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Schuylkill River Open Space Master Plan
From East Falls to Manayunk in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Plan prepared by:
the philadelphia building 1315 walnut street suite 900 philadelphia pa 19107
2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many partners have contributed to this document. Their contributions and insight are greatly appreciated.
Advisory Committee
Alice Ballard | East Falls resident; advocate for in-river swimming Jennifer Barr | Philadelphia Planning Commission Dennis Burton | Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education Stephanie Craighead | Fairmount Park Joanne Dahme | Philadelphia Water Department Tom Dignam | Philadelphia Department of Recreation Jane Glenn | Manayunk Neighborhood Council John Grady | East Falls Development Corporation Chris Leswing | Lower Merion Township Terri Loring | Manayunk Development Corporation Matthew McClure | East Falls Development Corporation Dan Neducsin | Manayunk Development Corporation Bob Swarbrick | Manayunk Development Corporation Carolyn Sutton | East Falls Development Corporation Kurt Zwikl | Schuylkill River Heritage Area
Project Partners Schuylkill Project Kay Sykora, Executive Director Gwen Cohen, Education Coordinator East Falls Development Corporation Gina Snyder, Executive Director Manayunk Development Corporation Loree Jones, Executive Director
Special Thanks to our Project Sponsor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Plan Overview 7
Introduction to the Plan 9
Project Background Project Context Guiding Principles
The Big Picture: Urban River Systems 11
The Role of Urban Rivers Examples of Urban River Revitalization
The Local Picture: The Schuylkill River in Philadelphia 17
Overview of the Schuylkill River Watershed Existing Conditions
Strategies for Implementation 21
Overview Action Steps
Atlas of Projects 43
Schuylkill River Segments Projects and Implementation Tables Flat Rock Dam
Venice Island
Wissahickon Manayunk Valley Lower Merion
Westminster Cemetery Existing Trails West Laurel Hill Cemetery Planned Trails
Existing Trails East Falls Undergoing Enhancement
Proposed Trails
Neighborhood Connections
Proposed Bike Lanes
Schuylkill River Trail Connections PLAN OVERVIEW
Goal 1 | Create Great Places on the River
Action Steps The resurgence of East Falls and Manayunk, and the general interest in revitalizing • Emphasize the importance of gateway areas, landmarks the city’s waterfronts has elevated the expectations people have for the Schuylkill and river access landings. Riverfront. As a result, there are many public and private projects being initiated along • Improve open space amenities along the river. Philadelphia’s upper reach of the Schuylkill River. These initiatives can have a dramatic • Ensure that private development effectively relates to the and positive impact on these riverfront communities — providing new public spaces river. that will activate riverfront neighborhoods, forge new connections between people and the river and stimulate new development, civic activity and recreational opportunities. Goal 2 | Improve Movement Along the River The Schuylkill River Open Space Master Plan introduces a framework to organize, prioritize and guide these initiatives by focusing on conserving and improving Action Steps public access to and along the river. The plan addresses key concerns for riverfront • Connect the trail system where there are gaps. development, including physical planning and design, programming and maintenance • Improve and maintain the quality of trails. challenges. With the vision and goals in mind, this plan lays out a series of Action • Allow for better pedestrian and bicycle movement on Steps, which are recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a thriving river streets. realm designed to address the key concerns for open space development on the river.
Goal 3 | Engage People in the Life of the River
Action Steps • Continue existing educational opportunities and expand program offerings. • Support existing and create new festivals and events. • Get people wet- promote opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing.
Plan Overview 8 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION TO THE PLAN
Project Background Key Concerns
The Schuylkill Project | The Schuylkill Project is a multi-stakeholder process Physical Design established to create a comprehensive vision for Philadelphia’s upper reach of • Gaps exist in the trails along both sides of the river. the Schuylkill River, which extends from East Falls to the Flat Rock Dam. The • A lack of connection exists between riverfront spaces and upland Schuylkill Project aims to “not only revitalize the waterfronts, but to better connect communities the communities to the river by bringing people to the waterfront and providing and open space/recreational resources. opportunities for recreation and education.” • There is a lack of access to the water along many parts of the river. • There is a lack of visual continuity among the various segments of the trail. The Schuylkill Project seeks to build on the community’s excitement and interest in the river by implementing public improvement projects and encouraging more Programming programming and public activity in the public places along its banks. The project • Public spaces are not fully utilized for special events or public education. is being led by the East Falls and Manayunk Development Corporations, and also • The potential exists to build interest in environmental stewardship of involves the Delaware Estuary, the Schuylkill River Greenway, the Schuylkill Center the river through organized and passive recreation and educational for Environmental Education, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Lower Merion programming. Planning Commission and the Fairmount Park Commission. Management • Maintenance of public spaces — from routine repairs to cleaning — is Purpose of the Schuylkill River Open Space Master Plan | The resurgence of East haphazard. Falls and Manayunk, and the general interest in revitalizing the city’s waterfronts has • Invasive vegetation on the river’s banks is difficult to manage and maintain. elevated the expectations people have for the Schuylkill Riverfront. As a result, there are many public and private projects being initiated along Philadelphia’s upper reach of The plan demonstrates how existing public and private projects can be conceptually the Schuylkill River. These initiatives can have a dramatic and positive impact on these and physically woven together and provides the basis for recommending new projects riverfront communities — providing new public spaces that will activate riverfront and initiatives along the Schuylkill. This plan builds on the accomplishments of neighborhoods, forge new connections between people and the river and stimulate previous planning initiatives and advances those efforts. It defines next steps, reveals new development, civic activity and recreational opportunities. missing links, and suggests new projects and policies that are needed to create a The Schuylkill River Open Space Master Plan introduces a framework to organize, connected, coherent system of trails and riverfront places along the Schuylkill River. prioritize and guide these initiatives by focusing on conserving and improving public access to and along the river. The plan addresses key concerns for riverfront Related Studies and Plans | The Schuylkill River Open Space Master Plan has been development, including physical planning and design, programming and maintenance informed by numerous planning studies and project proposals undertaken in the past challenges. few years. One goal of this Schuylkill River Master Plan is to chart the progress of these numerous initiatives and assure that they proceed in concert with one another, with the goal of creating a connected river realm.
Introduction 9 Many projects described in the Existing and Planned Projects section of this document as the Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia. These connections stretch across defined were recommended in the following documents: boundaries or jurisdictions, creating transitions in activities, politics and physical • East Falls Reconnects to the River barriers. Connections might be bridges that cross the river or perpendicular trails that • East Falls Wayfinding Project plan connect to the River Trails. • Manayunk Towpath Project Plan The River Realm describes the system of river trails, river places and neighborhood • Venice Island Master Plan connections of the study area. • The East Falls/ Manayunk Water Access Study • Locks Restoration Plans Vision | Based on this framework, the Schuylkill Project establishes the following vision for the Schuylkill Riverfront: Other documents that informed new recommendations in this plan include: The Schuylkill Riverfront will be a resource for local neighborhoods and the region, • Schuylkill Heritage Park and Trail Wayfinding Project tying together riverfront communities through a connected system of River Trails, • Montgomery Open Space Plan River Places and Neighborhood Connections. • Lower Merion Township Comprehensive Plan • Schuylkill River Development Corporation Master Plan Goals and Action Steps | With the vision and goals in mind, this plan lays out a series of Action Steps, which are recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a thriving Schuylkill Riverfront designed to address the key concerns for open space Plan Framework development on the river. A framework of three Goals is used to organize the Action Steps. These Goals are 1) Create great places on the river; 2) Improve movement along Definitions | Along the upper reach of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, three and to the river; 3) Engage people in the life of the river. types of public space work in concert with each other to structure the public realm. These components — the River Trails, River Places and Neighborhood Connections 1) Create great places on the river — are distinguished from each other based on their physical characteristics, general • Emphasize the importance of Gateways, Landmarks and River Access location and the functions they provide. This framework imagines the Schuylkill Landings Riverfront in northwest Philadelphia as a system of places that can be incrementally • Improve open space amenities along the river enhanced, designed and programmed. • Ensure that private development effectively relates to the river The River Trails form the spine of the river system. They carries people along the 2) Improve movement along and to the river length of the river and connects points along it. The trails along the riverfront are the vehicles for movement, allowing the parallel transition of pedestrians, bicyclists or • Connect the trail system where there are gaps paddlers. Trails range from the well-defined and maintained to the more ephemeral • Improve and maintain the quality of trails and informal. They also provide connections further up and down the river. • Allow for better pedestrian and bicycle movement on streets
River Places are those sites along the riverfront where people pause to enjoy their 3) Engage people in the life of the river surroundings. They include sites of cultural heritage, public venues, access points to the river and any other sites where people pause to gather and recreate. By housing • Continue existing educational opportunities and expand program offerings amenities such as boat launches, fishing, views to the river and places to sit, river places • Support existing and create new festivals and events activate the riverfront. • Get people wet
Neighborhood Connections connect outlying neighborhoods to the riverfront and the places that lie along it. They also provide connections into upland watersheds, such
10 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN THE BIG PICTURE | Urban River Systems
The Role of Urban Rivers The following examples were chosen for their ability to illustrate one or more of the Guiding Principles of this Master Plan: Rivers have enabled the human occupation of the land and the concentration of urban life; today urban rivers reflect the history of those patterns. Their banks have been • New York’s Hudson River Park the setting for agricultural subsistence, industrial colonization and abandonment. As • Hoboken’s Hudson River Walkway urban economies have shifted, so has the role of the urban river. • Denver’s South Platte River • Chattanooga’s Tennessee Riverwalk When European settlers first came to the Americas, they traveled by boat. River • Washington DC’s Anacostia Riverfront transportation was the principal way that goods and people were distributed throughout the colonies. These examples offered insight into the design of waterfront spaces, the need for While other settlements would be established away from the waterfront, harbors accessibility and connectivity, the improvement of environmental quality and the became centers of economic activity as regions grew. River water could be used importance of public use of the waterfront. in industrial processes and then products could be shipped with minimal land transportation. The industrial use of riverfronts reached its height at the turn of the 20th century. Once the federal highway system was established, roads replaced rivers as the dominant mode of transportation, leaving abandoned and degraded rivers behind. Neighborhoods along the river turned their backs on this natural resource, further exacerbating economic decline and abandonment on riverfronts. As cities of the 21st century hope to resurrect forgotten areas into centers of economic activity, they are creating and strengthening amenities for residents and visitors. Such efforts establish a new role for the urban river based on river-related activities. The setting for these activities is the system of river trails, river places and river crossings. A restored urban riverfront provides a river trails along which people can bike, walk or run. River places along the banks offer a setting where people can pause to relax or gather together to play. Historic bridges and perpendicular trails offer river crossings, where people are brought to the river from the surrounding area. The river itself also adds economic value as businesses choose to invest near these new amenities.
Examples of Urban River Revitalization There are many urban rivers across the country whose industrialized banks have been revitalized through concentrated planning efforts. This plan was informed and inspired by some of these examples. These examples were investigated by looking into the issues these projects addressed, their associated policy approaches and the outcomes of the planning process. The Hudson River Park provides space for joggers and benches overlooking the river.
