Center City Trail
The Center City segment of Schuylkill Banks was completed in several phases between 1996 and 2009, and officially opened to the public in 2000. Constructing the trail and greenway transformed formerly industrial land into a beloved amenity that attracts an average of more than 33,000 user trips per week. This trail segment is a vital commuter corridor, a valued recreation amenity, and an oasis within the city.
The City of Philadelphia Streets Department began revitalization of the tidal Schuylkill River corridor with the bulkheading of a large portion of this trail segment between 1996 and 1998. This project was essential for preventing erosion, protecting water quality, and creating enough space to establish a viable riverfront trail and greenway. The Streets Department paved and installed lighting along the 1.2 mile trail segment in 1999. In most areas, the trail is 12 feet wide, allowing for a variety of recreational and commuting uses, such as walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, and skateboarding.
SRDC worked with the City and the Army Corps of Engineers to landscape the trail between Locust Street and Race Street in 2005 and 2006. Spaces between each of the bridges were designed as separate ‘rooms,’ each with its own distinct feel. Landscaping elements such as trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass made an immediate impact on the space, transforming it into a vibrant greenway. Hardscaping, such as boulders south of Chestnut Street and a paved plaza between Chestnut and Market Streets, added variety and created unique spaces for riverfront events. Furnishings such as benches and trash cans along the trail made the greenway a more welcoming space for relaxing and enjoying the Schuylkill River.
SRDC, working with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, PennDOT, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, landscaped the northern end of the Center City trail segment from Race Street to MLK Jr. Drive in 2009. This project included the creation of a gateway plaza near MLK Jr. Drive, a river overlook west of the plaza, a formalized fishing pier with custom benches near Vine Street, and a formalized walking trail near the tidal beach between Vine Street and MLK Jr. Drive. 50 trees were planted along a portion of the trail to enhance the green space and help manage stormwater runoff. Benches, bike racks, and trash cans were installed along the trail to create a more welcoming environment and encourage good stewardship.
