The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed: Fertile Ground for a Destination Watershed

The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed:

FERTILE

GROUND

By the TTF Partnership and

Philadelphia Water Department

draft June 2009

for a

DESTINATION

WATERSHED

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St Two neighborhoods within the watershed have been designated as pilot participants in a program for neighborhoodOgbeautification, on West Oak Lane zA environmental education, and tcommunity ve inspiration, focusing on clean water issues. ve

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school site is an opportunity to Ca unt demonstrate and educate about v A de nsi e l healthy watershed practices.

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Libraries, community, nature and art centers abound in the watershed, presenting opportunities to promote watershed stewardship.

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PHILADELPHIA

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Community members Germantoare wn Av already working together to restore the balance in this urban watershed.

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Communities across the watershed have created plans over the past few years to improve the health of their creeks. These communities v nA nto Ste restore now have a blueprint to their creek corridors into assets d pR and make Chestnut Ram significant progress Hill toward improving water quality.

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The TTF watershed drains to the Delaware River. There is potential to tie into waterfront planning happening along the Delaware and to take advantage of the anticipated resources, by planning for open space, trails and greenways connecting back into the watershed.

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Fairhill The TTF watershed and its S creeks thread together diverse ixt Dauphin St hS t St and active communities with ris Nor rich histories in Philadelphia and West Kensington Montgomery Counties.

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Hundreds of acres of parks and fields cover this watershed, G playgrounds, recreation including St centers, golf courses, sports fields, ice rinks, dog parks, trails and more.

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Miles of biking and Tarken hiking trails wind Rec. Center along the creeks and through the communities within the watershed.

Many more miles of bike lanes and trails are planned.

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The Delaware!

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Tacony Multiple lines, Levick St including subway, St regional rail, busRobbins and trolley, link Ha many communirbi so nA v ties within the watershed.

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Transit!

4

TTF Watershed Partnership Board of Directors:

Cedarbrook Middle School

Abington Township

Chariot Solutions

Arcadia University

Cheltenham Township Environmental

Awbury Arboretum

Cheltenham Township

Chew & Belfield Neighborhood Club, Inc.

Fairmount Park Commission

Christopher Swain’s TOXTOUR

The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed

Frankford Group Ministry

City Year at Frankford High School

Partnership. Inc. (TTF) acts as the crucial

Friends of High School Park

Delaware Valley Earth Force

link connecting residents, businesses and

Heritage Conservancy

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Jenkintown Borough

Department of Environmental Protection

Mayor’s Executive Office

Frankford CDC

Through educational programming,

Montgomery County Planning Commission

Friends of Cliveden Park

community outreach, networking services,

Montgomery County Conservation District

Friends of Grove Park

and project coordination, TTF facilitates,

Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation

Friends of Tacony Creek Park

supports, and initiates efforts to restore the

Glenside Elementary School

health of the watershed, and to mobilize its

PECO Energy Company

Glenside Elementary School Parent-Teacher

Pennsylvania Environmental Council

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Green Jenkintown

Department, the Partnership was integral in

Philadelphia City Council

Maple Point Solar Homes

developing the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Montgomery County Conservation District

Integrated Watershed Management Plan,

Philadelphia Parks Alliance

Mt. Airy USA

a blueprint for restoring this urban creek

Philadelphia Water Department

NAM Planning & Design, LLC

into a community asset while addressing

Rockledge Borough

National Park Service

Senior Environmental Corps,

PA Cleanways

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.

About the TTF Watershed Partnership The mission of the the TTF Watershed Partnership is to enhance the health and vitality of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek and its watershed.

government as neighbors and stewards of this impaired, but critically important watershed in the Philadelphia metro region.

communities as watershed stewards.

Launched in 2000 by the Philadelphia Water

the mandated requirements of the federal Clean Water Act and the federal Stormwater Permit Program (MS4). In 2005, the Partnership formally incorporated as an independent

(OARC)

Center in the Park

TD Bank

Organization (PTO)

Renovo Development Group Southeastern Pennsylvania First Suburbs Project

nonprofit with the recommendations of the Plan as its core vision.

Advisory Council

Other TTF Watershed Partnership Partners:

Waterview Recreation Center

Abington Township Environmental Advisory

Council

Municipalities in the TTF Watershed:

AE Forum

Abington Township (Springfield Township)

American Red Cross at Frankford High School

Cheltenham Township (Springfield Township)

Arcadia University Biology Club

Jenkintown Borough (Springfield Township)

Arcadia University Environmental Club

Montgomery County

Awbury Gardens & Landscaping

Philadelphia County

Awbury Neighbors Association

Rockledge Borough (Springfield Township)

5

Fertile Ground For A Destination Watershed There is no metaphor like water itself

environments. This document also

installing rain barrels and green roofs

to describe the cumulative effects of

presents a vision for what the Tookany

saves property owners money and

our practices, with every upstream ac-

Tacony Frankford watershed could

makes buildings and neighborhoods

tion having an impact downstream. Too

be if we make small changes on our

more comfortable and valuable.

often when we seek out respite along

public and private properties. This plan

Wetlands, meadows and woodlands

our creeks, we find degraded areas

presents a vision of healthy vegetation

filter our air and water, give respite

filled with trash, silt, weeds and dilapi-

that supports a diverse range of birds

from compact urban neighborhoods

dated structures at the margins. We

and other animals, where Frankford

and offer home and food to animals.

blame others for dumping trash or our

Creek’s water is safe enough to wade

All of those measures, and other such

city for not attending to the weeds, but

in on a hot day and where lasting

as pervious pavings, help to replenish

the condition of the creeks is directly

investments in parks and adjacent

the underlying water table, securing

related to how we manage stormwater

development can be realized.

our future drinking water.

effects of flooding affect how we can

If we can significantly change the

The Tookany Tacony Frankford water-

invest and recreate in waterfronts –

amount of stormwater and debris that

shed is an exciting place, full of vibrant

often thwarting our natural impulses to

flood into our creeks, an expansive

neighborhoods and vast potential.

be next to water.

range of benefits become possible –

Through stormwater investments

clean water, places to gather and play,

throughout the watershed and

This document attempts to describe

places to invest safely, habitat – the list

strategic changes along Frankford

the dynamic, reciprocal relationship

goes on. The benefits of stormwater

Creek, we can realize that potential.

between practices throughout a

management can be immediate and

watershed and its waterfront

direct as well. Planting trees and

on our own properties and streets. The

6

What exactly is a watershed?

A watershed is a drainage basin, within which all water flows to a single location.

Water flows in opposite directions on each side of a ridge.

