Joe Slabinski, a longtime funeral director and board member of Riverfront North Partnership, told a crowd at a recent park opening that certain people are associated with a word in the dictionary.
Slabinski was speaking on July 11 at the grand opening of Robert A. Borski Jr. Park, 3150 Orthodox St. The park is named in honor of Borski, a former state representative and congressman and retired Riverfront North board chairman.
Slabinski had the perfect dictionary word for Borski.
“The word is ‘visionary,’ ” he said.
Borski founded Riverfront North Partnership (then named Delaware River City Corporation) in 2004, and this is the eighth and final park in its original plan.
Riverfront North acquired the land from PIDC. The grounds had been a rail line and two heavy industry businesses.
The park, near the Betsy Ross Bridge, features nice riverfront views, a multi-purpose lawn, an upland meadow, walking trails, benches, signage, a water fountain/filling station, restrooms and parking. “Borski Park” banners hang along Orthodox Street leading to the park. A new Friends of Borski Park group will partner with Riverfront North to hold free outdoor and volunteer programs throughout the year. The park is the result of more than $7.1 million in private, local, state and federal support.
Phase 2 will feature a boardwalk that floats above the old shoreline, a picnic pavilion, a small bandshell pavilion, amphitheater seating and a space to fish or just chill.
“It’s our new back yard,” Slabinski said.
Slabinski wasn’t the only one feting Borski. Others offering praise included Riverfront North board chairman Mike Mattioni and executive director Stephanie Phillips; U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle; Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson; Councilman Mike
Driscoll; state Rep. Joe Hohenstein; PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll; Shawn McCaney, executive director of the William Penn Foundation; Claire Jantz, deputy secretary of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Yvonne Boye, deputy director of the city Department of Commerce.
“This is a day when a good man gets his due,” Hohenstein said.
The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes & Drums performed before the ceremony.
“Welcome to Borski Park,” Phillips said.
“It’s a beautiful park, as we can all see,” Carroll said.
Borski described the park naming and words of praise as an “enormous, enormous honor.” He said his late parents, Bob and Rita, were enjoying the festivities from heaven.
Borski said, years ago, Riverfront North looked at its ambitious plans and asked, “Why not?” Now, eight parks later, Riverfront North can say, “Yes we did.”
Borski thanked former Riverfront North board member Patrick Starr for helping create the master plan. He also pointed to a sign that has him pictured with Mariann Dempsey, who worked for him when he served in the state and U.S. House and with Riverfront North.
“I’ve been leaning on Mariann for my entire professional life,” he said.
Borski also credited Phillips, the Riverfront North executive director, for her efforts.
“She makes it look easy,” he said.
Driscoll introduced legislation in Council to name the park after Borski and he was happy to see the finished product after seeing the initial plans on a piece of paper.
“What a glorious day,” Driscoll said. ••
