by Virginia Thompson
Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia,* PA.** Photo credit: Matt Stanley/Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Just in time for summer fun and relaxation, the Delaware River in Philadelphia is again the setting for a unique riverside attraction.* Spruce Street Harbor Park, a pop-up park near the city’s historic area, reflects the attraction that rivers and water—even in an urban setting—hold for us.* The paradise-like park, in its second summer, boasts a somewhat tropical theme with hammocks, large board games, gourmet food, floating gardens with native plants, a planted meadow, and a boardwalk with even more attractions.* Visitors can hang over the river in suspended nets, dip toes in the fountains, rent kayaks and swan boats, or sail remote-controlled sailboats.* There will even be a giant “rubber” duck, weighing 11 tons and standing 6 stories high, as part of the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden festival, scheduled for late June.
That the park is such a popular attraction and respite for residents and visitors alike serves as a testament to the success of the 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA).* The CWA established pollution control programs and water quality standards, and requires permits to discharge pollutants into rivers and streams.* Prior to the CWA, the Delaware River, like many urban rivers, failed to meet the Act’s goals of “fishable and swimmable.”* Fortunately, there are encouraging signs that the river is on the rebound.
Another popular urban park experience in Philadelphia is offered on the banks of the Schuylkill River, which now boasts a trail for thousands of walkers, bikers, and skaters.* The trail includes a segment leading from Center City to the Philadelphia Art Museum and Fairmount Water Works, even extending to Valley Forge National Historical Park and beyond.
The enthusiasm for these urban water-related recreational experiences demonstrates the value we all place on clean water.* Look for me hanging out in one of the Spruce Street Harbor Park hammocks!
About the Author:* Virginia Thompson has worked at EPA for nearly 29 years and enjoys gardening, swimming, and biking in her spare time.
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Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia,* PA.** Photo credit: Matt Stanley/Delaware River Waterfront CorporationJust in time for summer fun and relaxation, the Delaware River in Philadelphia is again the setting for a unique riverside attraction.* Spruce Street Harbor Park, a pop-up park near the city’s historic area, reflects the attraction that rivers and water—even in an urban setting—hold for us.* The paradise-like park, in its second summer, boasts a somewhat tropical theme with hammocks, large board games, gourmet food, floating gardens with native plants, a planted meadow, and a boardwalk with even more attractions.* Visitors can hang over the river in suspended nets, dip toes in the fountains, rent kayaks and swan boats, or sail remote-controlled sailboats.* There will even be a giant “rubber” duck, weighing 11 tons and standing 6 stories high, as part of the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden festival, scheduled for late June.
That the park is such a popular attraction and respite for residents and visitors alike serves as a testament to the success of the 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA).* The CWA established pollution control programs and water quality standards, and requires permits to discharge pollutants into rivers and streams.* Prior to the CWA, the Delaware River, like many urban rivers, failed to meet the Act’s goals of “fishable and swimmable.”* Fortunately, there are encouraging signs that the river is on the rebound.
Another popular urban park experience in Philadelphia is offered on the banks of the Schuylkill River, which now boasts a trail for thousands of walkers, bikers, and skaters.* The trail includes a segment leading from Center City to the Philadelphia Art Museum and Fairmount Water Works, even extending to Valley Forge National Historical Park and beyond.
The enthusiasm for these urban water-related recreational experiences demonstrates the value we all place on clean water.* Look for me hanging out in one of the Spruce Street Harbor Park hammocks!
About the Author:* Virginia Thompson has worked at EPA for nearly 29 years and enjoys gardening, swimming, and biking in her spare time.
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