The Big Picture 11 Hudson River Park, New York, NY The Hudson River Park comprises almost all of the waterfront land in the area, including bulkhead and pier structures, as well as riparian land extending into The Hudson River Park is a 550 acre waterfront park situated along a 5 mile stretch the estuary. The Act reserved extensive portions of the park exclusively for public of the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan. The public was engaged in the recreation. Once the park is finished, a granite esplanade will span the entire length of creation and use of the riverfront trails and public spaces. The design for the park calls the park and thirteen rebuilt piers will create a network of open spaces. for continuous, publicly accessible riverfront made up of a network of river places that invite people to the water. This park is very successful at demonstrating how visual The Hudson River Park’s most notable success is the visual continuity that is expressed continuity can be achieved throughout the park. along the length of the park’s esplanade and among all of the river places. No matter where someone is in the entire park, he or she will get a sense of being in a connected The Hudson River Park Conservancy was formed in 1992 out of various initiatives to park system. One way this continuity was achieved was by establishing an on-call protest a controversial development plan in the 1980s. The Conservancy developed an design team to assist the Trust with project implementation. This team established extensive public involvement process that included design charrettes and an abundance design guidelines for use by all park designers to govern each design within the larger of river-related activities. With the public mandate that resulted from this process, the park system. They designed park-wide elements such as benches, signage, railings Hudson River Park Act was created in 1998, establishing the Hudson River Park Trust and light poles. They also conducted stage-by-stage review of all design documents. to design, construct, maintain and operate the park. Additionally, the construction of the park proceeded with a clear commitment to using high quality design components throughout, which contributed to a cohesive design language for the park. In addition to figuring out how to create a coordinated visual realm, the Hudson River Park Trust operates a comprehensive user-friendly website that is integral in engaging public support for waterfront initiatives. The website announces public meetings and events, publicizes recreational activities and highlights new development and construction that is happening on the waterfront.
Lessons Learned • A comprehensive public involvement campaign encourages people to interface with the river. • The internet can be utilized to publicize waterfront efforts and mobilize public support. • A connected trail can be created along the river. • Hiring an on-call design team can enhance the coordination of design details throughout the entire park.
Ample green space, designated space for joggers and a variety of plant life invites residents to enjoy Hudson Park.
12 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Hudson River Walkway, Hoboken, NJ The Hudson River Walkway extends for 18.5 miles along New Jersey shoreline. Established by the State of New Jersey, the walkway travels through residential and commercial areas, industrial redevelopment areas and ecological preservation zones. The requirements, established as part of the Coastal Zone Management rules from the Department of Environmental Protection of the State of New Jersey, specified that all building activities that occurred within 100 feet of the water’s edge must provide a minimum of 30 feet of publicly accessible open space along the water’s edge. The land upon which the walkway is built is held both privately and publicly, and private owners are not required to implement the walkway until their land is redeveloped. Many parks and other places of interest exist along the length of the walkway. The City of Hoboken took a more aggressive approach to public space preservation than was called for by the State. A clearly defined public park on the riverside of a newly created street was designed to create a boundary between the commercial realm and the public waterfront. Because of concerns of over-development and lack of public access to the waterfront, a non-profit called the Fund for a Better Waterfront grew out of a successful initiative to block a massive waterfront development in 1990. The Fund for a Better Waterfront was formed to create a plan and vision for how Hoboken’s waterfront could be redeveloped. This plan includes drawings that articulated a vision for the public parkway along the length of the waterfront. Key features of the plan are the public park along the river, a public street between the park and commercial spaces and an extension of the street grid toward the river. The plan strikes a balance between new development and new public open space along the waterfront and adheres to traditional scale and character, extending Hoboken’s signature 200 by 400 foot grid, carefully controlling building mass and requiring articulated building facades. Riverfront parkland includes popular parks such as Pier A Park, as well as public beaches.
Lessons Learned • Regulatory requirements can assure a continuous publicly accessible waterfront. These types of requirements can be inspired by a well- organized public persistence. • The creation of a new street parallel to the river created space for parkland next to the river and commercial and residential buildings designed to have their front doors face the river. Above: The walkway in Hoboken allows people to walk right next to naturalized shore line. • Drawings that articulate a vision plan for the waterfront can be integral to Below: The front door of commercial buildings is the waterfront walkway. guiding future development and preservation. The Big Picture 13 South Platte River, Denver, CO as representatives of neighborhood, parks and recreation and environmental groups. The Commission provides a venue for considering all aspects of redevelopment of The South Platte River originates in the Rocky Mountains, flowing east through the river corridor near downtown Denver and establishes priorities for the restoration Denver’s ten miles of urban riverfront. The Platte River Development Committee of the riverfront. Because it includes members from such a diversity of agencies and has worked on environmental cleanup and waterfront redevelopment since the interests, complicated questions of jurisdiction and implementation can be addressed 1970s, while a mayor-appointed commission of government agencies, non-profit by the commission, helping redevelopment to move forward more quickly. In order to organizations and community representatives has focused more recently on the most facilitate implementation of proposed projects, the urban section of the river corridor. A restoration maintenance program helps to maintain the integrity of the river bank and keep the area clean and updated. In addition to its coordinated oversight, the South Platte River is carefully maintained and river banks are being restored. This occurs through a restoration maintenance The Platte River Development Committee was efficient in its redevelopment of the program designed to repair erosion damage along recreational trails, remove trash, riverfront because it divided into teams that were each responsible for a section of the remove invasive species and plant native species. Without these activities, the river waterfront. This approach allowed several small pocket parks to be created along the would have an entirely different “feel”. Maintenance and restoration on the banks of length of the riverfront, which could each act as a locus for development. These nodes the South Platte River improve the qualitative experience of walking along it. are linked together along the greenway trails that parallel the river. In 1995, at the suggestion of the South Platte Working Group, the mayor appointed a Lessons Learned commission of federal, state and city agencies, city council, private developers, as well • Achieve buy-in from federal, state and city agencies, as well as private developers. • Divide the riverfront into manageable sections that can be addressed by the various entities responsible for the waterfront. • Create a system for coordinated maintenance of the river banks and regularly remove trash and exotic species.
Many public spaces are connected along the river.
14 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Tennessee River, Chattanooga, TN In 1969, Chattanooga, Tennessee was voted both the city with the worst air pollution in the United States. In response, visionaries from the Chamber of Commerce and the City’s Planning Commission created a nonprofit organization to encourage participation from the community for the revitalization of their city on a variety of fronts. A citizen-led effort called “Vision 2000” aimed to increase Chattanooga’s livability and raise its attractiveness for potential investment. The principal feature of the project was a 22 mile greenway along the Tennessee River that would serve as the catalyst for new development. A non-profit organization called River Valley Partners was created to raise funds for riverfront projects and otherwise assist in development activities. River Valley Partners received donations from several foundations and financial institutions to start a revolving loan fund for beginning and completing projects. This investment from private sources has spurred the local government to build new parks along the river. River Valley partners first acquired several riverfront properties to establish prominent river places to be linked by the river greenway. While the center of the greenway system runs along the river, a series of perpendicular trails are planned to connect neighborhoods with the river. The Tennessee Riverpark opened with fishing piers, a playground, a woodland walk, and a park; Tennessee Aquarium was constructed as an educational center that hosts thousands of visitors a year. Through the development of this system of river trails, river places and river crossings, the Riverwalk has been successful at spurring economic development in the area.
Lessons Learned • Use riverfront greenways and parks as a catalyst for economic development. • Create strong river places to anchor the river greenway.
Above: Coolidge Park along the Tennessee River hosts many community events. Below: Tennessee Riverpark boasts beautiful views for both cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.
The Big Picture 15 Anacostia River, Washington, DC The Anacostia River flows through the eastern edge of Washington, DC. Heavy pollution, lack of investment and development and the pumping of raw sewage into the Anacostia have contributed to the decline of the area for decades. In 2000, the Mayor launched the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI), a development effort directed by DC’s Office of Planning and other municipal and federal agencies. Still in the planning process, the Anacostia Riverfront in Washington DC will be redeveloped based on a unified strategy for the entire planning area. The Redevelopment Plan for the riverfront includes 100 acres of new waterfront public spaces with a 20-mile Riverwalk and Trail System; over 600,000 square feet of new retail space; more than 4,500 new residences; and over 3 million square feet of new commercial uses. The framework plan for the riverfront offers a strong example of how to create a coordinated system of trails. The plan delineates river trail types that are related to the function and setting of trails, with associated design guidelines. The design guidelines specify the location and alignment of trails, materials and construction and light fixtures and furnishings. Trash along the Anacostia will be removed with the redevelopment of the waterfront.
Lessons Learned
• Create a unified strategy for the entire area. • Create a set of design standards to guide trail development.
An overview of the Anacostia Waterfront Redevelopment Plan outlines areas for improvement.
16 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN THE LOCAL PICTURE | The Schuylkill River in Philadelphia
The Schuylkill River | The Schuylkill River is a major tributary of the Delaware River, revitalization, and traversing 130 miles of southeastern Pennsylvania countryside until it reaches the heritage tourism. This headwaters at the base of the Appalachians. As part of the National Wild and Scenic occurs through focused Rivers Act, the Schuylkill was declared a Pennsylvania Scenic River in 2000. conservation of landmark sites, preservation of historic History of the Schuylkill River | The Schuylkill River was first settled in the 17th communities and the sharing century by the Lenni-Lenape, who established small-scale agricultural communities of stories of the region’s along the banks. Soon after this time, European settlers explored the region and heritage. The creation found the land to be amenable for their emerging settlements. The river was named of the Schuylkill River the Schuylkill, meaning “Hidden River,” when it was discovered by a member of the National and State Heritage Dutch West India Company. By the time of the Revolutionary War, development had Area (SRSNHA) signaled sprung up along the upper and lower reaches of Schuylkill River, and Philadelphia a commitment to the flourished even as the nation struggled with political turmoil. revitalization of riverfront communities like East Falls During the early years of the Industrial Revolution, the Schuylkill River’s fast moving and Manayunk, which has waters and natural resources made it an important site for the region’s industrial grown throughout the last growth. The river was used to transport local agricultural goods and generate electrical few decades. power for transforming raw materials into finished products. The rise of coal and steel industries along the river led to the development of the Schuylkill Canal in 1815, Philadelphia: The which was quickly outpaced in functionality by the extension of the Reading Railroad New River City | With along the river. By that time, years of industry had polluted the river’s waters. Philadelphia’s recent Industrial expansion along the river’s banks had a profound effect on the way that resurgence as a prominent people viewed the waterfront. Rather than choosing to live and recreate where the place to work and live, the river could be seen, people turned their backs on the river in an effort to shield attention of developers and civic leadership has turned to the underutilized waterfront, themselves from the polluted urban waters. and the city has started to address the problems that have plagued its waterfronts for years. The Philadelphia Planning Commission states on its web page that “the City of In an effort to reverse this trend and make the water safe for drinking and Philadelphia plans to coordinate and take advantage of the resources of its riverfronts environmental habitat, one of the nation’s largest river cleanup projects was as new places for living, recreation, working, and environmental enhancement.” implemented 1947. Today the Schuylkill River’s waters are safe for drinking and swimming, and the river provides a major portion of Philadelphia’s water supply. Within this context, Philadelphia has been rebranded as the New River City, calling for the reclamation of thousands of acres of vacant and formerly industrial land for Schuylkill Heritage Area | In recognition of its natural and cultural resources, reuse. The riverfront is being marketed in their plan, Philadelphia: The New River the Schuylkill River watershed was designated a Pennsylvania Heritage Area by the City, as a place where the City is “receptive to new development, assisting in land Pennsylvania State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in 1995 acquisition, rezoning, expedited permitting and infrastructure construction; ensuring and a National Heritage Area by the United States Congress in 2000. National public access – both physical and visual – to the water’s edge, reinforce existing access & State Heritage Areas are created in an effort to revitalize and restore the region to the river and create new links to the river from existing communities; and creating through natural and cultural resource preservation, education, recreation, community
The Local Picture 17 to the river. These ambitious proposals are now being realized in projects such as the flat rock dam Cynwyd Trail, which will link the Cynwyd Station to the Manayunk Viaduct - a clear linkage to the Philadelphia side of the river.