Creeks form in the valleys between ridges.

Jenkintown

Rockledge Cheltenham East Mount Airy East Oak Lane Oxford Circle

Logan

East Germantown

Frankford Hunting Park

Juniata Park

Some creeks are no longer visible because they have been enclosed in pipes and integrated into the sewer system.

All the water exits at an outlet that is typically at the lowest elevation of the watershed into another body of water.

7

Fertile Ground For A Destination Watershed

Laying the groundwork for restoring the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek corridor toward a vision of creek health and community wealth.

Fertile Ground for Stormwater Innovation

Fertile Ground for Distinctive Recreation

Fertile Ground for Healthy creeks

The waters of the TTF watershed and

The TTF watershed is home to about

The watershed hosts several creeks,

its underground infrastructure stitch

357,000 people with a range of

wetlands, and uplands that support

together many diverse communities

income levels and backgrounds, and

diverse communities of wildlife and

in Montgomery and Philadelphia

a variety of community strengths

fish. Like all of our urban creeks, the

Counties. Although some communi-

and struggles. One could imagine the

waters within the TTF watershed

ties feel disconnected from their

creek would serve as a meeting place

have been compromised by intense

local creek because of limited access

for relaxation, recreation, inspiration,

development.

or because it has been enclosed by

and community connection.

the sewer system, all neighborhoods

Today, many areas along and within

in this watershed drain to the creek

Because of the area’s topography,

the creek suffer from frequent flood-

and must share responsibility for its

much of the parkland within the

ing, invasive species, litter and illegal

health. It is therefore important for

creek corridor is below street level,

dumping that compromises the creek’s

neighborhoods in the watershed to

creating secluded oases within a

health, beauty, and habitat value, and

work together to manage stormwater.

highly urbanized area. However, the

this deters residents from enjoying the

frequent flooding and widespread

many benefits healthy creeks offer.

The TTF watershed is already home to

invasive species reduce the quality

a number of demonstration projects

of these parks.

that exhibit best practices in storm-

Restoring the creek environment to a more natural state wherever

water management. These projects

A number of core trails exist within

possible and committing to respon-

have become sources of community

the watershed and along the creek,

sible stewardship of the watershed

pride and examples for using green

and plans show the intentions of all

will improve water quality, generate

infrastructure to reduce stormwater

the municipalities to connect these

healthier habitats, and create envi-

volume in the city’s sanitary system.

trails into a cohesive network.

ronmental education opportunities.

8

A TYPICAL urban watershed has negative effects on its creeks: Residential Roof and Alley Runoff

Overuse of water for household and personal needs adds additional stress on the municipal water system.

Road and Sidewalk Runoff

Roof runoff goes into roof leaders and pipes; it does not absorb into the ground.

Too few street trees to retain stormwater through canopy and root system intercept.

Stormwater drains quickly; does not absorb into the ground.

A more SUSTAINABLE approach to stormwater will positively affect the watershed: Roof and Alley Runoff Reduction

More efficient household water use reduces stress on the municipal water and sewer systems.

Planters, rain barrels and cisterns retain stormwater, provide gardening water.

Road and Sidewalk Runoff Reduction and Filtration

Green roofs collect and Permeable paving divert runoff from the in parking lanes remunicipal water system. duces road runoff.

Larger, enhanced Groves and swales street tree networks in parking lots filter filter and store runoff. and slow runoff.

9

Fertile Ground For Stormwater Innovation

Commercial Roof and Parking Lot Runoff

Water table/creek base flow level is lower due to reduced infiltration of stormwater.

Compromised Creek Corridor

Creek banks degrade and lose native plants due to runoff and frequent flooding; become overwhelmed with agressive invasive plants.

Commercial Roof and Parking Lot Runoff Reduction

Water table/creek base flow level is higher, ensuring drinking water supply.

Pervious parking surfaces near the creek reduce runoff.

Stormwater management is vital to improving creek health in areas near creeks and in areas distant from creeks.

Frequent overflows release untreated sewage and unfiltered stormwater into creek.

High flow velocities erode and widen the creek and make it less habitable for fish, wildlife, plants and people.

Restored Creek Corridor

Reduced runoff and contamination Fewer combined and fewer flood events allow banks sewer overflow to host native plants and wildlife. events.

Reduced runoff permits slower creek flows, more naturalized channels, and a healthier creek environment.

10

Frequent flooding degrades landscapes and makes investment in development and maintenance difficult.

Upland Runoff and Neglect

Adjacent upland parcels have little investment value.

Slopes are undermined by runoff.

Compromised Recreational Landscape

The landscape is unhealthy and suffers from illegal dumping and invasive vegetation.

Neglected public lands encourage illegal recreation.

Compromised Creek Corridor

Frequent floods strip floodplains of native vegetation, encourage invasives, deposit debris and compromise the recreational and ecological value of adjacent lands.

Creek banks are steeply eroded.

11

Fertile Ground For Distinctive Recreation

Restoration of the floodplain creates spaces for recreation and development sites, enhanced by proximity to the creek.

Watershed-wide stormwater management halts cycles of damage and allows for sustainable investment.

Reinvestment and Decreased Runoff

A restored creek landscape can increase its value to the community and encourage nearby investments.

Decreased runoff allows for rehabitation of upland slopes with native plants.

Restored Recreational Landscape

Reduced flooding and runoff allows for reclaimed parkland that is healthier and more valuable.

Investments in landscape features and park maintenance support diverse and enhanced recreation.

Restored Creek Corridor

Restored floodplains and creek channels increase flood storage capacity, improve habitat, and encourage community access.

12

An UNHEALTHY creek corridor cannot perform essential ecological functions.

Flood Storage

Poor Filtration/Trapping

Poor Filtration/Trapping

Sediment Settling

Flood waters erode creek banks, washing away valuable soil and native vegetation.

Banks are left bare or are overcome by aggressive invasive plants.

Bank erosion exposes the sewer system infrastructure, leaving pipes and manholes susceptible to damage.

Trash and debris overwhelm the landscape.

Fast-moving flood waters wash away sediment, which is critical to the health of the creek habitat.

Without sediment, fish habitat and food wash away.

Creek banks become steeply eroded after floods, creating a wide, shallow creek during dry weather.

Invasive species overtake compromised creek banks, decreasing its habitat value and increasing maintenance costs.

13

Fertile Ground For Healthy Creeks

Creek restoration repairs scoured and littered creek beds, improves water quality and allows native plants and animals to flourish.

A HEALTHY creek corridor performs critical ecological functions.

Flood Storage

Filtration/Trapping

Nutrient Uptake; Stormwater Detention

Native species filter runoff, stabilize creek banks and provide habitat.

