Bartram's to 61st Now Open!
BARTRAM’S TO 61st STREET TRAIL AND GREENWAY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Elected officials, the City of Philadelphia, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, community members, and trail enthusiasts gathered to cut the ribbon on the newest segment of Schuylkill Banks in Southwest Philadelphia on Saturday, November 6 from 11 am to 1:30 pm. The event kicked off with attendees listening to brief remarks by Mayor Jim Kenney, Representative Joanna McClinton, Representative Jordan Harris, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, and Commerce Director Michael Rashid.
Following these remarks, the officials cut the ribbon and event attendees explored the new trail segment on foot and on free bike rentals provided by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, while sporting free Schuylkill Banks t-shirts and enjoying fall-inspired beverages and snacks provided by the Walnut Street Café and Perfect Setting Catering.
“We are thrilled to finally be able to open this important trail segment for the Southwest Philadelphia community who have been very patient with us,” said SRDC CEO and President Joseph Syrnick. “Next step is Passyunk Avenue.”
Bartram’s to 61st Street, located along the west side of the Schuylkill River from the southern end of Bartram’s Mile to the vicinity of 61st Street, extends Schuylkill Banks an additional 1,800 feet south. It features 1.6 acres of greenway, a large riverfront platform for fishing and community events, an overlook that boasts magnificent views of the city and Schuylkill, lighting for nighttime use and safety, stormwater management basins, benches, trash cans, lawn areas, and newly planted trees and flowering perennials. This trail segment, which is part of the five-county Schuylkill River Trail and 800-mile Circuit Trails network, is accessible using the 56th Street Plaza, where there are bicycle and vehicle parking options.
Funding for this $4.8M construction project was provided by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, the William Penn Foundation, the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and the City of Philadelphia. The project was designed by Pennoni Associates, with landscape design by Ground Reconsidered. Construction was completed by Seravalli Inc.