venice island This plan responds to the Lower Merion proposals by recommending trail links that connect to that system. Communities on both sides of the river should work together manayunk to put in play these complementary recommendations.
lower merion Study Area Description | The riverside communities of East Falls and Manayunk are Wissahickon located along Philadelphia’s Schuylkill Riverfront. Both of these neighborhoods are East Falls among the most desirable places to live in Philadelphia- providing an active citizenry, many shopping and dining options, and riverside biking and walking trails. East Falls is a Philadelphia riverfront community just northwest of Center City and Laurel Hill Cemetery. Many residents here experience the riverside drives, Fairmount Park and the picturesque 1895 bridge over the Schuylkill River as part of the threshold new riverfront recreational resources that enhance the City’s quality of life and add experience of leaving and coming home from work each day. value to new and existing communities.” East Falls originally developed as a resort and fishing community. Later, it became an Much of the focus to date has been on the Delaware River, which forms the City’s industrial community with a large chemical plant and textile mills. In recent years, eastern edge and has seen more significant de-industrialization and redevelopment the East Falls Development Corporation has been working to make the riverside more – including proposals for new casinos. The Central Delaware Waterfront Planning of an asset to community life and commerce. Recent developments in East Falls have Process will result in consensus principles for development along the Delaware River. leveraged their proximity to the Schuylkill River and Center City Philadelphia by It will also investigate strategies to connect new civic river places to neighborhoods, marketing the area as a new waterfront destination, the Riverfront Business District. elevating and stabilizing property values. Planning for the Delaware waterfront will For runners, cyclists and other recreational users on the Schuylkill River Trail, East broaden awareness of the following principles, which relate to the Schuylkill River: Falls provides a welcoming place to pause along the river. • All Philadelphians have something to gain as responsible stewards for the Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Manayunk was a thriving riverside center of economic potential of urban land near rivers. workshops and textile mills. Manayunk’s stout stone buildings and narrow streets now host a bustling array of shops, restaurants and galleries with new condos on the floors • All Philadelphians have a shared stake in the survival of riparian ecologies. above. As Manayunk’s Main Street introduced new retail offerings in the 1980s and In cities especially, people truly cherish places to be next to nature, to see 1990s, long-time residents advocated for a public waterfront that would provide locals the sky, and be near the water. as well as visitors new opportunities for riverfront recreation. The transformation • Public access to the riverfront is a vital amenity, critical to establishing of the Main Street commercial area has largely been stimulated by the Manayunk riverfront neighborhoods as locations of choice for residents. Development Corporation, now in its twenty-second year of operation. MDC now seeks to leverage that success to inspire public improvements along the river. Riverfront Planning Across the River | Planning for trail connections and open Between the two neighborhoods runs the most important tributary of the Schuylkill space development along the Schuylkill River is not limited to the Philadelphia side River in Philadelphia — Wissahickon Creek. The Wissahickon Valley itself has an of the river. In fact, communities in Montgomery County have led the way in recent extensive trail system, which can connect into the riverfront. The Wissahickon is years in envisioning and promoting new recreational opportunities along the river. In one of several places where the Fairmount Park Commission manages the riverfront’s 2005, the Township developed an open space plan that stressed trail linkages along and public space.
18 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Existing Conditions
The following pages present a brief diagnosis of how the River Trails, River Places and Condition of River Places Neighborhood Connections function. This analysis identifies areas within the study area where the proposed goals are being met, as well as places where key problems such as Successful river places have several qualities: gaps in the continuity of the trail and lack of access to the water are occurring. • They have clear connections to the city. They should be easy to see and easy to get to. Condition of River Trails • They are designed to invite people in and to the river. They should There are several important qualities for a successful river trail: have basic amenities such as shade, seating, trash receptacles, bike racks, informational and locational signage, interpretive information, etc. • The trail should be continuous and free from gaps. The design of trails Parking should be nearby, but not necessarily right at the river place. should provide for visual continuity; there may be variations from segment to segment, but a consistency should be maintained that lets users know • They offer views of the river and, where appropriate, physical access points that they are on a trail. for river-related activities. • A strong river trail offers as much access as possible to the river edge. The East Falls riverfront is heavily used as a stopping point for pedestrians and cyclists. • The river trail should offer frequent views of the river. Many people fish from the wall along the river’s banks. The Midvale Steps is one of these stopping points, though they were built for a river landing in a different time The Schuylkill River Trail is a non-motorized trail for walking, running, cycling and period. New businesses in East Falls have been built with patios to face out toward the rollerblading. The conditions of the trail vary throughout the study area. Along Kelly river, which helps the neighborhood to engage with the river. Inn Yard Park has the Drive, the trail is well-defined and wide enough to accommodate both pedestrians and potential to similarly engage more directly with the river. cyclists. It is also carefully maintained and well-connected visually to the water. The SEPTA transfer center near the Wissahickon Creek is situated where it could In the transition area between Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue, the trail veers away from capture river and creekside views, though overgrown vegetation along the river and the water onto a sidewalk with two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Pedestrians creek banks generally prevent this. The trailhead to the Wissahickon, which is located and cyclists must contend with traffic congestion, narrow sidewalks and no bike across Ridge Avenue from the transfer center, is also inconspicuous and disconnected lane. Once cyclists reach Ridge Avenue, they must make a 90 degree turn in order to from the creek and the river trail. While this confluence of important places has the navigate the corner. This lack of definition continues along Ridge Avenue for 1000 potential to be a strong river place, they currently fail to relate in that way. feet, to the entry into Manayunk. Various businesses exist here that block views to the river, preventing visitors from realizing that Manayunk is adjacent to the river at all. In Manayunk, the area around the Main Street movie theater, also a heavily used site by local residents, has turned its back on the river, rejecting an opportunity to be a In the heart of Manayunk, the trail continues as part of the towpath. The towpath river place. Restaurants in the southern portion of Manayunk, on the other hand, offers a well-maintained segment of the trail that could be strengthened if the have capitalized on their riverfront location, though they do not connect well to the businesses in Manayunk would open up their doors onto the pathway. riverfront trail. On the towpath north of this area, restaurants are well connected After the trail re-enters Fairmount Park, it becomes a gravel pathway. Though it is along the towpath, but the businesses do not relate to the canal or Venice Island well-defined, it is poorly maintained; erosion of the upland escarpment leaves the path across it. Finally, Venice Island is generally underutilized as a river place, which gives strewn with gravel and poor grading results in inadequate drainage and occasional the towpath a feeling of vacancy, despite the addition of lights by the Manayunk muddy patches. Development Corporation. Private development and City park plans for Venice Island will do much to change this. Across the river, the trail system in Lower Merion is being developed. Planning is underway for the creation of a riverfront trail on the Montgomery County side. The Lower Merion Open Space and Environmental Protection Plan calls for numerous links to the Philadelphia trail system on rail bridges along the river.
The Local Picture 19 Condition of Neighborhood Connections Manayunk near Green Lane. Finally, roads from the Manayunk and Roxborough neighborhoods lead down to the towpath, but the grade change and other site specific There are several important qualities that create a successful neighborhood connection: conditions disrupt the visual connection between Main Street and the canal. • They connect outlying neighborhoods to river trails and river places. Identification of Key Issues • They provide connections across the river. The assessment of the condition of the river trails, river places and neighborhood • They make direct links between neighborhood landmarks and river places. connections offers a useful starting point for understanding the missing links in the system and particular areas of concern. We can synthesize these observations into Heavy traffic along Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive has tended to cut off East Falls several key issues that must be addressed in order to develop connected river trails, businesses from the river. With the addition of a planned pedestrian island on Midvale successful river places and revived neighborhood connections. Avenue at Kelly Drive, pedestrians will be able to cross between the river and the Riverfront Business District more easily. In addition, the Falls Bridge crossing is an These issues include 1) thedesign of trails and river access points along the important landmark because of its historical significance, its regular use by recreational river; 2) accessibility to the river; 3) connectedness along and to the river; 4) cyclists and its overall aesthetic. Despite its significance, this bridge currently links to environmental quality and 5) the ability for people to interact with the river. East Falls at a relatively undefined intersection. The new development planned for the In the following pages, each of these Key Issues will be described. The strengths, site at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Calumet Street will do much to ameliorate weaknesses and opportunities associated with each Key Issue along the Schuylkill this condition. Riverfront in northwest Philadelphia will be identified. Further up the river, the trailhead to the Wissahickon Valley trail system is located adjacent to the Schuylkill River Trail. Though a new pedestrian crossing has been installed, these two trails continue to feel somewhat disconnected. Important river crossings, the Pencoyd Bridge and the Blackie Bridge connect to Lower Merion Township and sit at two important Manayunk gateways, but they are currently fenced off and removed from use. A more likely bridge that could connect Manayunk with Lower Merion Township is the Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge, which links to
Left: Schuylkill River should be in clear sight of and connected to the city. Above: Fairmount Park jogging trails along the Schuylkill provide activity along the river.
20 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Action Steps are the key steps the Schuylkill Project can take to create a connected Goal 2 | Improve Movement Along open space system along the Schuylkill that is enjoyed by all. The Goals offer the and To the River framework for the associated Action Steps, listed as bullet points below. The Goals and Action Steps were inspired by the riverfront success stories that were described There are a number of existing and proposed trail systems that in Chapter 2. They are responsive to the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities connect to or move along the Schuylkill Riverfront. There are also identified in Chapter 3. important residential neighborhoods and business districts that lie close to the water’s edge. By assuring connectivity where gaps currently exist in the system, trail users will be able to walk along the river without having to turn around or face treacherous road conditions. Goal 1 | Create Great Places on the Action Steps River • Connect the trail system where there are gaps. When people can walk along the length of the river, use the banks • Improve and maintain the quality of trails. for recreation and see beautiful views of the river itself, they have • Allow for better pedestrian and bicycle movement on streets. more of a stake in what happens there. Accessibility by the public to the waterfront is one of the most important factors that will assure a sustainable future for the Schuylkill riverfront. In general, publicly accessible waterfront land Goal 3 | Engage People in the Life is often publicly owned. In cases where private property is located next to the river, of the River ordinances and easements can be developed to assure public access to this private property. Even with targeted improvements to the places and trails along the river, as well as investments in environmental quality, it is the Action Steps opportunities for direct interaction with the river that will mean • Emphasize the importance of gateway areas, landmarks and river access most to people on a visceral level. People readily embrace opportunities to get in landings. water. They relish beautiful river views and they participate in festivities that take place • Improve open space amenities along the river. near water. • Ensure that private development effectively relates to the river. Action Steps • Continue existing educational opportunities and expand program offerings. • Support existing and create new festivals and events. • Get people wet- promote opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing.