Sediment Settling

Naturalized, shallow banks encourage vegetation that provide habitat and food for wildlife.

Deep creek channels are fed by abundant groundwater.

Filtration/Trapping

Nutrient Uptake; Stormwater Detention

Established plants and engineered methods stabilize creek banks, preventing erosion.

Floodplains support vital habitat and vegetation.

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The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford watershed can be divided into five sub-watersheds.

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W

East Germantown

iss

Morton Playground

on ck

i ah Av

Gr ee ne

Vernon Park

Godfrey

!

P H I L ASubstantial D E L P H I Aportions of the Tookany Creek have been channelized,Fisher causPark Belfield Ogontz ing water to rush downstream more Rec Center !

Harper's Hollow Removing these walls would quickly.

Park promote healthy creek corridors.

Wister's Woods Park

Shevcheno Park

Ch

Cherashore Playground !

eek Pk Cr

St

Parkview Road Park

elt en h

am

Av

Lawnc Rec. C

Av Olney Rec Center

Nedro Ave

un

S ing

Av

s

Ri Olney Av

Olney

Law Ziehler Playground Tacony Creek Park

a

Wa y

D

Ad

!

creek opportunity

Clarkson Park

an

kL

Oa

nt Fro

Sturgis Playground

De-channelization

!

d eR

Melrose Park

Morris Estate Rec Center

R7 !

!

Oak Lane Sixty-siEast xth

Kemble Park !

St

Lin

Too kan y

Ogontz Ave

Broad St

Creek stabilization and riparian planting along Tookany Creek.

!

!

ip

To C

Coventry Park

creek Project

!

um

sh

Charles D. Conk Rec Area

19th St

West Oak Lane Simons Rec Center

Awbury Arboretum

To wn

High School Park

Finley Playground

Cliveden Park

High School !

Park

St

nt Av e

Mt

Av

iry

M

At the heart of the Wyncote Model Neighborhood, Cedarbrook Middle School teaches its students about watersheds through a rigorous East Mount Airy environmental curriculum. In Mount Airy partnership with Delaware Valley Playground Pleasant Earth Force and the TTF Watershed Playground Partnership,Lovett the students take on Park projects to actively improve their community andSepta the environment.

Park !

all

creek Project

Riparian planting at Tookany Creek.

Ogontz Park

LaMott Community Center

tA

he im Cr es

Av e

Stormwater Pilot Project !

cC

Wall Park

Rd planting.

John Russell Park

ou

ron

Park

ne

Rd

Th

Wyncote Model Neighborhood

M

Rock Lane Wall Park Elkins Park

C H E LT E N H A M

Ple asa

Eas ton

Va lle yR

illo w

d

Gr ov eA ve

!

Park

bo creek Project ur

Ivy -hi

ll R

!

Chelten CurtisHills Dog

New Sec ond

d

ten ton

am

Ethel Jordan

A PA DCNR Tree Park Vitalize grant funded the planting of a riparian buffer at the Edward Parry Hicks Bird Sanctuary in fall 2008.

nh

Emanuel, Dorothy Playground

Rd

Bird Sanctuary roject

Edward Hicks Parry Bird Sanctuary

Curtis Arboretum

se

Alverthorpe Park

Jen

R3,

tz on Og

Gr ee nw oo

Fo xC

R2,

Robinson Park

Wyncote

Ch

St

R1,

rt W The TTF Watershed Partnership as hin Hill Crest gto is forging partnerships with area nE x schools to increase students’ collaborative resources and provide hands-on watershed education on an ongoing basis.

!

arm

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Glenside

un tC

W as hin

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Jenkintown worked with developer Midguard Properties to disconnect the roof leaders from this property and redirect them into cisterns for storage.

Second St

n Ex

nsi

R3

Stormwater PROJECT

Baeder Park

Mo

Edge Hill Gle

ir

The Fa

Triangle Building

Penbryth Park

Carroll Brooke Park

School Partnerships

Hig hla nd

ngto

Ed

Av

Ea sto n

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RY

ue ha

DA

Flood Control

sq

Weldon

d

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SPRINGFIELD

elt e

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Wyndmoor

BO

n tow kin Jen

After becoming eroded from flooding, invasive plants, and a lack of understory folaige, the R2 in v riparian buffer was restored nA Tyso Ralph Morgan Park.

!

Ch

ED

creek Project

The school partnered with TTF Partnership to raise enough money to build a 10,000 square foot riparian buffer at the edge of school Pe nn along the creek. 75 fourthproperty syl va nia grade students planted native trees A and shrubs tov create the buffer.

Soon, a seating area, a gate to access the creek and signage will be added to create an outdoor classroom for watershed studies.

ur ch

SH

Riparian Enhancements

Camp Hill Rdcreek Project

!

Rd

AT FW

Glenside Elementary

16

ll ehi Edg

TT

ike

rnp st Tu t/we

n

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er to

T Rd

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Old

17

We ls

Tookany

hR

Pin e

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gto nL n

v ont A Philm

W as hi n

LOWER MORELAND

n

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rway

sub-watershed

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R Valley

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tin un

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or ela n

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Mo

red o

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The Tookany sub-watershed exists mostly d

Top: Tookany Creek at Cedarbrook Middle

in Cheltenham and Jenkintown Townships.

School, where the creek acts as a classroom

Tookany Creek flows through a mostly subur-

and forum for watershed education. Phila-

R

Rd

Mi

ll R

d

Pine

nR

Somerton

Rd

ban landscape, and, unlike its urban environs

delphia Water Department’s T1 interceptor

downstream, benefits from a lower density of

releases overflow just upstream of this site.

buildings on its banks, as well as open space,

Middle: At Wall Park, there is evidence of the

trails and greenways. Also, the communi-

plights of the creek common to this reach: ve

Pin e

se Rd

ghou Meetin

bu

enhancements and community programs Bustleton

er rg

edge of creek banks, invasive plants, litter and

Wetland Enhancement

that focus on watershed health. This sub-

creek channelization (beyond the footbridge).

creek opportunity

watershed also hosts a developing “model

Bottom: While de-channelization was not an

Along the creek near Alverthorpe Park in Abington Township are a number of wetland creation and Shady Ln enhancement opportunities.

neighborhood” described at left.

option at several points along the Tookany in

Al

dem parking Hal lots and surface impermeability at the

d

treatments were employed, including riparian

cutting of its banks, short dumping and litter,

buffers and invasives management. Addition-

invasive species, stormwater surcharges, creek

ally, the trail at right is a community resource

channelization, and incompatible land uses

and its upstream expansion is planned.

nR

the impacts of development, including clear-

Kre ws tow

Ce

Ex

d eR

Delaware

Pin

rd

fo Ox

along its banks, like impervious parking lots.

