Our Story & History

Our Mission

To complete and sustain the riverfront trail and network of parks along the Delaware River that connects residents of urban neighborhoods to nature, offering unparalleled recreational, community building, and environmental education activities.

Our Journey

Riverfront North’s role in that history began in 1995 when the vision for the north riverfront began to take shape. Over the years, and through the efforts of many, the dream of transforming once neglected post-industrial landscapes into usable community space has come to life and continues to grow.

1995

Congressman Bob Borski conceived the idea of the “Greenway.” Congressman Borski had spent 12 years on the transportation committee. In his travels, he saw beautiful riverfronts being used to their fullest potential. The vision to “bring people back to the river” was embraced by all.

1998

Proposed legislation for federal transportation dollars to complete an extension of Delaware Avenue for $3.5 million would take the project from ‘concept’ to ‘creation.’

2002/2003

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) establishes the “Northeast Riverfront Taskforce,” bringing 40 stakeholders—including elected officials, city managers, and environmental professionals—to coordinate guidelines for the vision.

2004

Delaware River City Corp. is formed as a 501(c)(3).

2005

PEC (Pennsylvania Environmental Council) facilitates the creation of a Greenway master plan for the area that spans Betsy Ross Bridge to Linden Ave.

2006

DRCC hires its first Executive Director and Development Manager, and it receives funding to build a portion of Lardner’s Point Park and extend Pennypack on the Delaware. Substantial funding kicks in with the city-backed Business Privilege Tax Credit Program.

2008

A nature trail and wilderness path open as extensions to Pennypack on the Delaware. Thanks to grant funding, DRCC is able to bring on a dedicated Project Manager.

2011

Design begins on the Port Richmond Trail, the southernmost point of the Greenway Master Plan, and the Master Plan extends its boundaries from Allegheny Ave. to Glen Foerd on the Delaware.

2012-2015

The Port Richmond Trail and Lardner’s Point Park undergo construction and open. With the help of grant funding, the DRCC staff grows, and they plan a series of events in the parks and trails of the Greenway. Projects to design the K&T as well as Tacony-Holmesburg trails begin. Portions of the Baxter Trail in Torresdale undergo construction and open.

2017

The first phase of the K&T Trail in Wissinoming and Tacony opens to the public, celebrating the first major connection between parks on the Greenway. Design of the Riverfront Park in Bridesburg begins.

Coming Soon

Projected: Riverfront Park in Bridesburg, K&T Trail, Tacony-Holmesburg Trail, and Delaware Avenue extensions all open to public, creating a continuous 11-mile Greenway of parks and trails along the Delaware River, stretching from Port Richmond to Torresdale.

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