Strategies for Project Implementation 21 While the Schuylkill Project will play a key role in implementing this plan, it will not be responsible for every action step. There are many other capable and dedicated organizations along this segment of the Schuylkill River that will play a role in fulfilling the action steps. These organizational partners, the estimated time frame for carrying out each action step and the estimated level of investment are included in the pages that follow, in addi- tion to an explanation of each action step and possible strategies for their successful completion.
22 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Goal 1 | Create Great Places On The River
Great places for people to enjoy are critical to creating an energized waterfront environment. Since the East Falls and Manayunk neighborhoods are already destinations in themselves, many great places already exist along this section of the Schuylkill River. Other new projects along the river are in planning stages or are under construction. As these planning efforts move forward, priority can be assigned to those projects that hold a special significance to these riverside communities, such as gateways, landmarks and river access landings. The health of the open space system is also crucial to ensuring great public places on the river. The collection and infiltration of stormwater and the management East Falls Riverfront Business District The historic Blackie Bridge of overgrown invasive vegetation can help to ensure the ecological health of open spaces and the river. Yet it is not only important for these spaces to contribute to environmental quality- they must also be accessible to all and create opportunities for people to get close to the river by providing viewing spots and access landings. In addition, new private development and existing structures should be carefully designed to allow public access to the riverfront and to have windows and doors that face the water and riverfront trails. Good design, which is not only concerned with the aesthetics of the built environment, can be used to create a sense of place for people, foster community involvement and unify disparate elements of the environment to bring about a sense of cohesiveness.
Strengths In both East Falls and Manayunk, buildings face Midvale steps • Businesses in East Falls create a hub of activity close to the river. away from the river and the street • Historic bridges create iconic landmarks along the river.
1 G oal Weaknesses • Many of the buildings in East Falls and Manayunk face away from the river and the canal, which makes the experience of walking along the river less engaging. • The intersection at the terminus of Falls Bridge is uninteresting and undefined. • Private developments planned for the northern half of Venice Island do not call for public access of the waterfront or new trails to be built. Opportunities • Midvale Steps could be improved with minor repairs and routine maintenance. • The movie theater and nearby businesses could act as a riverfront amenity. Current view of the Rivage site Proposed development at the Rivage site • Planned condo development has the potential to bring new life to the waterfront if it is designed well.
Strategies for Project Implementation 23 ACTION STEP | Emphasize the Importance of Gateways, Landmarks and River Access Landings Goal 1 Goal
Planned projects include new river landings in East Falls and Manayunk that will provide These guidelines will offer a framework for how river access can be articulated in boating launches on the river, design changes to Inn Yard Park (located across from various conditions along the riverfront. They could also specify a set of preferred the river between Ridge Avenue and East River Road), the redevelopment of lower lighting options for all river places and mandate benches, signage and planting. Venice Island and improvements to the Bathey House for use as an education center. In addition, there are other new ideas that have been discussed previously among Planning and Implementation Strategies Schuylkill Project partners, including new trail creation on the Pennsylvania Railroad • Prioritize funding for projects that act as gateways, landmarks and river Bridge and the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Midvale Steps. Each of these access landings over other projects in the study area. projects will be highlighted in Chapter 5 of this document. • Unify the visual language of these places along the river through lighting, Gateways, Landmarks, River Access Landings paving and other amenities. Design guidelines can be developed to guide these decisions. While all planned projects that relate to the river are significant, it will be useful to develop a system for prioritizing these planning efforts. In order to do this, projects • Use public art or interpretive markers to celebrate important river places. can be categorized as Gateways, Landmarks and Places for River Access. All other projects can be described as projects for general improvement. Gateway places signal Partner Organizations an entrance into the neighborhood or to the river. Gateways help people who are Schuylkill Project, East Falls Development Corporation, Manayunk Development moving along the river realize that they are entering a new segment of the river. Corporation, SEPTA, Fairmount Park Commission, Lower Merion Township, City of Examples of gateways include the murals at the base of the Roosevelt Expressway, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Water Department which will soon be removed and replaced with new public art, the Midvale Avenue pedestrian island and the Manayunk entrance sign. Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
Landmarks are those places that have a special meaning or aesthetic presence for the 1.2 Bathey House Improvements riverfront neighborhoods in this study. A landmark may have historic significance, 1.3 New public art at base of Roosevelt Expressway functional importance or an aesthetic quality that makes it stand out from its 1.5 Midvale Avenue Pedestrian Island surroundings. Examples of landmarks include the Falls Bridge and the Midvale Steps. 1.7 Rivage Site Redevelopment Places for River Access provide an opportunity for people to get close to the river. 1.8 Falls Bridge lit at night They may provide access for boating, swimming or sitting by the river. Examples of 1.9 East Falls Landing River Access Landings include the East Falls Landing, informal fishing spots, and the 1.12 Midvale Steps Improvements landing at Manayunk Brewery. 2.5 Informal Fishing Sites Along East Falls Connector Design Guidelines 3.1 SEPTA Transfer Station improvements 3.3 Landscaping strategy to restore views of Wissahickon Creek All of these places will contribute most to riverfront open space development if they 3.5 Improvements at trailhead to the Wissahickon are well-maintained, are well connected to river trails, provide access points to the river 5.1 Permanent boat launch on Lower Venice Island and contain amenities such as benches, lighting, trash receptacles and signage. Design 5.2 Restored canal lock at the end of Manayunk Canal guidelines should be created to unify disparate river places along the Schuylkill and to assure the success of individual sites along the river. 24 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Midvale Steps At the end of Midvale Avenue, a series of stone steps leads to the river from the Kelly Drive trail with no landing at its base. Overrun with weeds and unmaintained, these steps present a danger to fishermen or other recreational users seeking to gain access to the water. Because people already gravitate to these steps to fish, it may be desirable to make improvements for this purpose. There is an interest in improving these steps to provide ADA accessibility and making them safer for all. Possible solutions are: before • Extend the vertical wall to along the trail to block entry to the steps and create a viewing area from above. • Weed and make minimal repairs but generally leave it as it is. • Create an extended landing at the base of the steps to be used as a fishing platform. • A platform could be created next to the top of the steps with the removal after of a section of the parapet wall. A ramp would lead down to a platform closer to the water.
River Access at Venice Island An important river access location is in Manayunk occurs at the southern tip of Venice Island. This site marks the convergence of the historic Blackie Bridge, the end of the Manayunk Canal and the popular restaurant, Manayunk Brewery, which offers riverfront decks over the water. Underneath the Manayunk Brewery, a boat launch has been introduced to serve kayakers, canoeists and dragon boat racers. The existing launch should be strengthened through the installation of a more permanent structure as specified in the Manayunk River Access Study. In addition, a proposed in-river swimming facility for this site is being studied. Patios could be built on the river banks near these boating and swimming facilities to provide seating, views and other amenities.
The boat launch below Manayunk Brewery
Strategies for Project Implementation 25 ACTION STEP | Improve Open Space Amenities Along the River Goal 1 Goal
Open space can be found in the form of parks and preserved waterfront land, as well from streets and other impervious areas located close to the river. A 2001 study by the Heritage as streets, sidewalks and trails. Much land adjacent to the Schuylkill River is preserved Conservancy found that riparian land along the Schuylkill River is lacking. In many cases as open space, which acts as a natural asset to these riverfront communities. Planning stream banks are eroded. In most places, there is a low diversity of native plants, a lack of efforts related to open space should emphasize ecosystem services such as stormwater canopy trees and colonization by many invasive species, which compete with native infiltration. They should also encourage interventions that will open up views to the river. species. The public realm along the Schuylkill River will be enhanced through ecological Stormwater Management improvements along the river’s banks. Currently, travelers along the Schuylkill River Careful stormwater management has become an important issue for riverfront view the overgrowth of exotic species along the river. The experience of trail users communities everywhere. Because of urbanization, storm water does not infiltrate into will be enhanced when they can view native species along the trail. While a wholesale the ground on the way to the river, but rather gets intercepted by the sewer system, conversion to native species is neither practical nor desirable from a species habitat which combines rainwater with sewer water. In large storm events, these pipes overflow point of view, demonstration areas should be created where exotic species are removed through outfalls along the river, compromising water quality and adding to area and native species should be planted. flooding. The Fairmount Park Commission has established criteria for planting in the riparian A cost effective and practical way to prevent overflow from occurring is to reduce the buffer, which can be used for the establishment of demonstration areas. 1) New amount of stormwater that enters the sewer in the first place. Practices that capture plantings should occur only if invasive plants have been controlled; 2) Plant between and filter stormwater and allow it to recharge into the groundwater system can be late March and late May or between mid September and mid November; 3) Plant integrated into sites of development and infrastructure systems along the Schuylkill. plants that are native to the Philadelphia region; 4) Plant a good mix of species; 5) These strategies have a direct impact on the water quality of the Schuylkill River and Establish a defined plan for site maintenance; 6) Include a program of site monitoring associated groundwater. if possible. The East Falls Development Corporation has recently developed a stormwater Examples of plants that have been used successfully in riparian areas along the management plan for East Falls. A primary goal of this project is to develop replicable Schuylkill River include sycamore, green ash, silky dogwood and arrow wood. Plants strategies for dealing with stormwater so that East Falls can serve as a model for that should be avoided include box elder and spice bush. stormwater management in the watershed. Numerous potential interventions have been identified that would be appropriate for East Falls. For example, the new Viewsheds municipal parking lot in East Falls, which provides fifty parking spaces under the The simplest way for riverfront neighborhoods to be connected to the river is for Roosevelt Expressway, was designed to minimize stormwater runoff through a system people to be able to see it. Walking along the river trails, the river is fully in view of bioswales and rain gardens. These features could be replicated in other parking in East Falls, while it becomes virtually hidden in Manayunk. Captivating river lots and impervious areas along the river system. In addition, infiltration areas can be and canal views will reinforce the identity of East Falls and Manayunk as riverfront integrated into the street system itself. neighborhoods. Views can be orchestrated in a very deliberate way to enhance the experience of moving along the river trails and being in river places. River Banks Important views along the river should be catalogued and considered as a part of A riparian buffer refers to land in the floodplain that is adjacent to the river, where trees, shrubs all planning and design on the waterfront. These views should not be blocked by and grasses can be found. This land is ecologically valuable because it acts as a filter for runoff new buildings or other changes to the riverfront. In certain places along the river,
26 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN overgrown vegetation may need to be selectively removed to open up potential views Recommended Plants for Open Space along the Schuylkill River that are currently obstructed. Guidelines should be developed to govern the treatment of river views in subsequent planning and design initiatives.
Planning and Implementation Strategies • Create opportunities to capture stormwater and encourage its infiltration. • Control invasive species and plant native species where possible in the riparian buffer. • Open up views of the river by selectively removing overgrown vegetation from the river banks.