Gr an tA v

stle ton

Av

Tookany Creek Parkway d

Bu

!

creek Project

West Torresdale

Av

d

Tookany Creek Park, other bank rehabilitation Rd Welsh

ROCKLEDGE Cegielkowski Park

Despite these measures, the creek suffers Pennypacker Park e Av

rR

ld fie om

Blo

da

e Av

ABINGTON

Roos evelt Bl

Rd As hto n

ts

Rd

Holme Av

St

Av

Ca

Av

kfo rd

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ve dA

an

Mayfair owland

Tarken Rec. Center

Oxford Circle Myers, Max Playground

Ro b

bin

R

As

hb

Av ord nkf

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t

nA v

l

ale

sd

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rre To

Av d

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kS

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t

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Holmesburg

inc

ale

Av

Pr

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wncrest

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l

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sto r

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Av

n

an

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Recreation Opportunity

The Cheltenham Open Space Plan proposes a network of trails that build on existing trails surrounding the Tookany Creek corridor.

Fr an

aw n

h Rd Wels

Cheltenham Proposed Trails

or Rd

illi

Rh

y

crest Center

W

Rhawnhurst

sto rA v

!

Academy Rd

Desert Storm Park

kw

!

Academy Gardens

Welsh Rd

ookany Creek Park

Gr an tA v

Alg on Av

Rd

klin, Jr.

lA v

Ve rre eR

In accordance with the Tookany Creek Watershed Management Plan, Cheltenham is FoxTownship Chase implementing a fifteen-year Burholme Park“green infrastructure” project to improve all fifteen creek miles that are within the Township. To Rowland date, their most extensive work Community Center is a four million dollar streambank stabilization project with a pedestrian walking trail along Tookany Creek Parkway.

Ce ntr a

ne

an A

ties around the creek have sponsored creek

18

19

The proposed parking garage at the SEPTA Jenkintown-Wyncote train station will expose hundreds of daily commuters to Tookany Creek and its environs.

Through sensitive building siting, ground floor retail, creek access, careful grading and plant selection and responsible landscape practices, this building could be an asset for both the community and Tookany Creek.

urn

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To wn

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sh

Ogontz Park

20

C H E LT E N H A M

Burholme Park

LaMott Community Center

Tacony Creek at Adams Avenue creek Restoration PROJECT

19th St

The Philadelphia Water Department Coventry Park filled a deep plunge pool near Rd e an creek Adams Avenue to restore the kL Oa to a more natural state and reduce the occurrence of people swimming Melrose Park here, which is prohibited.

Tookany Creek Park

v nA

sin

Lawncrest

Olney

Ziehler Playground Tacony Creek Park

St

Av

velt Bl Roose

Wyoming Av

,R

5,

R8

!

a

on

!

Ninth St

Marcus Foster Pool

Hunting Park

ing

Hunting Pa

rk Ave

S

Hunting Park

Castor Av

Ex De law are

Front St

Sixth St

!

Betsy Ross Bridge Field

!

dg Se

Dauphin

!

St !

Diamond

St

North Central

Hartranft Susqueha

nna Ave

hin up

Da St

oore

ond St

West Kensington

Cecil B M

R

N

th Ba

St

are Av Delaw

t

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on

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ird Street

N

St

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22nd St

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Stormwater Management Opportunity

A large sewer, which carries the historic Wingohocking Creek and stormwater ve nA from the Rock Run/Wingohocking subo t g sin Harrowgate watershed,Kdischarges into the Tacony en Creek at this outfall near Juniata Golf Av Course. By installing a “pelican gate” ingo m within the sewer before the outfall,Arait will be possible to use the large sewer to store stormwater and slowly release it into Tacony Creek, as well as reduce Richmond stormwater and dry weather overflows by 750 million gallons a year.

Ad

!

!

!

G St

B St

!

!

Frankford Valley Playground

e evr Lef

Seventee n St

!

!

Womrath Park

Combined Sewer Outfall T14

et Line

R6

Gambrell Wilmot Playground Hedge & Park Plum Playground Playground Carmella Playground

ret St

Broad Stre !

Frankford

!

Marga

A 2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Erie Av v Point Solar Town Award winner, Maple nA Su g n Homes, is a new home development i Ris near Fairmount Park, designed and built for performance and energy efficiency. ve Allegheny features include yA Av Its watershed-related gle d e Ave S d o water-saving devices inside the house, o nW Gle drought-resistant landscaping, and partially permeable driveways Fairhillthat recharge groundwater levels and decrease runoff, and rain barrel stormLehigh Av Somerset St water collection for landscape irrigation.

St

Overington Park

Deni Piccoli Playground Playground

Stormwater Management ProJECT

West

rott

do xS

t

Juniata Golf Course

t Luzern e St Homes Maple Point Solar Town

Tioga

Ar

tho

Juniata Park Lyc om

!

Brid

Ro

W P

Mc Ilvain Playground

Simpson Playground

Or

Fifth St

Nicetown Park

Fernhill Park

Northwood Park

Wyoming Av

!

Ex vard oule elt B osev

e Av

m Ra

Feltonville Rec Center

Kay Park

Alg on

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W

ist er W

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nh

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Park

l

Houseman lt B Playground seve o

v Oxford A

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W

am

ind Stenton

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Loudoun Park

Fisher Ave

Be

Happy Hollow Rec Center

rim

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Av e

Olney Av

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Howell Park

Av

Olney Rec Center

Nedro Ave

!

This 265-acre park hosts meadows, wetlands, acres Cherashore Kemble Park of tree canopy, and 2.5 miles Playground ClarksonWhile Park of creekside trails.

Tacony Wister's Woods Shevcheno Park Creek Park has been the site Park of several clean-up projects Wister Wakefield Playground already, more Park opportunities Barrett exist at the waters’ edge, Playground Logan including creek stabilization, trail development and riparian buffer Aplanting. ve

Ca sto rA v

Lawncrest Rec. Center

hit ak er

R7

creek restoration PROJECT

As part of the Tookany/TaconyFrankford Integrated Watershed Management Plan, the Philadelphia Water Department plans to restore a 2,200 foot (2.59 acre) section of Tacony Creek from Whitaker Oxford AvenueCircle Tarken to I Street in Tacony Creek Park. The Rec. Center plan design uses natural techniques Myer Playg Ro and materials (stones and plants bb ins rather than concrete and pipe) to St restore the creek to a healthier andRoosevel more naturally sustainable state.

