Riverfront North Partnership took a major step forward in creating a riverfront park in Bridesburg.
The William Penn Foundation awarded the partnership $2 million for the creation of the park, which will span 10 acres along the Delaware River. It will be an addition to Riverfront North, a planned 11-mile section of trails and parks along the river in Northeast Philadelphia.
The park, which was conceived through a 2015 community engagement project, will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will build a park with riverfront views and include play areas and parking. This phase is estimated to cost $4.7 million, and Riverfront North is seeking funding for the park, which is estimated to be complete in 2021.
The second phase of construction would begin in 2025 and cost an estimated $4 million to $5 million. The park would contain an event space, stage and boardwalk, and would also concentrate on ecological restoration.
“Receiving this generous funding from William Penn Foundation, and our partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the City of Philadelphia, enables us to work with our community to create a river park that is an integral part of life for our neighbors as well as a citywide destination,” said Stephanie Phillips, executive director of Riverfront North.