Partner Organizations American sycamore, Platanus occidentalis green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica Schuylkill Project, Fairmount Park Commission, Philadelphia Water Department
Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
1.1 New parking lot under Twin Bridges 1.10 Inn Yard park redesign 1.13, 2.6, 3.12, 4.3 Viewshed restoration through selective removal of overgrown vegetation
2.4 Removal of overgrown vegetation and encouragement of native species
3.3 Landscaping strategy to restore views of Wissahickon Creek silky dogwood, Cornus ammomum arrow wood, Viburnum dentatum
4.4 Parking lots in lower Manayunk reconfigured to infiltrate stormwater Invasive Species Commonly Found along the Schuylkill River 5.3 Redevelopment of Lower Venice Island for entertainment and recreation 5.4 Potential in-river swimming facility in Manayunk 5.8 New plantings along Manayunk Canal Towpath 5.9 Restoration of hydrologic flow to the Manayunk Canal 5.11 Terraced patios for outdoor dining on Lower Venice Island 5.14 Towpath maintenance including grass mowing, cutting back overgrown vegetation and maintaining new plantings 5.15 Riverfront trail maintenance, including cutting back overgrown vegetation and river bank erosion control
box elder, Acer negundo spice bush, Lindera benzoin
Strategies for Project Implementation 27 ACTION STEP | Ensure that Private Development Relates to the River Goal 1 Goal
Existing and new private development creates nodes of activity along the riverfront Existing commercial and residential properties should be encouraged to open up their where people live, work, dine and recreate. Too often however, buildings face away buildings to the river and the Manayunk Canal, by creating riverfront entrances, from the river or prevent access by the public. Private development should be windows and awnings and riverfront café seating. Not only will these building encouraged to contribute to the riverfront environment rather than take away from it. improvements invite new economic development opportunities, but they will also enhance the experience of being on the riverfront. As properties open up their doors Existing Properties to face the river, this creates new “eyes on the street”, which will enliven the riverfront and create a greater sense of safety and security for trail users. Several places exist along the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal where existing waterfront properties face away from the river. Two key locations where this is Three steps that will encourage this opening toward the river and the canal are: occurring are along East River Road in East Falls and the Manayunk Canal Towpath 1) Create design guidelines for how properties can implement physical in Manayunk. While these businesses and residences face the main streets in town, changes to their buildings; many of them ignore an important local resource and potential economic opportunity 2) Provide design assistance to merchants along the riverfront; by turning away from the river. As East Falls and Manayunk continue to attract 3) Create incentives to encourage property owners to make these changes. Philadelphians and visitors to their restaurants, new residential locations and annual The Manayunk Development Corporation engaged consultants in December 2004 to festivals, the need for waterfront destinations will expand. develop targeted design guidelines for buildings along the Manayunk Canal Towpath.
before
The movie theater and diner next door are located next to the Schuylkill RIver. By selectively removing vegetation, visitors can enjoy views of the river. The businesses can build on these views by offering waterfront seating.
after 28 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN The Manayunk Canal Towpath Guidelines recommend the addition of balconies, bays water, prescribe preferred building massing relationships, suggest land use mixes and and decks to the backs of buildings along the river, varying by their distance to the ground floor design details and show photos of precedents from other places. path. The towpath should be planned for in accordance with these Design Guidelines Such guidelines may be prescriptive and enforced through the Planning Commission and building owners should be encouraged to make such changes. review process. This could occur through a waterfront zoning overlay category that Similar guidelines for East Falls were articulated in the East Falls Reconnects to the would prescribe these design guidelines for development along the river. Alternatively, River Plan. This document outlines targeted guidelines for façade design and signage in proposed building projects could be reviewed through a design review process. In the the business district of the neighborhood. The nature of the guidelines in East Falls are midst of planning reform efforts in the City of Philadelphia, the suggestion of a new very different from the types of recommendations that are offered for the Manayunk design review board is under consideration. Canal Towpath since the buildings in this area relate to the river very differently than The presence of design guidelines or a design review process does not necessarily they do in Manayunk. In addition to façade recommendations outlined in East Falls guarantee design success. Good buildings are produced under both loose and tight Reconnects to the River, businesses might also create decks or patios that face out to guidelines. The attitude of developers toward the project may be the largest factor the river, such as the new Italian restaurant on East River Road. in affecting project outcomes. In order to facilitate the use of these guidelines Based on the guidelines for each neighborhood, steps should be taken to help building by developers, it could be useful to include area developers in the drafting of the owners understand the potential vision for their buildings and feel encouraged to design guidelines. A public education campaign could also be used to highlight the make such changes. A campaign should be initiated to highlight the benefits of community benefits associated with the application of the design guidelines. At the these building retrofits. Also, assistance should be provided to owners to help them very least, new developments should commit to financing the maintenance of sections understand how to navigate through the approvals process. Possible incentives for of the trail or contributing to a fund to maintain these amenities. building owners to implement these changes include matching grants for façade improvements. Negotiate for Public Access Façade grants are offered by the Philadelphia City Commerce Department and The community of East Falls enjoys full public access to the river, since riverfront land the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation that can be used in the throughout this area is owned and maintained by the Fairmount Park Commission. application of design guidelines. This program provides rebate grants to businesses undertaking specific improvements. Private investments are matched up to $5,000 for a single commercial property or up to $10,000 for a multiple address business property. These grants support the addition of windows, façade masonry, lighting, Design guidelines may prescribe cornices, painting, signage and sidewalks. All of these elements are relevant to the windows and entrances that face design guidelines for East Falls and Manayunk businesses. the river, sidewalk cafes and other seating, walking and biking trails New Development between the river and the buildings, a landscape palette that bridges the New developments along the river should be similarly encouraged to open up their river bank and the buildings and buildings to the river, by creating riverfront entrances, windows and awnings and the installation of bike racks, light- riverfront café seating. In order to encourage these elements in new development ing and other amenities. Above: projects along the Schuylkill River, design guidelines can be created to model new River Place, Portland OR development. These guidelines might show relationships between buildings and the Strategies for Project Implementation 29 North of the Wissahickon Creek however, most land is privately owned and several An alternative option for creating public access is to negotiate easements and/or sites are slated for new development. Private property along these segments of the river developer maintenance agreements with private landowners. Easements are legally should afford public access to the water. To this point, access easements have been binding agreements in which property ownership is retained but the rights to public negotiated on a case-by-case basis. In order to create a continuous, publicly accessible access of the land are released. This sort of provision can conserve a property into river edge, these areas should be connected. To negotiate public access in the future, perpetuity, while providing the landowner with federal tax credits. Easements can a defined strategy should be identified. While existing regulatory and non-regulatory be approached on a case-by-case basis, but they lack the potential to provide unified strategies could enable public access, this plan recommends that the clients protect solutions for the entire study area. Because conservation easements are voluntary, riverfront land through a combination of two methods – creation of an overlay zoning neither the City of Philadelphia nor the Schuylkill Project have the right to force district and the continued negotiation of public access easements. compliance. In a few select locations where it is important to ensure access, such easements can be an efficient way of targeting efforts for riverfront protection. An overlay zoning district is superimposed over the existing zoning in an area. It includes a set of regulatory criteria that are applied to that overlay zone. This approach Planning and Implementation Strategies will offer the most comprehensive assurance that public access will be afforded along the riverfront. In Manayunk, existing special use controls already require a setback • Create guidelines to help existing property owners relate to the river. of at least 25 feet from the canal for all new buildings whose height exceeds 25 feet. • Create design guidelines to illustrate how new developments can relate Along the river, a setback of 8 feet and no less than 5 feet from the top of the riverbank to the river. is required to allow for unrestricted public access to the river’s edge. Within the • Negotiate for public access to the river in areas of private property. setback, all new development is required to build a public access trail for the entire river frontage of the lot. Partner Organizations Similar standards should be created for the entire riverfront and should be coordinated Schuylkill Project, Fairmount Park Commission, Philadelphia Water Department, with standards for the Delaware Waterfront. Suggested standards for the Delaware Philadelphia City Planning Commission, City Council, Philadelphia Department of Riverfront includes a zoning overlay similar to Manayunk’s, reserving 100 feet along Commerce, Manayunk Development Corporation, East Falls Development Corp. the waterfront for public access. Planning for the rest of the Schuylkill should also include the development of consistent riverfront easement standards. While the Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53) creation of standards is necessary, developers have been able to circumvent these 1.4 East Falls private properties easement requirements through the zoning process. Most new development on Venice 1.6 Midvale Avenue streetscape improvements Island in Manayunk, for example, is being built without these standard easements. 1.7 Redevelopment of the Rivage site With zoning changes that will occur in Philadelphia in the next several years, enforcement of such standards will hopefully increase. 3.7 New bikeway promenade on Ridge Avenue 3.8 Redevelopment of the Duron Paints site The preferred river access requirement for riverfront development can be found in the 3.9 Waterfront access and new trail connections behind the Duron Paints site Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s River Greenway Design Guidelines. These 3.11 Diner redesigned as riverfront plaza guidelines describe a Waterfront zoning classification that includes a “waterfront setback” to allow for unrestricted public access to the water’s edge. The setback is 50 5.5 Property retrofit on Lower Venice Island feet that must include a public space with a 30’ width and a 20’ publicly or privately 6.2 Negotiations with developer to build river trails as part of new developments owned space dedicated to pedestrian or bicycle movement. 6.3 Trail maintenance standards for private property owners
30 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Goal 2 | Improve Movement Along And To The River
The analysis of trail connections reveals much about how easily people can move along the length of the river or link from neighborhoods to the river. It is clear that many trail segments exist where people can move along seamlessly. At the same time however, several gaps exist along the length of the river trail and barriers prevent people from moving between neighborhoods and the riverfront. Some of these gaps exist in places where there is much potential new trail connections to be established. Because of these gaps and barriers, people often feel reluctant to venture too far up or down the river from where they are. In other cases, changes need to be made to the street system to encourage connections. Wayfinding signage, visual cues and appropriate trail infrastructure are necessary to achieve a fully connected system of movement.
In order to improve movement along the river, trail connections should occur where Bus stop in the Gateway Area there are currently gaps, guidelines should be developed to establish a unified visual identity and ensure continued maintenance and streets should be modified to allow for better movement of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Strengths • The Gateway Area, along Ridge Avenue between Wissahickon Creek and the Main Street Ridge Avenue fork, is the junction between transit, trails and roads; it
2 G oal is also the place where various neighborhoods come together. Weaknesses Traffic on Ridge Avenue • Heavy traffic in East Falls and the Gateway Area prevents pedestrians from walking into the business district or further along the trail. • The trail narrows at the mouth of the Wissahickon on to a raised sidewalk with two way bicycle and pedestrian traffic, causing dangerous conditions. • The PECO transformers at the Wissahickon Creek and private buildings in Lower Manayunk prevent trails from being developed in these areas. • Poor signage and lack of visual cues along the trails and in the Gustine Lake Interchange makes wayfinding difficult. Opportunities • New gateway and wayfinding signage based on the East Falls Wayfinding Plan will Poor ped and bike connections on Ridge Avenue help people to find their way throughout East Falls. Pencoyd Bridge • The Pencoyd Bridge, Blackie Bridge and the Manayunk Viaduct are planned linkages between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township.
Strategies for Project Implementation 31 ACTION STEP | Connect the Trail System Where There are Gaps Goal 2 Goal
Trail Connections Planning and Implementation Strategies Trails are the primary route for people to move along the Schuylkill. The trails along • Connect the gaps in the trail system. the Schuylkill weave through urbanized riverfront neighborhoods, as well as pastoral, • Create trail options by the river and on the street in the Gateway area, natural areas. These trails are heavily utilized and functional in some areas and between the Wissahickon Creek and the Ridge Avenue/Main Street split. neglected and poorly maintained in others. The first step in assuring movement all along the river is to fix the existing gaps in the trail. Partner Organizations Schuylkill Project, Fairmount Park Commission, Philadelphia Water Department
Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
3.2 Streetscape improvements along lower Main Street Waterfront trail 3.7 New on-street trail on both sides of Ridge Avenue needs repairs in 3.9 some places Waterfront access and new trail connections behind the Duron Paints site 4.1 New riverfront trail segment between Pencoyd Bridge and the CVS in Manayunk 4.2 New link to Lower Merion Township on Pencoyd Bridge Gap: No waterfront trail on 5.6 Bike trail along abandoned rail bed on Lower Venice Island Venice Island 5.9 New link to Lower Merion Township through Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge Manayunk Canal Towpath connection 6.2 Negotiations with developer to build river trails as part of new developments 6.3 New continuous trail along Upper Venice Island Gap: Connections Gap: Trail moves to Lower Merion to high traffic trails are needed corridor
Planned reconstruction of trail from EF Bridge to Ridge Ave. Intact trail Existing Gap in trail Schuylkill Trail
This gap analysis identifies the gaps in the trail system.