Av

!

!

Whitaker Avenue creek

Av

Fisher Park

Tacony Creek Park

East Germantown

y

!

Belfield Ogontz Rec Center creek restoration opportunity Harper's Hollow Park

Av

am

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le

ew

!

Tab or

elt en Av e Ch

Godfrey

w eek Pk Cr

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Parkview Road Park

elt en h

Sturgis Playground

PHILADELPHIA

Ch

Ch

Desert Storm Park

Too kan y

Oak Lane Sixty-siEast xth

Morris Estate Rec Center

Lonnie Young Rec Center

Waterview Rec Center

nt Fro

Second St

Awbury Arboretum

!

Ogontz Ave

Awbury Rec Center

New S

Broad St

Simons Rec Center

Rowland Community Center

eco nd

St

West Oak Lane

erd a

Finley yground

Fox Chase

lA v

Av e

d

Ce ntr a

ron

eR

Charles D. Conklin, Jr. Rec Area

Rd

ou

Lin

mm

Th

John Russell Park

High School !

Park

ip

Ve rre eR d

bo

R8

Limekiln Pk

Ash

Park

Av

Chelten Hills

rd

Rock Lane Wall Park Elkins Park

le

Dela Bu stle ton

A

ran tA v

21

Academy Rd

Academy Gardens

Welsh Rd

Roos evelt Bl

Tacony

Gr an tA v

!

As

hto nR d

sub-watershed

Rhawnhurst

W

illi

ts

Rd

Holme Av

Rh

Av

kfo rd

nA v

Fr an

watershed, the Tacony sub-watershed not

creek are clearly evident at the confluence

only e performs myriad functions within the Av

with the T6 outfall. Forceful water flows during

d an wl Ro larger

se ve lt B

l

d lan

Mayfair ow

Av

Av enveloped ord nkf Fra

Ro o

R

watershed but also reflects some of

storms have widened the creek creating low

its biggest issues. 3 miles ofA creek banks are

base flow, and debris and litter abound. PWD’s

sh

bu

by Tacony Creek Park rn and other e

Waterways Restoration Team has shored up

rS

large open spaces like Juniata Golft Course.

the banks (foreground) to prevent further

The functions of these open spaces represent

erosion. Looking upstream, to the left, reveals

v an incrediblee Aopportunity to not only restore

the character of the creek before the outfall.

Holmesburg

Tys o

nA v

lt Bl

al sd watershed rre functions, but also to o d T eR ! tat valuable community space Sopen

Pr

Le vic

Middle: The effects of overflow events on the

e y Av

ttm a

rs, Max ground

that drains the entire Wingohocking subS oll

Co

e

opportunity within this sub-watershed.

Av

d

border, and its southern edge at the outfall

inc

kS

n eto

t

Av

regenerate

Bottom: Just north of Roosevelt Boulevard,

and recre-

the 17-foot wide T8 outfall drains into the

ational programs for the Olney, Juniata Park

creek. Years of overflows have altered the

and Lawncrest neighborhoods — and beyond.

creek’s meander, which now flows under the

ng

Lo

furthest arch in the bridge instead of through

Ex

R7

dge

are law De !

St

t

S ny co Ta

De

law

a re

Riv

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Bridesburg Rec Center

Bridesburg g tin un

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Bet

sy R oss

Bri

dge

St Thirtythird

d

R te Sta

t

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v eA

the middle. Major work is needed to restore

Creek Park. Utilizing neglected floodplains for

Tacony

l

da

res

r To

unmanaged floodplain landscape in Tacony

!

t

Harbison Av

e Av re

sho

Top: A trail meanders through a largely

kS

bin

b Ro

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Wissinoming Playground

Thirtyeig

Ca

open recreational use is a characteristic hth St

With its northern edge at the Philadelphia

n de Lin

sto r

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St

hR Wels

Av

aw n

rk Pa

Av

the integrity of the creek and its surroundings and permit a trail crossing under the bridge.

22

The Tacony Creek winds through Juniata Golf Course, and many acres of the course lie within the natural floodplain of the creek. Carefully designed wetlands that can handle the seasonal stormwater floods will reduce downstream impacts, creating a place of both functional and aesthetic value, while upland interventions like green roofs, cisterns, and green streets will reduce overflow events.

23

Av

Av sto r Ca Su mm erd ale Av e

m v sA

Fisher Ave

R1

Barrett Demonstration Playground Projects at BLS

,R

2,

,R

5,

Hunting Park

Ex De law are G St

B St

Lehigh Av

! !

Conceived to improve Frankford Creek’s watern Ave gto quality and ecology, manage stormwater, nconsin Harrowgate e K Fairhill nect communities, and encourage economic investment, the Frankford Creek Greenway would for 2.7 miles along the open air Somersestretch t St portion of the creek, beginning at the Juniata Golf Course and extending to the Delaware River. It would link the East Coast Greenway along the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River in Conshohocken.

The City is now seeking easements to support the greenway and allow public access. Designs the three early “anchor” sites along the Westfor Kensington Frankford Creek are under development.

Ro o

!

v sA

!

!

Frankford Valley Playground

St

recreation opportunity

Womrath Park

am

!

Frankford Creek Greenway

!

!

e evr Lef

Seventee n St

in

Ris

r To

ret St

u gS

Frankford

!

Gambrell Wilmot Playground Hedge & Park Plum Playground Playground Carmella Playground

Deni Piccoli Playground Playground

Hunting Park

St

Overington Park

Ad

!

rk Ave

v nA

ve yA gle d e Ave S od Wo n e Gl

!

Av

t

Juniata Golf Course

Hunting Pa

St Lu zerne St

Erie Av

et Line

Allegheny

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Broad Stre !

Ar

tho

t ge S

ing

Tioga

Or

Juniata Park Lyc om

!

Simpson Playground

Wyoming Av

Front St

!

Wissinoming Playground

Mc Ilvain Playground

Brid

Marcus Foster Pool

on

m Ra

Feltonville Rec Center

Fifth St

Nicetown Park

Ninth St

d Ex

Sixth St

!

a

W

!

Northwood Park

Castor Av

R8 Park

hit ak er Av

R3

W

e Av

v Oxford A

ind Stenton

velt Bl Roose

v ld A lfie

doun ark

Be

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rim

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Philadelphia Water Department’s Bureau of Laboratory Services (BLS) has created stormwater retention Wyomina g Av meadow behind their building, and intends to construct a model green street at their campus on Hunting Park and Castor Avenues.

l

elt B The Philadelphia Water evDepartment Roos is working with the Frankford com-Le v munity to redesign Womrath Park toick St manage and celebrate stormwater.

