Philadelphia just recently debuted Robert A. Borski Jr. Park, a new 10-acre green space along the Delaware River in Bridesburg, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Formerly a fenced-off and polluted industrial site, the park now features a broad open lawn, upland trails, native meadows, and hundreds of newly planted trees and shrubs, along with modern restrooms and on-site parking.
The opening of the park marks an effort to reconnect city residents with a waterfront that has been cut off by industry since the 1800s — first by the Kensington & Tacony rail line, then later by Philadelphia Koppers Coke, and most recently by a cement company.
The park is named after former U.S. Rep. Robert Borski, who began discussions about rehabilitating the blighted property two decades ago. A full effort to achieve that goal began 10 years ago through the combined work of the city and Riverfront North Partnership, a nonprofit founded by Borski in 2004.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Borski on Wednesday as crews finalized work on the parking lot and grounds. “This is a hidden gem, I hope you’ll agree.”
Read more about Robert A. Borski Jr. Park and the man behind the yearslong effort to create this park in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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