32 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Trail Options for the Gateway Area
PEN On-road trail: Alignment would cOyD B riDGE On roads and sidewalks: need to cross the Wissahickon Marked crosswalks, smart Creek, the SEPTA Transfer Link to Lower crossings and sharrows can Station and several driveways. Merion Trails. help to promote ped/bike safety.
Cyclists can ride on The waterfront trail and/or DiNEr Ridge Avenue as an on-road connections lead mOviE alternative link between to the Pencoyd Bridge, thEatEr this area and the Kelly which connects to trails in Drive trail downriver. Montgomery County. SELF- StOraGE SEPta There is plenty of waterfront space to bring a trail behind the DurON movie theater and parking lots. PaiNtS
PEcO EEK PennDOT bridge cr removal will create The Self-Storage facility blocks KON safer conditions the waterfront trail connection. for pedestrians on ahic KELL Ridge Avenue. SS green Route: Riverfront Trail Possible bridge and i
W Red Route: Ridge Avenue pathway to bypass the y Multi-Purpose Trail D on-road alignment would rivE GuStiNE LaKE Orange Route: On-Road require a path through or iNtErchaNGE Ped/Bike Amenities next to the PECO site. trai L
OPtiONS FOr WiSSahicKON GatEWay traiL cONNEctiONS Strategies for Project Implementation 33
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 9 ACTION STEP | Improve and Maintain the Quality of Trails Goal 2 Goal
Design Guidelines East Falls has already developed a plan for a coordinated signage system that they are in the process of implementing. This plan recommends that the Schuylkill River While the trail in these different sections of the river will express qualities unique to National and State Heritage Area (SRNSHA) signage be used along the river trail and each locale, they should be unified by a coherent set of visual cues that let people know in the riverfront district in order to link East Falls with the rest of the Heritage Area. that each trail segment is a part of the larger system. Trail guidelines should be created In these areas, interpretive signage, trail blades and directional signs will be used, based to unify the trail system. These guidelines will illustrate and dimension typical trail on the SRNSHA signage template. In the rest of East Falls, the Direction Philadelphia widths, vegetation, trail lighting, signage and breakdown of travel lanes. Not only will system will be used to link East Falls with the rest of the city. These signs include these guidelines create an overall identity for Schuylkill River trails, but they will also gateway, directional and arrival signs. At three trailheads in the study area and the new dictate a standard level of quality for all trails within the system. East Falls parking lot, the Fairmount Park sign design is being used with Schuylkill The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has developed a set of River Greenway River State and National Heritage Area content. The use of the Fairmount Park Design Guidelines for rivers in Philadelphia. These guidelines will be very useful as a Trailhead sign template in these areas allows these trails to be identified as part of the starting point for trail design along the Schuylkill River from East Falls to Flat Rock Fairmount Park system. This plan recommends that the system of signage usage that Dam. They specify right of way and riverbank treatment for naturalized shorelines has been employed in East Falls be applied to the entire study area. as well as stabilized shorelines. They also offer a palette for plantings and addition of amenities such as trash receptacles, lighting and benches. In some cases, more detailed Planning and Implementation Strategies guidelines that address site-specific conditions in this area may be called for. • Create and implement design guidelines to unify the trail system. • Create trail maintenance standards. Trail Maintenance Standards • Coordinate signage and wayfinding along the trail system.
For the trail system to be successful, it must be maintained to a standard level of Partner Organizations quality. To facilitate this process, trail maintenance standards will establish the protocol for maintenance activities. See the Operations Management Plan for Schuylkill Project, Fairmount Park Commission, Philadelphia Water Department standards for the Schuylkill River system. Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
Signage and Wayfinding 2.2 Trail widening and improvements from Falls Bridge to the Wissahickon Creek Signage is a crucial element to help trail users and visitors of riverfront neighborhoods 2.3 New wayfinding signage along improved trail understand where they are and where they are going. Signs can improve public safety, 3.5 Improvements at trailhead to the Wissahickon encourage stewardship by local community groups and increase recreational use. The installation of signage can raise the profile of an area relatively quickly and without 4.5 Trail maintenance along the river too much expense. Many partner organizations understand this and have developed 5.14, 6.5 Towpath maintenance including grass mowing, cutting back overgrown wayfinding and interpretive signage for various areas of the Schuylkill Riverfront. vegetation and maintaining new plantings Fairmount Park, the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area, and the City of 5.15, 6.6 Riverfront trail maintenance, including cutting back overgrown Philadelphia all offer a palette of options. In order to unify the trail system throughout vegetation and river bank erosion control the study area, a coordinated set of signage guidelines should be developed for the 6.3 Trail maintenance standards for private property owners Schuylkill River taking advantage of existing signage systems that are available. 34 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Riverfront Trail
6 5 2
4 1 3
before after
Pros 1) Establish new trail connections where possible. Trail widths and materials should be consistent with the rest of the trail system. • This alignment would make a direct visual and physical connection with the Schuylkill River. 2) Trim back overgrown vegetation above and next to trails. Recommended • This alignment would be a preferred approach of recreational Guidelines 3) Fix crumbling river walls next to the trail. trail users. 4) Prevent erosion of river banks through structural reinforcement. • Public waterfront access has already been negotiated with 5) Selectively remove vegetation from the river banks so that trail users can see property owners. the river.
Cons 6) Plant native vegetation on river banks where appropriate. • Construction could be held up by years of permitting. • A path through the PECO or SEPTA site would have to be negotiated to bring people back to the waterfront.
Strategies for Project Implementation 35 ACTION STEP | Allow For Better Pedestrian and Bicycle Movement on Streets Goal 2 Goal
Streetscape Improvements Planning and Implementation Strategies • Implement streetscape improvements in targeted areas. A primary component of the vision for the riverfront is to make physical connections • Install dedicated bikeways where necessary to connect two trail segments. between riverfront neighborhoods and the river itself. There are many such • Create streetscape guidelines to guide improvements. neighborhood connections along the length of the river realm. Most often, these are perpendicular streets where the link to the river has not been fully actualized. In East Partner Organizations Falls, pedestrians along the business corridor on Midvale Avenue and Ridge Avenue are not consistently drawn to the river, even though it lies only a block away. Similarly, Schuylkill Project, PennDOT, SEPTA, Streets Dept, Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition in Manayunk, visitors to Main Street do not realize the existence of the canal one hundred feet below, because of the topography change between them. In the area of Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53) Wissahickon Falls, the route between the R6 Rail Station, the SEPTA Transfer Station 1.6 Midvale Avenue pedestrian island and lighting and the riverfront is difficult to traverse, requiring a long walk along a narrow sidewalk 1.7 Intersection improvements coordinated with redevelopment of Rivage site between overgrown vegetation and fast-moving traffic. 1.11 Traffic calming measures on Kelly Drive in East Falls In order to strengthen these connections, targeted improvements should be made along 2.1 Gustine Lake Interchange improvements these perpendicular streets. Conditions along these streets should encourage views and walking paths that lead to the river. This will occur through new pedestrian-scale 3.1 SEPTA Transfer Station improvements lighting, landscape improvements and enhanced pedestrian crossings. In addition 3.4 New pedestrian bridge over Wissahickon Creek to these traditional streetscape elements, these perpendicular streets can also make 3.7 New bikeway promenade on Ridge Avenue an ecological and aesthetic connection to the river by acting as filtration systems for 3.10 Signage improvements at the Main Street/Ridge Avenue fork stormwater (see Integrate Stormwater Management Projects later in this section). 5.13 Initiate streetscape improvements on perpendicular streets leading to the The East Falls Development Corporation recently led a process to develop a plan for canal- Cotton Street, Levering Street, Rector Street, Long Street public improvements along the riverfront that focused on these types of streetscape improvements. This plan, East Falls Reconnects to the River, recommends public improvements in East Falls, relating to neighborhood gateways, driving and parking conditions, walking and biking accessibility and view corridors. These recommendations include widening of sidewalks, visual linkages to the river, new pedestrian signals and crosswalks, landscaping, and new pedestrian lighting. As these interventions are completed, the East Falls neighborhood will become better connected to the river. So far, Phase I recommendations have been funded. Other areas along the Schuylkill should follow suit by creating similar guidelines and implementing streetscape improvements. Such changes are called for in the Ridge Avenue Gateway plan. This plan recommends the improvement of walking conditions between the R6 Rail Station and the creekside SEPTA Transfer Station. In Manayunk, simple improvements to perpendicular streets will help to make the connection between the town and the water. 36 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Ridge Avenue Multi-Purpose Trail
5
1 4 2 3
before after
Pros 1) Create a dedicated trail on the street that is separated from traffic. • This alignment would connect the Kelly Drive Trail with 2) Install stripes and symbols to separate bikeway lanes. Manayunk without forcing cyclists and pedestrians to cross Recommended 3) Create a vegetative barrier between vehicle lanes and the bikeway. traffic. Guidelines 4) Create a vegetative barrier between bikeway and pedestrian mixed use area that can • This alignment could be installed as part of new potential be used to capture and infiltrate stormwater coming off the road. development on the site. 5) Create a zone for strolling pedestrians in the mixed use area. • This alignment would be highly visible to anyone passing through the area.
Cons • This alignment crosses the SEPTA Transfer Station as well as several driveways, which would raise ped/bike safety concerns
Strategies for Project Implementation 37 Ridge Avenue Bike/Ped Improvements
5
2 1
3 4
before after Gateway to Roxborough
Pros 1) Trim back overgrown vegetation • This alignment could be implemented quickly and simply. Recommended 2) Build a retaining wall to hold back earth and vegetation from the sidewalk Guidelines Cons 3) Remove dirt that has silted over the sidewalk from the adjacent slope
• This alignment forces trail users to cross the heavy traffic on 4) Add sharrows, or pavement markings, to remind drivers of the presence of Ridge Avenue and then cross again less than a block later if they cyclists on the road. want to go to Manayunk. 5) Add gateway signage announcing the entrance to Roxborough. • There is insufficient space to widen the sidewalk in any way. Space will be tight for accommodating volumes of trail users. • Sharrows on the road will help cyclists move “Up the Ridge”, but will cause safety conflicts for those traveling to Manayunk.
38 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN 4
2
3
1
before after Gateway to East Falls
1) Add sharrows, or pavement markings, to remind drivers of the presence Recommended of cyclists on the road. Eliminate parking on the south side of the road to accommodate cyclists. Guidelines 2) As a result of planned bridge removal in the Gustine lake Interchange, traffic from the Interchange will meet Ridge Road at a T intersection. 3) Plant and maintain a landscape that is inviting to cyclists, pedestrians and motorists as they enter East Falls. 4) Use banners to signal the gateway into East Falls.
