The plan to transform a mile of vacant river frontage near Bartram’s Garden on the west side of Schuylkill took another step toward reality with the announcement this week of the funding of that and other park projects in the city.

Dubbed “Bartram’s Mile,” the project would provide better river access to neighborhoods in Southwest Philadelphia, including boardwalk trails and recreation areas. The plan is for the Schuylkill River Trail along the east bank to connect to the west side. Another project, “Centennial Commons,” in the Parkside neighborhood will include a large playground with a climbing wall and spray park near the Please Touch Museum (see rendering below).

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the William Penn Foundation will fund the projects as part of an $11 million grant to help to reimagine public spaces in Philadelphia. Spearheaded by Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Conservancy, the initiative will serve as a pilot project to explore the impact of connecting civic spaces and the success of cities. 

Shawn McCaney of the William Penn Foundation said the Centennial Commons project will provide some much needed structured recreation space near Please Touch.

“There are not many amenities in the park,” said McCaney. A seating area with landscaping will give both residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the space. “It’s being designed for different age groups and different users,” McCaney said.

The projects were initiated by local groups and neighborhood associations such as Parkside Association of Philadelphia, East Parkside Residents Association, Grays Ferry Community Council and University City District to name a few.

“We selected projects that serve immediate local needs in terms of public access to green space and recreation. That might also attract visitors as well…  There was already momentum on the ground, there were already people involved. We really think of these as community oriented public space,” said McCaney.

Another project that will be funded is the conversion of a trash strewn rail spur in Center City into a grassy park.

The projects are slated to be done in less than two years.

– Rana Fayez