It will include a water feature that captures, stores, and filters road runoff.

Houseman lt B Playground seve o

Logan stormwater Management project !

!

Alg on bi

ns recreation PROJECT St

a Ad

Ziehler Playground Tacony Creek Park

Myers, Max Playground

Womrath Park Ro b Lawncrest

Olney

!

Wakefield Park

Su

R Olney Av

!

Oxford Circle

Tarken Rec. Center

v nA

Harbison Av

Second St

ng isi

Cherashore Playground

!

Olney Rec Center

Shevcheno Park

!

Rd

Lawncrest Rec. Center

Ca sto rA v

C

Nedro Ave

!

Clarkson Park

Wister yground

Av

Av

Fisher Park

Kemble Park

Wister's Woods Park

am

y

!

Belfield Ogontz Rec Center Harper's Hollow Park

n

elt en h

!

Tab or

Godfrey

Parkview Road Park

Ch Sturgis Playground

w eek Pk Cr

St

Too kan y

Oak Lane Sixty-siEast xth

PHILADELPHIA

v

nt Fro

Morris Estate Rec Center

nnie Young ec Center

Desert Storm Park

Melrose Park

Ogontz Ave

24

O

New S

Broad S

!

R8

Rec Center

Bridesburg Rec Center

Bridesburg

!

v oA ing

Betsy Ross Bridge Field

am Ar

!

!

phin St

Hartranft

!

Susqueha

d St

Da

Second St

Third Stre Broad St

!

Cecil B M

oore Ave Oxford Av e

12th St

15

St

!

hin

!

up

re Av

N !

Poplar

Fishtown

Eleventh

St !

Tenth St

15th St

!

Bet

sy R oss

R

Bri

dge

!

et

nna Ave

m ich

t

dS

on

Richmond

Spring Garden !

St

No r

ris

St

Kensington

th Ba

St

are Av Delaw

East Coast Greenway Connections recreation PROJECT

The TTF watershed, and specifically the Frankford community, is well-positioned to tie into the waterfront planning happening along the Delaware River. National, regional and local plans are underway for waters-edge trails and open space development along the Delaware River.

Holme Av

Rh

Av

d

Thirtyeig

Av

n de Lin

hR Wels

25

Frankford

S ol l

ttm

Av

wl Ro

Mayfair owland

ev elt B

l

an

ve dA

an

Av

ord nkf

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os

e y Av

Co

hth St

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St

Fr an kfo rd

aw n

sub-watershed As

hb

Av

Fra

ur

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t

Holmesburg Tys o

nA v

le

da

s rre

Av

To

!

inc Pr n eto Av

Lo ng

surrounded by one the most dense

Top left: Frankford Creek’s – and the water-

urban areas in the watershed. Much of the

shed’s – confluence with the Delaware River.

creek is channelized, and its health has

The Creek flows into the River just south of

historically been compromised by upstream

the Betsy Ross Bridge fully channelized and

impacts. It also has a unique characteristic:

through a large industrial area.

St

R7

x

E are law De

connection to the creek for the community.

Rd te channel Sta

it includes the creek’s confluence with the

Top right: Looking upstream at Frankford

Delaware River. This confluence, however,

Creek near the Delaware River, its concrete

is man-made, created as a flood control

channelization is revealed, as are the diverse

measure from 1948-1956.

land uses around the creek. They range from

Due to the area’s density and the creek’s high

light industry to dense residential – all rather

degree of channelization, opportunities to

impervious – to scrubby fields. Permeable

contribute to the health of the watershed

landscapes here could both provide much-

include upland interventions and programs

needed open space for the community and

such as green roofs and streets, pervious

assist the functions of the watershed.

paving and pocket parks to slow and filter

Bottom: Where it is not fully channelized with

stormwater before entering the creek. There

concrete walls, Frankford Creek is character-

is also the chance to create a greenway along

ized by wide, shallow base flows and severely

a major portion of the creek, creating

degraded creek banks due to the erosive

much-needed open space and a renewed

forces of floodwaters from further upstream.

Thirtythird

e Av re

sh o

t

sS

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v eA

al

sd

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law

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bin

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Tacony

The Frankford sub-watershed hosts a creek

H

g tin un

rk Pa

Av

26

27

While riparian improvements would be limited in this channelized reach of Frankford Creek, permeability-boosting enhancements to the urban upland, like parks, green roofs, greener streets, pervious paving and even a creek-side greenway would provide much needed open space and vegetation for the community.

d Gr ee nw oo

Ch

Rd

elt e

Ethe P

Pilot Project

d

Cedarbrook

Ivy -hi ll R

East Germantown, the Awbury/ Cliveden Model Neighborhood is home to a number of stormwater management pilot projects.

bo

urn

Park

eR

d

Rd Eas ton Av

Va ll

M tA iry

Cr es he im

W

!

Ash

C H E LT E N H A M Th

John Russell Park

ou

ron

Av e

Mt P

ey Rd

Gr ov eA ve

illo w

St

Chelten Hills

Ogontz Park

!

lea san tA ve

!

Touching East Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill !

Rock Lane Wall Park Elkins Park

LaMott Community Center

Finley Playground

!

West Oak Lane

Coventry Park

St

!

High School !

Park

19th St

Ave

Av Limekiln Pk

!

am

Emanuel, Dorothy Playground

Awbury/Cliveden Ste nto nA Model Neighborhood v

ma

Se mi no le

Edward Hicks Parry Bird Sanctuary

Curtis Arboretum

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28 nto wn

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mp

R wn

Av

Ra

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tz on

Wyndmoor

Ogontz Ave

R7

Clarkson Park !

Wa yn

Wister Playground

Germantown

Howell Park

ist er

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R8 St eim nh Ma

Lin

Dr

Kay Park

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us

Ho

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Ram

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Pervious sidewalks over stormwater Tioga storage capture street and sidewalk runoff, and roof downspouts have been disconnected into rain gardens.

R6

!

!

St Lu zerne St

Erie Av un

gS

in Ris

Hunting Pa

rk Ave

Hunting Park

Av

!

Allegheny

N

!

ve yA gle Ave Sed od Wo n Gle

!

Av

!

Harrowgate

Fairhill

!

22nd St

e Av Ridg

Wynnefield

Hunting Park

v Project APilot

Allegheny West

Ramp D Rd

d

!

et Line

l Dr

Ford R

Marcus Foster Pool

Broad Stre

ge Av

ts

er

b Ro

!