Strategies for Project Implementation 39 Goal 3 | Engage People In The Life Of The River
Skepticism by the public over the water quality of the river and the surrounding environment can prevent people from caring about the river and engaging in its renewal. Interpretive signage and environmental education programming can do a lot to strengthen the understanding by people of these environmental quality issues. Routine riverside cleanup activities, removal of floating debris and management of invasive species on the river bank are important for preserving a base line level of environmental quality. The many festivals that already take place along the river have done much to raise the awareness of the public in the last several years. Other events can be created to complement existing festivals. People will also enjoy the river more when there are abundant recreational opportunities available to them. People should be able to “get wet” through boating, fishing and swimming.
Strengths
• Schuylkill River water quality is suitable for all recreational opportunities. • Interesting educational signage is located at the East Falls overlook (5 fishes signs). 3 G oal • Innovative environmental education program established in Manayunk. Opportunities
• Fishing and boating activities are popular in East Falls and Manayunk and could be expanded. • Many river-related educational resources exist along the river including the Fairmount Waterworks and the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.
Educational signage in East Falls
40 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN ACTION STEP | Continue Existing Educational Opportunities and Expand Program Offerings Goal 3 Goal
Environmental Education Stormwater Education To promote and enhance existing and planned initiatives on the Schuylkill River, Stormwater management has already been emphasized as an important component of educational programming should be developed. Through educational programming, the open space system along the Schuylkill River. Educational initiatives could be used the next generation of advocates for the river will be given the opportunity to to complement these stormwater interventions. This could include the distribution of understand the workings of the hydrologic cycle and the complexity of plant rain barrels to residents at low cost, the creation of a program to demonstrate how the maintenance on the river banks. use of rain barrels is connected to Schuylkill River health and the use of interpretive signage at stormwater infiltration sites to educate the public about this issue. The Schuylkill Project currently offers a successful watershed education program with four schools- Shawmont, St. Bridget’s, Mifflin and Dobson and one community Planning and Implementation Strategies center- the North Light Community Center. This program was created for students in grades 4 through 8. The program includes four watershed education classes taught • Continue existing environmental education opportunities offered by the by environmental educators from the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education; Schuylkill Project. a full day trip to the Schuylkill Center; a field trip to the Fairmount Waterworks • Expand program offerings where possible. Interpretive Center; and three volunteer sessions where students cleanup and plant • Create a program of stormwater education. the river’s banks. Such programming engages students in issues concerning the river and exposes them to changes along the riverbanks. It also gives them an opportunity Partner Organizations to be involved in restoration activities. This program can serve as a model for other Schuylkill Project, EFDC, MDC, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, educational programming along the river. area schools, Fairmount Park, Friends of the Wissahickon
Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
1.1 New parking lot under Twin Bridges 1.2 Bathey House 6.1 Expand the Schuylkill Project’s environmental education and trail maintenance program
The Schuylkill Project’s Environmental Education program engages students in riverfront restoration.
Strategies for Project Implementation 41 ACTION STEP | Support Existing and Create New Festivals and Events along the River Goal 3 Goal
Events on the river create opportunities for residents and visitors to interact with the river. Not only does this provide enjoyment and build community, but it also encourages people to want to preserve the river and care about water quality. Many festivals and events currently exist in East Falls and Manayunk. The East Falls Development Corporation holds a Fishing Festival and the Arts by the River Festival in the fall and the East Falls Bike Race Block Party every June to bring people to the river. Once the East Falls landing is created, they will be able to utilize that space as well. In Manayunk, the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, Manayunk Second Saturdays and the Manayunk Arts Festival are all popular community events. With each of these events centered around Main Street Manayunk, the opportunity exists to expand to the area around the Manayunk Canal. If businesses open their doors onto the canal at festival time, these events would naturally spill out onto the towpath. New events can be planned which occur on the river itself. One possible event would be a family triathlon, which would incorporate biking, canoeing and walking, and a Philadelphia tube race. The triathlon could be designed to connect Manayunk and East Falls, as well as Lower Merion Township. Other possible events include treasure hunts, orienteering and Second Saturdays.
Planning and Implementation Next Steps Above: the Lighting of the Falls Bridge was an iconic event on the East Falls • Continue existing festivals and events. riverfront. • Work with other community organizations to advertise and support their riverfront events. Right: The Manayunk Arts Festival • Be creative in developing new concepts for events and festivals. draws thousands to town. This is a tremendous opportunity to promote Partner Organizations activities on the river and the canal. East Falls Development Corporation, Manayunk Development Corporation, Schuylkill Project, Fairmount Park Commission
Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
1.8 Falls Bridge lit at night 5.10 Install a canal lock and initiate a “boat ride” 5.11 Terraced patios for outdoor dining on Lower Venice Island
42 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN ACTION STEP | Get People Wet Goal 3 Goal
Boating to the southern tip of the island by two gangways. This deck would offer gentle steps and seating alcoves in the river. Boating on the river allows residents to see the river from a different perspective. In a boat, people can travel further along the river than they might otherwise if they are Fishing walking or biking along it. As more publicly accessible landings are created along the Schuylkill, more people can take advantage of this opportunity. Fishing is one of the most popular activities that takes place along the Schuylkill River. Existing boating programs on the Schuylkill have been so popular that tours fill People stop to fish at formal riverfront landings and at informal rock outcroppings up to capacity. For example, the Schuylkill Project has teamed with Hidden River along the sloped riverbank. This important recreational opportunity can be supported Outfitters to offer kayaking tours. These tours launch from Manayunk on Venice by building new river access landings, making improvements to existing landings and Island and include lunch at the nearby Manayunk Brewery. As the planned river access strengthening the informal riverfront spots. landings are built on the tip of Venice Island and East Falls, these types of boat tour New river access landings are planned in East Falls and Manayunk. While they are not opportunities should be expanded and connected with other local businesses in the yet funded, studies have been done to identify ideal locations and renderings have been area. In addition to river tours, dragon boat racing is a popular activity that takes place developed to visualize these facilities. In addition, the Midvale Steps in East Falls is an on the Schuylkill. important existing river landing and may be the most popular fishing spot in the study In an effort to expand the types of boating options available along the Schuylkill, the area. These steps however, are too steep to safely bring users down to the river and are Schuylkill Project is currently investigating the feasibility of offering paddle boat tours in need of repairs and routine maintenance. A redesign of these steps should establish of the Manayunk Canal. This effort would boost activity in the canal towpath area a ramp for ADA accessibility, extend the landing further out into the river, create a and create new expansion opportunities for local businesses. Paddle boats cannot be railing at the base of the steps and specify the repairs and maintenance that should introduced to the canal until the hydrologic flow of the canal is restored. occur there. Informal riverfront spots can also be identified by looking at use patterns throughout Swimming the study area. In East Falls, people fish north of the Falls Bridge, at points along the naturalized riverbank where there is a clearing in the vegetation. Similar fishing spots In addition to boating, local swimming facilities offer an opportunity for improved exist on the tip of lower Venice Island and areas along the trail north of Manayunk. health and fitness for residents of the city, especially youth. The addition of these types While these areas offer a pleasant place to fish, overuse of these spaces will lead to of facilities would fill a Philadelphia-wide shortage of in-city swimming opportunities, erosion of the riverbank and disturbance of habitat. In order to address such issues, as community centers continue to be closed due to budget shortages. In addition to these fishing places should be designed to minimize negative impacts while providing a providing an additional opportunity for recreation on the Schuylkill, swimming in the naturalized and informal character setting. river would symbolize a pre-industry level of health. An investigation is currently underway to assess the feasibility of sites for swimming in Planning and Implementation Strategies the Schuylkill River. To swim in the Schuylkill River, a floating pool that is moored • Support the development of river businesses such as tours, canoe and to the river bank must be used due to the high velocity waters of the Schuylkill fishing outfitters. River. One site has been chosen for its proximate location to surrounding riverfront • Support the development of an in-river swimming facility. destinations and location away from fast-rushing water. This potential swimming • Develop small informal fishing sites along the river. location would serve as a wading pool at south of the Blackie Bridge at the southern end of Venice Island. It would consist of a floating pool deck that would be connected
Strategies for Project Implementation 43 Partner Organizations East Falls Development Corporation, Manayunk Development Corporation, Fairmount Park Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department
Associated Projects (See Atlas of Projects, pages 41-53)
2.5 Informal Fishing Sites Along East Falls Connector 3.6 Potential for recreationally-based land use 3.7 New bikeway promenade on Ridge Avenue 5.1 Permanent boat launch on Lower Venice Island 5.3 Redevelopment of Lower Venice Island for entertainment and recreation 5.4 Potential in-river swimming facility in Manayunk
Above: Example of an in-river swimming facility Right above: Historic swimming location on the Schuylkill Right below: Proposed location for an in-river swimming facility on the Schuylkill River.
44 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN ATLAS OF PROJECTS | Existing, Planned and Recommended
The Action Steps of the previous chapter were deigned to be applicable all along the The table characterizes each project according to the goal that it corresponds with. Schuylkill River in the Study Area, though specific projects are located in particular The table gives an estimated cost, identifies partner agencies and references any locations. The Study Area has been divided into six geographic sections to facilitate related planning efforts. In cases where a estimated cost has not been calculated, this process. This Atlas of Projects catalogs all planned and recommended projects, an order of magnitude estimation has been given. This is given by $ for low order along with regular maintenance concerns, for the six geographic segments. Each of of magnitude and $$$$ for the highest order of magnitude. these projects is located on the associated reference map. An implementation table accompanies the list of projects.
