercityphila.orgrnCenter City & Beyond:rnrnBike Share: Pedal power hit Philadelphia in April 2015 with the launch of Indego, the city’s bike-share program named for sponsor Independence Blue Cross. Cyclists can rent 600 bikes located at 65 stations throughout Center City and beyond. They can pay for Indego passes by the month or by the trip. rideindego.comrnFrankford Pause: Looking like a set out of a futuristic Hairspray, this neon-pink permanent park is slated to open in fall 2015. Commissioned by the Frankford Community Development Corporation as a place to fuse art and public activity, the park displays magenta lights that grow brighter when the SEPTA train pulls into the adjacent station and dim as it leaves. A community garden and stage also anchor the megaphone-shaped space. Frankford Avenue & Paul Street, destinationfrankford.com/frankford-pausernVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782