Rid

d

Wyomin

Nicetown Park

R8

BR

Wyoming Av

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t

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Park

Waterview Recreation Center

v yA

Ra

velt Bl Roose

Feltonville Rec Center

Fernhill Park

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Barrett Playground

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Ex vard oule elt B v e s Roo

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e Av

Seventee n St

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Happy Hollow Rec Center

im dr

5,

At the heart of the Awbury/ Cliveden Model Neighborhood, Awbury Arboretum has taken Av le va id on several pilot stormwater M management projects, including East Falls a rain garden, bioswales, creek daylighting, and meadows. These projects provide wonderful demonstration models.

Loudoun Park

v ld A lfie

Pilot Project

e

an

L rs hu

Arboretum

Logan

Be

t Ln lnu Wa Awbury

!

Fisher Ave

B St

t Ln

Ziehler Playground

Shevcheno Park

Wakefield Park

St

eA v

Olney

Front St

!

Wal nu

Wister's Woods Park

Vernon Park

Olney Av

!

Ninth St

St

Cherashore Playground

!

Olney Rec Center

Nedro Ave

!

Kemble Park !

Lehigh Av

Somerset

St

ley

e Av

Rd

dg Se

nt Av

Belmo

entyninth St

!

Strawberry Mansion

Av

Av

Fisher Park

Sixth St

Av

Gr ee ne

am

!

Belfield Ogontz Rec Center Harper's Hollow Park

Av

elt en h

Fifth St

Ln

ew

gto n

on ick

ah

iss

n

Ch

East Germantown

Morton Playground

Godfrey

Par

Ch Sturgis Playground

PHILADELPHIA

hin

Cliveden Park’s terraced ponds capitalize on the park’s topography and slow stormwater for infiltration.

St

Waterview Rec Center

W as

!

W

n gto

Mallery Rec Center

Ch

Dr Lincoln

Pilot Project

Morris Estate Rec Center

Lonnie Young Rec Center

Av

Cliveden Park

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nt

Fro

Second St

t lS Up sa

wn nto

West Mount Airy

Wissahickon Park

Cliveden Park

W

n sL en

St

ma

All

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k

Oa

Melrose Park

elt en Av e

erm M

um

Ger

all

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Awbury Arboretum

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Oak Lane Sixty-siEast xth

R3

Septa Park

Awbury Rec Center

2,

!

,R

aid

Mount Airy Playground Pleasant Playground Lovett Park

R1

Ln

!

New S

Broad St

Simons Rec Center

East Mount Airy

eco nd

!

Dauphin

!

St !

Hartranft

Kre ws t

rR d da Ce

Rd Welsh

el Jordan Park

Rock Run/ Wingohocking

Pi n eR d

rd fo Ox

Av

eR

d

Fox Chase

d eR

A map of the historic Battle of Germantown in

The land use here is diverse, ranging from

1777 shows the Wingohocking Creek threading Rhawnhurst

flat-roofed twin houses with small yards,

through East Mt. Airy and Germantown. By

gardens and mature trees near neighborhood

Av

n La

!

parks (top left), to sprawling short-term comR

sewers and streets and houses were built on top

mercialStdevelopment with acres of impervious

Av

paving (top right). Each type of land use has

to be put underground. All of the watershed’s

opportunities to positively affect the health of

piped stormwater (that mixes with wastewater

the watershed, from homeowner practices to

during heavy rains) now drainsCoto a single

commercial building guidelines.

Ca

R8

Too kan y

of it. It was the largest creek system in the city

e

an

Av Bottom left: Miles of bike nd trails are planned

This sub-watershed exhibits a full gradient of

for this

land use, from dense urban neighborhoods

running through the photo is a retired rail Av

Av

outfall into the creek near Juniata Golf Av Course. sto r

Rd

Ca

or

se ve lt B

Oxford Circle near Center City to densely vegetated valleys Ro o

line near R the Juniata

outside of Myers, the city.

Max Parts of this sub-watershed

Ri

bb

ins

area in SPhiladelphia.

It also boasts plenty of t

Lawncrest Av e le erd a mm

t sS

Ar

tho

do xS

t

rott

Frankford

!

Gambrell Wilmot Playground Hedge & Park Plum Playground Playground Carmella Playground

Juniata Park Deni Piccoli Playground Playground

r To

Tacony

v eA

l

da

res

St

Overington Park

t ge S Brid

Juniata Golf Course

!

t

Harbison Av

!

e Av re

Wissinoming Playground

Mc Ilvain Playground

Av

Su

runoff from the street above. sho

Av

sions are colonized with plants that slow

have been identified in the map shown at left.

ng

hit ak er

taken to get there: projects and opportunities

!

Lo

W

In warmer months, the three terraced depres-

bin

Or

are law De

d

R te Sta

Ex

!

t

S ny co Ta

!

Womrath Park

!

Frankford Valley Playground

ret St

Castor Av

!

Marga

Ex

Cliveden Park makes an event of rain storms.

runoff before it drains away. Steps are being

Simpson Playground

ng Av

De law are

o of the landscape, this terracedTrain garden in

vic a healthier watershed byLeslowing and filtering kS t

kS

Northwood Park

s rre

parks, but Ro it still could do better at supporting

b Ro

e Av

v

A Bottom right: Using the natural bowl le shape da

vic Le

v Oxford A

na

o

m

Ra

nA v

n eto

v sA

am

Ro

v sA

ve nA

to ing

!

ns Ke

a re

law Bridesburg Rec Center

De

am

St

Ad

!

e evr Lef

G St

Riv

er

!

!

Bridesburg v oA ing

Richmond

rk Pa ng ti un

Betsy Ross Bridge Field

am Ar

H

nd

Ric

o hm

St Bet

sy R oss

B

hb

which could

inc

Ad

l

As

Creek with the Schuylkill River.

Tys o

l elt B osev

Houseman lt B Playground seve o

v rd A kfo Golf nCourse, Fra

Pr

Tacony Creek Park

green swath

become a trail that would connect the Tacony

Playground

average more tree cover than any other Ro

a wl Ro The sub-watershed.

Mayfair owland

l

Tab v nA

Su

e y Av

g sin

Tarken Rec. Center

Holme Av

Soll

ttm

Lawncrest Rec. Center

Rd

d

v

ts

ha wn

sto r

wy

illi

hR Wels

eek Pk Cr

!

W

the 1890s, the historic creek was buried in Alg on

Desert Storm Park

hto nR d

Ce ntr al Av

Rowland Community Center

Tookany Creek Park

Academy Gardens

Welsh Rd

sub-watershed

Burholme Park

As

Lin

Charles D. Conklin, Jr. Rec Area

Roos evelt Bl

ip

Ve rre eR

sh

R7

To wn

rkview Road Park

Gr an tA v

d

!

