The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recently announced multiple grants totaling $875,000 to support the City of Philadelphia and Fairmount Park Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to revitalize FDR Park in South Philadelphia!

Extending the Franklin 5K

The project received a $125,000 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Program grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to build another segment of the park’s new Franklin 5K, a multi-use trail separated from car traffic that will loop around the entire park upon completion.

Riparian Restoration & Wetland Enhancement

A $150,000 grant from the DCED Watershed Restoration & Protection Program and a $600,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program will support riparian restoration and wetland enhancement along Shedbrook Creek in the park’s former golf course, re-establishing native habitat to welcome park users and wildlife.

The FDR Park Plan is Philadelphia’s largest, most public-facing investment in climate resilience that builds better, more diverse access for everyone in the city. We are grateful to have the Commonwealth’s support in building a more resilient Philadelphia for now and for the future.

Since 1913, FDR Park has served Philadelphia’s diverse and ever-changing population by providing space for celebration, recreation, and enjoying nature. The FDR Park Plan is based on input from over 3,000 neighbors, park users, and community stakeholders, and was developed in collaboration with nationally recognized landscape and ecology experts. The plan targets the park’s recent challenges – including the frequent flooding projected to worsen over time due to climate change – and expands the park’s amenities to be more welcoming and inclusive to all. 

Since breaking ground in 2022, the $250 million park plan has completed five projects improving park visitor experiences, including:

• Anna C. Verna Playground: the award-winning playground featuring North America’s largest swingset.
• Gateway Plaza: a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly entryway to the park at Pattison Avenue and Broad Street, close to the Broad Street Subway line and a new bike path. 
• FDR Park Welcome Center: the park’s first-ever base for park operations and visitor amenities featuring a courtyard, public restrooms, concession spaces, an events hall, and meeting areas for public and private events. 
• Tidal Wetland: a 33-acre wetland constructed in partnership with PHL Airport, includes the addition of more than 7,000 climate-resilient native trees and shrubs, manages tidal flow in the estuarial park, and supports local wildlife.
• Pattison Lagoon: the ecological restoration of the lagoon includes hundreds of native trees and shrubs.

 Read more at: myphillypark.org/fdrplan.