Segments of the River Realm
6 Key to Acronyms Environmental Education Area EFBA- East Falls Business Association EFDC- East Falls Development Corporation 5 FP- Fairmount Park MDC- Manayunk Development Corporation Heart of Manayunk PCPC- Philadelphia City Planning Commission 4 SP- Schuylkill Project Lower Manayunk Key to Symbols 3 Goal 1: Create great places on the river Goal 2: Improve movement along & to the river REM Gateway Goal 3: Engage people in the life of the river
2 * Priority Projects Gustine Lake Interchange 1
East Falls River Business District
Atlas of Projects 45 Segment 1: East Falls River Business District
Recently Completed and Planned Projects Goals Agency Related Plans Status 1.1 New parking lot under Twin Bridges 1.1 EFDC; PennDOT; FP; East Falls MP Completed Parking Auth. 1.2 Bathey House as a privately operated information center and kiosk with concessions 1.2 EFDC Planned 1.3 New murals at base of Roosevelt Expressway 1.4 Private properties engaged with the river realm through façade improvements 1.3 EFDC; Philadelphia Planned Mural Arts 1.5 Gateway pedestrian island and lights at entry to business district on Midvale Avenue* 1.4 EFDC; PCPC; property Manayunk Canal Design Ongoing 1.6 Streetscape improvements on Midvale Avenue and East River Road as specified in the owners; Commerce Guidelines; EF Reconnects East Falls Reconnects Plan, including pedestrian scale street lights on East River Road and Dept.; PCPC with the River improved pedestrian crossing areas on Midvale Avenue and Kelly Drive 1.5 EFDC; Streets Dept. EF Reconnects with the River Construction begins 2009 1.7 Intersection improvements at the terminus of East Falls Bridge, coordinated with 1.6 EFDC; PennDOT EF Reconnects with the River Ongoing redevelopment of the Rivage block 1.8 Lighting of the Falls Bridge 1.7 EFDC; Streets Dept. EF Reconnects with the River Ongoing 1.9 Planned East Falls landing 1.8 EFDC; FP; Streets Dept; EF Reconnects with the River Completed 1.10 Inn Yard Park reconceived as a riverfront park with links between the park and the water EF Historical Society; in coordination with planned tot lot EFBA 1.9 EFDC EF Reconnects with the River Planned Recommended Projects 1.11 Initiate traffic calming measures on Kelly Drive* 1.10 EFDC; Friends of Inn Planned Yard Park; FP 1.12 Restore the Midvale Steps 1.11 Schuylkill Project; FP; Recommended Streets Dept. Regular Maintenance Concerns 1.12 EFDC; FP EF Reconnects with the River Recommended 1.13 Maintain viewsheds to river by selectively eliminating overgrown vegetation 1.13 SP; FP Management Plan Planned
46 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN RivageRivage SiteSite
7 13 InnInn YardYard ParkPark 10 9 8 6 FallsFalls BridgeBridge MidvaleMidvale 5 StepsSteps 12 4 11 3 KellyKelly DriveDrive 1 TrailTrail 2
SchuylkillSchuylkill RiverRiver WestWest TrailTrail
Atlas of Projects 47 Segment 2: Gustine Lake Interchange
Recently Completed and Planned Projects Goals Agency Related Plans Status 2.1 Change traffic pattern through junction improvements following the Gateway Plan 2.1 EFDC; PennDOT; FP; Ridge Avenue Gateway Plan Planning phase Streets Dept. 2.2 Trail widening and improvements from Falls Bridge to the Wissahickon Creek 2.2 FP Goes to bid Fall 2007 Recommended Projects 2.3 Schuylkill River SRNSHA Signage Guidelines Guidelines available 2.3 Install new wayfinding signage National & State Heritage Area; SP 2.4 Initiate improvements on the river banks by removing invasive vegetation and encouraging native species 2.4 SP; FP Plan to emerge with FP talk 2.5 Identify fishing rocks at water’s edge; open up paths to these areas 2.5 SP Recommended
Regular Maintenance Concerns 2.6 SP; FP Management Plan Plan to emerge with FP talk 2.6 Maintain and enhance viewsheds to river by selectively eliminating overgrown vegetation
48 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN SEPTA Transfer Station
1 6
4 2 Gustine 3 Lake
Schuylkill River West Trail
5
KellyKelly DriveDrive TrailTrail
Atlas of Projects 49 Segment 3: Roxborough-East Falls-Manayunk Gateway
Recently Completed and Planned Projects Goal Agency Related Plans Status 3.1 SEPTA Transfer Center improvements 3.1 SEPTA Completed 3.2 Improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians in area of lower Main Street* 3.2 MDC; PennDOT Planned, but not Recommended Projects funded 3.3 Initiate a landscaping strategy to open up views to Wissahickon Creek 3.3 FP; SP; Private owners Recommended 3.4 Create a new bike and pedestrian bridge across the creek* 3.4 PennDOT; Streets Gateway Plan Recommended 3.5 Initiate improvements at the trailhead to the Wissahickon- improve signage, update bus Dept. shelter, create link to bikeway across the street 3.5 FP; SEPTA Gateway Plan Recommended 3.6 Potential for redevelopment to recreationally-based use - e.g. bike rentals FP; Private property Gateway Plan Recommended 3.7 Create new on-street trails on either side of Ridge Avenue between the Creek and the fork* 3.6 owner 3.8 Redevelop the Duron Paints site 3.7 PennDOT; Streets Gateway Plan Recommended Dept. 3.9 Create waterfront access and trail connections at the river’s edge 3.10 3.8 Private property Gateway Plan Recommended Improve signage at the Manayunk/Roxborough fork owners 3.11 Diner redesigned as a waterfront plaza 3.9 Private property own- Gateway Plan Recommended ers; SP Regular Maintenance Concerns 3.10 MDC; RCDC Gateway Plan Recommended 3.12 Maintain viewsheds to river by selectively eliminating overgrown vegetation 3.11 MDC; PennDOT Gateway Plan Recommended
3.12 SP; FP; Private Management Plan Planned, but not property owners funded
50 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Pencoyd 2 Bridge
10
11 7 6 5 8 1 9 3 4
Schuylkill River West Trail
Atlas of Projects 51 Segment 4: Lower Manayunk
Recommended Projects Goal Agency Related Plans Status 4.1 Construct new trail along the river from Pencoyd Bridge to the CVS* 4.1 MDC; Fairmount Park Recommended 4.2 Create link to Lower Merion Township with new Pencoyd Bridge connection 4.2 MDC; LMT; bridge LM Open Space Plan Recommended 4.3 Selectively remove vegetation so that the river can be viewed from the trail owner 4.3 SP Recommended 4.4 Reconfigure parking lots as riverfront amenity, stressing the management of stormwater and protection of water quality 4.4 SP; FP Recommended Regular Maintenance Concerns 4.6 MDC; property Management Plan Planned 4.5 Trail maintenance along the river owners
52 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Schuylkill River West Trail
1
5
3
4 2
Atlas of Projects 53 Segment 5: Heart of Manayunk
Goal Agency Related Plans Status 5.1 SP; MDC Lower Venice Island Master Planned Plan; River Access at Venice Recently Completed and Planned Projects Island 5.1 Build more permanent boat launch as planned on Lower Venice Island* 5.2 MDC Schuylkill Canal Locks Out to bid Fall 2007 5.2 Restore the canal lock at the end of the Manayunk Canal Restoration Project MDC Lower Venice Island Master Planned and 5.3 Complete proposed redevelopment of Lower Venice Island, with underground retention 5.3 Plan funded basin* 5.4 MDC Lower Venice Island Master Planned and 5.4 In-river swimming facility* Plan funded 5.5 Encourage properties on Manayunk Canal to open doors on the canal based on existing 5.5 MDC; property owners Manayunk Canal Design Planned design guidelines Guidelines 5.6 Develop bike trail in abandoned rail bed on river side of the canal 5.6 MDC Planned for when rail line shuts down 5.7 New plantings along the Manayunk Canal Towpath 5.7 SP; Friends of Ongoing 5.8 Restore hydrologic flow to the Manayunk Canal* Manayunk Canal 5.9 Create link between Manayunk Canal Towpath and Lower Merion township through 5.8 FP Out to bid Fall 2007 Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge connection* 5.9 MDC; LMT LM Open Space Plan Planned Recommended Projects 5.10 Install a lock gate and establish a “boat ride” concept* 5.10 MDC In idea stage 5.11 Establish a series of patios stepping down to the river that can be used for outdoor dining MDC Recommended 5.12 Enhance views to the canal from intersections on Main Street 5.11 5.13 Initiate streetscape improvements on perpendicular streets leading to the canal- 5.12 MDC Recommended Cotton Street, Levering Street, Rector Street, Long Street
Regular Maintenance Concerns 5.13 MDC; Streets Dept; Recommended Commerce Dept 5.14 Towpath maintenance, including grass mowing, cutting back overgrown vegetation and maintaining new plantings 5.14 MDC; FP Ongoing; MDC 5.15 Riverfront trail maintenance, including cutting back overgrown vegetation and river bank erosion control 5.15 MDC Will be initiated once trail is built 54 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN IvyIvy RidgeRidge TrailTrail ConnectionConnection
8 2 7 9
6 12 VeniceVenice IslandIsland 5
.5.5 milesmiles toto BelmontBelmont Station
13 3
CynwydCynwyd TrailTrail 2 1 11 4 1.5 miles to Cynwyd Station BlackieBlackie BridgeBridge
Atlas of Projects 55 Segment 6: Environmental Education Area
Recently Completed and Planned Projects Goal Agency Related Plans Status 6.1 Expand environmental education initiative used to maintain this segment of trail 6.1 SP; MDC 5 schools already engaged Recommended Projects 6.2 MDC Previous discussions 6.2 Negotiate with developers to build river trails as part of new developments have taken place 6.3 SP trail standards should 6.3 Develop standards for how trails should be maintained by private property owners be developed 6.4 Create a continuous path along the river with penetration points every 500 feet 6.4 SP; Property owners Recommended
Regular Maintenance Concerns 6.5 Property owners Management plan Dependent upon vegetation strategy 6.5 Towpath maintenance, including grass mowing, cutting back overgrown vegetation and for river bank maintaining new plantings 6.6 MDC; property owners Management Plan Dependent upon 6.6 Riverfront trail maintenance, including cutting back overgrown vegetation and river bank vegetation strategy erosion control for river bank
56 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN 1
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VeniceVenice IslandIsland
Atlas of Projects 57 Priority Next Steps
In the fall of 2008 the Schuylkill Project Steering Committee evaulated and prioritized plan recommendations. The projects listed here are now being developed in greater detail. Funding is either being pursued or is already committed for each of these initiatives. Implementation updates will be available on www.destinationschuylkillriver.org
Priority Project Cost Agency Related Plans Implementation Details
Connecting Gateway area $2 million for bridge Fairmount Park; Schuylkill Project; Ridge Avenue Gateway Plan Working drawings for the preferred Project trail connections & trail connection; SEPTA; PennDOT bridge option have been completed $1.6 million for trail $200,000 Eng. Assesment by Urban Engineers.
East Falls River $450,000 - $700,000 PennDOT; Fairmount Park; River Access Study Preliminary design study has been Access Landing Schuylkill Project; Canoe Club completed. Next steps include further detailing and design, as well as obtaining the necessary permitting. Access Projects Public access for boating $850,000 Fairmount Park; Schuylkill River River Access Study; Preliminary design study has been swimming on National and State Heritage Area; In-river Swimming Feasibility Study and completed. Next steps include Lower Venice Island Schuylkill Project further detailing and design, as well as obtaining the necessary permitting.
Restoration of the $2 million for locks Friends of Manayunk Canal, Working drawings have been Manayunk Canal Locks $5 million for dredging Manayunk Development Corporation completed by Pennoni Associates. (and associated dredging) Application for National Landmark status to occur with completion of Local restoration. Attraction Projects Bathey House $400,000 Fairmount Park; East Falls Renovation work must be completed Historical Society; EFDC; SRSNHA before cafe and information kiosk can be introduced.
58 SCHUYLKILL RIVER OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Priority Project Cost Agency Related Plans Implementation Details
Gateway area $2 million for bridge Fairmount Park; Schuylkill Project; Ridge Avenue Gateway Plan Working drawings for the preferred trail connections & trail connection; SEPTA; PennDOT bridge option have been completed $1.6 million for trail $200,000 Eng. Assesment by Urban Engineers.
East Falls River $450,000 - $700,000 PennDOT; Fairmount Park; River Access Study Preliminary design study has been Access Landing Schuylkill Project; Canoe Club completed. Next steps include further detailing and design, as well as obtaining the necessary permitting.
Public access for boating $850,000 Fairmount Park; Schuylkill River River Access Study; Preliminary design study has been swimming on National and State Heritage Area; In-river Swimming Feasibility Study and completed. Next steps include Lower Venice Island Schuylkill Project further detailing and design, as well as obtaining the necessary permitting.
Restoration of the $2 million for locks Friends of Manayunk Canal, Working drawings have been Manayunk Canal Locks $5 million for dredging Manayunk Development Corporation completed by Pennoni Associates. (and associated dredging) Application for National Landmark status to occur with completion of restoration.
Bathey House $400,000 Fairmount Park; East Falls Renovation work must be completed Historical Society; EFDC; SRSNHA before cafe and information kiosk can be introduced.
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