St

West Torresd 29

Delaware Ex Bu stle ton Av

ROCKLEDGE Cegielkowski Park

k

k

e Av

Shady Ln

Av

d

R te Sta

ur

ne rS

30

31

MLK High School becomes a center of activity for environmental education. Stormwater wetlands reveal the original Wingohocking Creek floodplain after rain events. Pervious pavement, street trees and green roofs divert rainfall from the sewers and make for a lush, walkable neighborhood.

urn

!

eR

To wn

d

sh

Ogontz Park

32

C H E LT E N H A M

Russell ark

High School !

Park

ip

Lin

eR

d

Fox Chase

Charles D. Conklin, Jr. Rec Area Burholme Park

recreation PROJECT

Tookany Creek Park

Coventry Park

!

Rhawnhurst Av

Av sto r Ca

Co

ttm

Rd

Lawncrest Rec. Center

Av Second St

!

Olney Rec Center

Nedro Ave

!

Oxford Circle

Tarken Rec. Center

v nA

u gS

n isi

R

Lawncrest Ziehler Playground Tacony Creek Park

v sA

Fisher Ave

Le vic

kS

l

Su

R1

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2,

R3

Av hit ak er W

Fifth St

Castor Av

Ex De law are

!

Womrath Park

!

Frankford Valley Playground

ve nA

to ing

Harrowgate !

ns Ke

a re

Betsy Ross Bridge Field

am Ar

St

Bridesburg Rec Center

Bridesburg v oA ing

Somerset

law

G St

Front St

!

Fairhill

St

v sA am

Sixth St

!

e evr Lef

B St

Riv

er

!

!

N

ranft

m ich

R

Susqueha

nna Ave

th Ba

!

No r

ris

St

are Av Delaw

St

Second St

West Kensington

hin up

Da

Third Stre et

!

Kensington

t

dS

on

Richmond

!

Bet

sy R oss

Bri

dge

De

,

Ninth St

t !

t

S ny co Ta

!

Ad

ve yA gle d e Ave S od Wo n e Gl

t

sS

Gambrell Wilmot Playground Hedge & Park Plum Playground Playground Carmella Playground

t ge S

in

Ris

Brid

u gS

Frankford

!

are law De

To

ret St

v nA

Tacony

Av

Marga

Erie Av

ale

sd rre

St

Overington Park

Deni Piccoli Playground Playground

Hunting Park

kS

rott

do xS

t

Juniata Golf Course

rk Ave

bin

Ar

tho

Hunting Pa

b Ro

Or

Juniata Park St Lu zerne St

!

Simpson Playground

Wyoming Av

ing

Wissinoming Playground

Mc Ilvain Playground

vic Le

Northwood Park

m Ra

Feltonville Rec Center

Hunting Park

v Oxford A

a

on

e Av

Harbison Av

Ro

Wyoming Av

Lyc om

t

Houseman lt B Playground seve o

Barrett Playground

Logan

velt Bl Roose

!

am

!

Ro Ad

!

nA v

l elt B osev

Av e

vcheno Park

t

le

Olney

Tys o

sS

erd a

arkson Park

Olney Av

!

bin

mm

Cherashore Playground

!

Myers, Max Playground

Ro b

M

Ex

R7

ark

Av

l

Fisher Park

an

se ve lt B

HIA

Av

Ro o

am

Tab or

Godfrey

y

Park

elt en h

Sturgis Playground

!

Ca sto rA v

s Estate Center

w eek Pk Cr Too kan y

Ch

Desert Storm Park

Alg on

New S

!

R8

Broad St

eco nd

St

Utilizing a defunct rail corridor, Rd ne La an urban trail is beingakproposed O that would connect this area to the Delaware River and the East Melrose Park Coast Greenway and with northSt west Philadelphia communities nt o Fr Oak Lane Sixty-siEast xth like Germantown andParkview Mt. Airy.

Road

Rowland Community Center

lA v

Urban Trail Connections

Ce ntr a

LaMott Community Center

!

D Bu stle t

bo

Ve rre eR d

Ash

v

Park

Hills

Av

!

Wakeling/ Old Frankford

Academy Rd

Academy Gardens

As

hto nR d

Welsh Rd

Roos evelt Bl

Gr an tA v

W

illi

ts

Rd

sub-watershed

Holme Av

Rh

Av e y Av

d for

nk Fra

R

hb

Av

ur

ne rS

t

re

r To

le

a sd

Av

!

n eto

inc

Pr

development abuts dense residential neigh-

once contained Wakeling Creek, a tributary to

borhoods near Roosevelt Boulevard. Just

Frankford Creek. This tributary has since been

behind the Home Depot in the photo, a trail

converted into a sewer, and the stormwater

is proposed that would connect the Delaware

that used to slowly absorb into the water-

River—and the East Coast Greenway—with

shed now drains away quickly over pavement

northwest Philadelphia.

and through sewer mains to the remnant of

Top right: The sub-watershed is characterized

Holmesburg Frankford Creek where it meets the Delaware

by dense residential neighborhoods with little

Av

access to community parks and open space

covering this area—buildings, streets and

and not enough tree cover.

pavement—in addition to too few trees and

Bottom: The confluence of the historic Frank-

large open spaces, not only keeps water

ford Creek with the Delaware River. Here, the

from infiltrating locally to support a healthy

entire TTF watershed used to drain into the

watershed, but also demonstrates the visual

Delaware. Now, this channelized remnant is

impact of poor watershed practices. Here, the

surrounded by acres of paving and mostly

focus will need to be on promoting healthier

industrial uses (and the historic Frankford

practices, such as green roofs and cisterns,

Arsenal, at right) and drains only the

green streets, more pervious cover, less water

Wakeling sub watershed.

Thirtythird

e Av re

sho

ng

Lo

River. Today, the acres of impervious surfaces

St

Rd te Sta

!

d

R te Sta

use and less litter.

H

g tin un

rk Pa

Av

Top left: Sprawling and paved commercial

historically connected to the TTF watershed,

Fr an S oll

Mayfair owlan

As

Av

d

w Ro

Thirtyeig

The Wakeling/Old Frankford sub-watershed,

e Av

v dA

n de Lin

hR Wels

d lan

hth St

!

St

kfo rd

aw n

!

33

34

35

In dense urban subwatersheds like the Wakeling/Old Frankford community, efforts to maintain a healthy watershed will focus on upland practices like green roofs, green streets and increased permeability. Community open spaces and parks like Tarken Playground can also manage large amounts of stormwater and further increase their value to the community with stormwater gardens.